Oklahoma Annual Conference

Human Rights
Ebiye Seimode, a student at the Boston University School of Theology and participant in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference Immersion Experience, samples a flute for sale at Oklahoma Native Art & Jewelry on March 9, 2023, in Oklahoma City. Photo by Jim Patterson, UM News.

Native immersion explores culture, horrors

A group of nearly 30 students, United Methodist church members and pastors toured central Oklahoma to learn about the culture and mistreatment of Native Americans. The experience was sobering yet hopeful.
Local Church
The Rev. Derrek Belase. Photo courtesy of the author.

A church closing that hits home

The Rev. Derrek Belase, director of connectional ministries for the Oklahoma Conference, shares the emotions he’s feeling as he prepares for the closing of the United Methodist church where he grew up.
Local Church
UM News is the official news gathering agency of the 13-million member United Methodist Church. Map courtesy of Pixabay; graphic by UM News.

Video of church incident goes viral, causes fallout

An Oklahoma City United Methodist church focused on prison and addiction recovery ministry faces criticism for telling a visitor to leave after volunteers suspected she might be bringing in drugs.
Church History
Visitors browse a gallery of artifacts at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. The museum held its grand opening on Sept. 18-19. It took decades to get funding and build the museum. Photo courtesy of First Americans Museum.

Native American museum makes belated debut

The First Americans Museum is open to the public after a protracted birthing process. United Methodist Native Americans involved with the new Oklahoma City museum say it is worth the wait.

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