Sexuality

Perpetual Makadzange talks to her three children, (from left) 6-year-old Tizzelyn, 7-year-old Tanatswa and 12-year-old Tsepang, at their home in Zimunya, Zimbabwe. The United Methodist schools that the children attend remain closed to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News .

Pandemic leads more girls to early marriages

United Methodist schools in Zimbabwe see more early marriages, other risky behavior as schools remain closed amid COVID-19.

Local Church

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.

Sign up for our newsletter!

umnews-subscriptions