The United Methodist Church

Church History

William Nicholas' new book "Go and Be Reconciled" describes Alabama Methodists' struggle to integrate their conferences amid major civil rights events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing in Birmingham. Image courtesy NewSouth Books.

Alabama bishop met race challenge

New book describes how Bishop W. Kenneth Goodson led the way on integration of the state’s Methodist conferences.

General Church

Robert O. Tupper II, representing the Evangelical United Brethren, and Rhonda Renfro, representing the Methodist Church, were the two children chosen to shake hands as part of the ceremony uniting the two denominations into The United Methodist Church, on April 23, 1968, in Dallas. Renfro, now 57, says event organizers wanted the symbolism of a black child and white child shaking hands to reinforce the new denomination’s commitment to racial reconciliation. Photo courtesy of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History.

Witnesses recall birth of The United Methodist Church

They were in Dallas, 50 years ago, as a new denomination formed from the Methodist Church and Evangelical United Brethren Church.

Church History

A woman holds a sign during an April 4, 2018, peace and unity rally. The rally followed the Commission on Religion and Race’s participation in the United to End Racism Prayer Walk in Washington. Photo courtesy of the Commission on Religion and Race.

Religion and Race celebrates 50 years

Formed to monitor the church’s integration efforts, the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race has expanded its inclusion advocacy worldwide.

Church History

Photo from the 1968 General Conference, held April 21-May 4, 1968, Dallas. Racial segregation was one of the main issues confronting the merger that created The United Methodist Church. Photo courtesy of United Methodist Commission on Archives and History.

50 years on, Central Jurisdiction’s shadow looms

The union that created The United Methodist Church also abolished its racially segregated institution.

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