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Churches Embrace Solar Energy for Economic, Environmental Benefits
More congregations are adopting solar-powered energy and sharing it with their communities across the nation over the past several years. Environmental concern, economic benefit and funds now available for solar equipment are fueling the trend. Read more
Jan 9, 2025
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Moving Forward with The United Methodist Church
Ask the UMC director Taylor W. Burton Edwards provides a summary of the changes in the new United Methodist Book of Discipline. Read more
Jan 9, 2025
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Stop the Violence and Gun Evangelism: Africa Needs Peace!
United Methodist Africa Forum coordinator Lloyd Nyarota denounces the continuation of the Wesleyan Covenant Association's AfricaNOW Initiative that has fueled unrest and violence among United Methodists in Congo, Liberia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Nigeria Read more
Jan 9, 2025
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Coming Out with the New Book of Discipline
The Rev. Dr. Rebekah Miles joins with many United Methodists in celebrating the removal of the denomination’s 52-year-old stance against same-sex relationships. Miles also is using the occasion to discuss her own journey of self-discovery. Read more
Jan 9, 2025
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Rev. Emmanuel’s Journey to Bishop: Iowa Connection Highlights a Global Ministry
Emmanuel’s path to ministry reflects a story of global connection and mission. After completing his ordination requirements in Nigeria, he came to the United States to attend Wesley Theological Seminary and was ordained in Iowa as a courtesy. Read more
Jan 8, 2025
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7 Trends Impacting Church Leadership for 2025
As the ministry landscape continues to shift, the Lewis Center sees congregations adapting in creative new ways. Jessica Anschutz, Ann Michel, and Doug Powe of the Lewis Center staff identify seven trends impacting churches. Read more
Jan 8, 2025
Latest News & Views
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2 UMCs Burned, More Threatened in California Wildfires
United Methodist Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank issued a video statement Jan. 8 on Facebook regarding church damage from the wildfires spreading around the Los Angeles area. Read more
Jan 9, 2025
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Matthew Hinton AP
Amid Grief in New Orleans, Pastors Offer Spiritual Lens and Prophetic Words for Healing
New Orleans pastors bring comfort in the aftermath of New Year's Day attack on Bourbon Street. Read more
Jan 6, 2025
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Richard Hays, Influential Scholar Who Changed His Mind On Same-Sex Marriage, Has Died
A renowned New Testament scholar and former dean of United Methodist-related Duke Divinity School known for his influential books on Christian ethics and his change of mind about same-sex marriage, Richard Hays died Jan. 3 at his home in Nashville. Read more
Jan 6, 2025
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In Richard Hays, a Rare Combination of Confidence and Contrition
An academic colleague describes Richard Hayes work as "enriching because it was itself enriched by the English language he so cherished." Read more
Jan 6, 2025
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SMU Fights to Leave UMC Fold
Southern Methodist University's legal battle to get out from under United Methodist governance heads for the Texas Supreme Court. Read more
Faith and Democracy
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The (Unforgivable?) Sins of the White American Church
Whatever you think about the (second) election of Donald Trump, it’s clear that white American Christians determined the outcome. And Martin Thielen is not just talking about white evangelicals. Two-thirds of all white Christians voted for Trump. Read more
Jan 7, 2025
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Rick Scuteri AP
Resolutions Are Not Always in Our Control. Let's Try Aspirations Instead.
It’s better to be spiritually prepared for a new political season than to make the usual resolutions, says longtime social justice advocate Jim Wallis Read more
Jan 8, 2025
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At Capitol Service, Dignitaries Laud Late Jimmy Carter as a 'Good and Faithful Servant'
Scores of lawmakers and other dignitaries huddled together in the U.S. Capitol rotunda on Tuesday evening Jan. 7 for a memorial service honoring Jimmy Carter, heaping praise on the late Democratic president before he lies in state. Read more
Jan 8, 2025
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A Pastoral President?
Various presidents have come close to pastoral. Lincoln appealed to “the better angels of our nature” as the nation teetered on civil war. FDR galvanized the country at the onset of World War Two with his “nothing to fear but fear itself” speech. Read more
Jan 8, 2025
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January 6 Anniversary Vigil Calls for Christians to Remember and Respond
An interfaith prayer vigil lamenting and commemorating the January 6 insurrection called Americans across the religious spectrum to resist the attacks on democracy and social justice anticipated during the second Donald Trump presidency. Read more
Jan 7, 2025
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Faith on the Hill
Pew Religion Research finds that the new U.S. Congress is composed of representatives and senators who mostly claim Christianity as their faith. Read more
Jan 6, 2025
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Should the Democrats (Re-)Embrace Religion?
Religion doesn't seem to matter in public life as much as it once did, so re-embracing faith might not be the best political strategy. Read more
Jan 6, 2025
Featured Articles
A New Year’s Message from Religion & Race Executive
The cries of those marginalized by systemic oppression, the groans of creation burdened by our neglect, and the echoes of voices silenced by injustice demand our response, writes the top executive of Religion & Race commission. Read more
Jan 7, 2025
Bishop Bashore Remembered for Ministry, Music
Tall and barrel-chested, Bishop George Bashore had a resonant baritone voice and wove music into nearly everything he did. Read more
Jan 7, 2025
10 Big Reasons to Celebrate Shades of Grace's 10th birthday
Shades of Grace ministry marked its 10th anniversary looking back at how its outreach development and envisioning where it could go in the future. Read more
Jan 6, 2025
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