Cynthia B. Astle
Photo Courtesy of Eric Folkerth
Interfaith Gathering Rallies Support for Muslims
Led by a Muslim woman and a United Methodist clergyman, more than 400 believers gathered Jan. 25 to show support for their Muslim neighbors and to stand against extremism and Islamophobia. more »
Jan 26, 2015 1:29 PM UMC Global Nature 1 Comments
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What the Hell Kind of Country Do We Live In? (Part 2)
The revelations of torture -- "enhanced interrogation" -- by CIA operatives underscores this season's need for Christians to witness in word and deed to God's unconditional love, writes Cynthia B. Astle. more »
Dec 12, 2014 10:02 AM Views from a Ridge 4 Comments
My Offensive Library
A Facebook meme and some empty-nester downsizing lead Cynthia B. Astle to choose favorite books from her "offensive library." more »
Nov 20, 2014 3:05 PM Views from a Ridge 2 Comments
Bishops' Call to Prayer Takes Profound Love and Strength
Contrary to many views that condemn the Council of Bishops' call to prayer on the UMC's human sexuality issue, Cynthia B. Astle finds that the bishops are pleading for some of the most profound and difficult Christian behaviors. more »
Nov 9, 2014 9:50 AM Human Sexuality 5 Comments
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Hopeful Signs Emerge from Sexuality Panel
The second of three human sexuality discussions sponsored by the Connectional Table -- live streamed via webcast -- showed some signs of hope for the UMC beyond entrenched arguments, writes veteran observer Cynthia B. Astle. more »
Nov 1, 2014 2:14 PM Human Sexuality 2 Comments
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Mother's Video About UMC's Anti-LGBT Stance Captures Online Attention
A video by Julie Wood describes how a misguided youth worker used United Methodism's anti-LGBT stance to bully her teen-age son, who ultimately killed himself. more »
Oct 26, 2014 8:27 AM Issues 1 Comments
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Trade Rules of Engagement for Spiritual Discernment
The latest skirmish in United Methodism's all-out war with itself shows how we need to shift the debate from our personal rules of engagement to collective spiritual discernment. more »
Oct 13, 2014 2:34 PM Perspectives 1 Comments
UMNS photo by Paul Jeffrey
What's in a Place? Not So Much, and Yet Plenty
In leaving New York City for Atlanta, the General Board of Global Ministries' move may also signal that United Methodist leaders are working to equalize authority across the denomination's global membership. more »
Oct 7, 2014 10:55 AM UMC Global Nature
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Who Will Lead Us?
The new Ken Burns documentary on the Roosevelt family inspires a meditation on the nature and need for leadership in church and society. more »
Sep 17, 2014 5:25 PM Perspectives
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Remembering a Spiritual Giant
The Rev. Bill McElvaney, who died Aug. 24, was a pastor, educator and prophet for whom social justice was an integral part of Christian discipleship. more »
Aug 26, 2014 10:49 AM Views from a Ridge
Photo Illustration by Mike DuBose, UMNS
Robin Williams' Death Once Could Have Been Mine
Like the late Robin Williams, the constant threat of depression haunts her days, but her faith helps her manage the disease, writes Insight coordinator Cynthia B. Astle. more »
Aug 15, 2014 12:47 PM Views from a Ridge
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College's LGBT Exemption Request Spurs New England Conference Concerns
The New England Annual Conference is actively seeking a new location for its yearly sessions after the president of its longtime site, Gordon College, requested a religious exemption from President Obama's order barring LGBT workplace discrimination. more »
Jul 21, 2014 4:59 PM Issues 1 Comments
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A Soul's Dark Night
The Rev. Charles Moore's tragic death by self-immolation makes us stop and consider a confounding principle of Christian faith: sacrificing one's life for a seemingly higher purpose, writes Cynthia B. Astle. more »
Jul 17, 2014 3:00 PM Views from a Ridge 1 Comments
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Why the Hobby Lobby Ruling Spells Disaster for Christians
The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that Hobby Lobby can claim a religious exemption from the Affordable Care Act is in reality a major blow to religious freedom, writes Cynthia B. Astle. more »
Jul 1, 2014 9:31 AM Perspectives 7 Comments
Photo by Melissa Lauber, Baltimore-Washington Conference, for UMNS
Appeals Panel Restores Frank Schaefer's Clergy Status
In a unanimous decision, a jurisdictional appeals committee has restored the Rev. Frank Schaefer to full ordained ministry after he was defrocked six months ago for conducting a same-sex marriage for his son. more »
Jun 24, 2014 8:32 PM Issues 3 Comments
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Bridling Tongues and Covering Backsides
In hopes of fostering a conversation that produces more light than heat across The United Methodist Church, UM Insight announces stronger policy enforcement – rejecting uncivil comments that demean others. more »
Jun 10, 2014 10:03 AM Views from a Ridge 4 Comments
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Worldwide UMC Nature Website Set Up
The Connectional Table and the General Commission on the General Conference have set up a new website for discussion about the worldwide nature of The United Methodist Church in advance of the 2016 General Conference. more »
Jun 10, 2014 8:58 AM 2 Comments
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Resistance to Schism Explodes Across U.S. Methodism
United Methodist annual conferences and individual leaders are pushing back against recent schismatic and extremist messages, while in some quarters strong stands are taken for and against acceptance of LGBT rights. more »
Jun 6, 2014 10:39 AM Issues 1 Comments
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IRD Angers Ex-UMR Subscribers with 'Renegade Bishop' Mailing
The Institute on Religion & Democracy's UMAction committee angered dozens of United Methodists by using a subscriber list purchased from a defunct church newspaper to send a letter targeting a "renegade bishop." more »
May 16, 2014 5:40 PM Issues 5 Comments
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UMC-related Universities Under Federal Scrutiny
Four United Methodist-related universities are among 55 institutions nationwide being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education for possible civil rights violations regarding sexual harassment or violence. more »
May 2, 2014 1:19 PM Issues