United Methodist Church

Innocent Afful (third from left), a Ghanaian missionary who works with orphans and vulnerable children in Congo, has seen his job change during the COVID pandemic. Photo courtesy of Innocent Afful.

Missionaries cope with coronavirus challenges

Travel bans and fears of contracting COVID-19 complicated the service of United Methodist missionaries in 2020.

The Rev. Rudy Rasmus, senior pastor at St. John’s Downtown Church in Houston and editor of the book “I’m Black. I’m Christian. I’m Methodist,” attends a food bank event with the singer Beyoncé, who grew up in that church. Photo courtesy of St. John’s Downtown Church in Houston.

Black United Methodists want changes

Black United Methodists are pushing for change in the denomination, and they aren’t interested in waiting much longer, according to a new book of essays.

Social Concerns

Bishop Joel Martinez. Photo courtesy of the Council of Bishops.

The church is not yet a ‘great multitude’

Sharing instances of racism he saw committed by the church throughout his life, retired Bishop Joel Martinez says we still have much work ahead to resemble the inclusive choir from the Book of Revelation.

Local Church

Speakers at the Liberation Project’s roundtable launch event meet via Facebook Live Nov. 19. The group aims to provide support and resources for United Methodists who want to work for a just and liberated church future. Screenshot of the Liberation Project launch event by UM News.

Group pursues liberation within denomination

While one progressive group sets out to start a new church, another new group sticks with The United Methodist Church for its justice work.

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