United Methodist Church

United Methodist Bishop Gregory Palmer (right) and The Episcopal Church’s presiding bishop, Michael Curry, discuss full communion between the two denominations in 2019. The proposed agreement is on hold for now because of disruptions related to COVID-19. File screenshot from video courtesy of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church.

Full communion with Episcopalians delayed

Citing COVID-19, the United Methodist and Episcopal dialogue committee urges putting its proposed agreement on hold until after 2021.

Social Concerns

The coronavirus pandemic has presented unique challenges to the U.S. census this year. Robbinsville United Methodist Church is one of the churches trying to help make sure everyone counts. Photo illustration by Kathleen Barry, UM News.

Churches see census as part of their mission

United Methodists across the U.S. are helping hard-to-count people ‘come to their census.’ In doing so, they hope to strengthen their communities.

Local Church

Three crosses stand above the cemetery at Israel United Methodist Church near Montrose, W.Va. This year, United Methodist churches are having to show extra creativity in observing Easter and all of Holy Week because of closed buildings and other restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Churches improvise as different Holy Week looms

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, United Methodists will gather online for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter, keeping the faith in ways old and new.

General Church

The congregation of Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church in Katy, Texas, on Dec. 15 vote to leave The United Methodist Church. With 2,800 members, the church is one of the largest in the Texas Conference. The Texas Conference would need to give approval for the church’s exit, and a vote is months away. Grace Fellowship plans to enter the Free Methodist Church denomination. Photo courtesy Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church.

Texas church votes to leave denomination

Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church, near Houston, plans to join Free Methodist Church.

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