Sexuality

Donald “Bud” Heckman, accused of sexual misconduct and abuse, withdrew under complaint from membership in the West Ohio Conference, effective June 10, 2020. Photo courtesy of the Religion Communicators Council.

#MeToo case ends with surrendered credentials

Donald “Bud” Heckman has left ordained ministry under complaint after facing an earlier complaint of sexual misconduct and abuse brought by four women.

General Church

Two rings symbolize the marriage union. At least 466 United Methodist clergy have agreed to be part of Marriage Rites, which aims to connect LGBTQ couples with United Methodist wedding officiants. Image by Arek Socha, courtesy of Pixabay.

New effort starts for same-sex weddings

A new group is seeking to connect LGBTQ couples with United Methodist clergy willing to officiate at their weddings.

Social Concerns

Teenager Melody Rudairo Nyamadzi, a junior Parliament representative and a member of the United Methodist Youth Fellowship, urges children to let their voices be heard during a special service led by the children’s ministry at St. Dorcas United Methodist Church in Harare, Zimbabwe. Photo by the Rev. Taurai Emmanuel Maforo, UM News.

Young United Methodist advocates for abused children

Junior parliamentarian urges Zimbabwe church to listen to children and advocate for their protection.

General Conference

United Methodist bishops and delegates gather together to pray at the front of the stage before a key vote on church policies about homosexuality on Feb. 26 during the special session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church in St. Louis. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.

Breaking up would be hard to do

The 2020 United Methodist General Conference will continue the denomination’s 47-year debate on homosexuality.

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