Advocating Justice
Advocating Justice
Furloughed Government Workers Turn to Church for Help
United Methodists around the country are providing meals, prayers and other aid to furloughed government workers, while in Washington, D. C., faith leaders called for an end to the federal shutdown. Read more
Jan 19, 2019
Church Helps Family Tell Missing Native Woman's Story
Her family is still seeking word of the whereabouts of Ashley Loring Heavy Runner, who disappeared in June 2017. Read more
Dec 18, 2018
PBS Film Looks at Pastor's Fatal Protest
The film "Man on Fire" centers on the self-immolation of the Rev. Charles R. Moore in 2014. Read more
Dec 17, 2018
Faith Leaders Struggle to Bring Message of Hope to Migrants
United Methodists, including two Hispanic bishops, joined some 400 other people of faith in a demonstration on behalf of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. Read more
Dec 11, 2018
At Least 30 Faith Leaders Arrested in Border Protest
Some 400 participants, most of them people of faith, protested U. S. immigration policies at the U. S.-Mexico border near San Diego, Calif., where thousands of people seeking asylum have gathered. Read more
Dec 11, 2018
Zimbabwe Music Director Focuses on Human Rights
Walter Mujuru, the music director for the United Methodist Zimbabwe West Conference, uses music to raise awareness and action for human rights. Read more
Dec 11, 2018
Migrant Caravan to Get 'Action'
Activist Bill Mefford reports on a border campaign planned by the American Friends Service Committee to take place in San Diego, Calif., on Dec. 10. Read more
Dec 6, 2018
LGBT People Flee Tanzania Amid Police Crackdown
Tanzania's crackdown on LGBT people is rooted partly in the influence of evangelical and pentecostal religious groups. Read more
Dec 5, 2018
Church Extends Support to Deported Man
The congregation of CityWell United Methodist Church in Durham, North Carolina, still is working to support Samuel Oliver-Bruno, an unauthorized immigrant deported to Mexico, as well as his wife and son, who remain in the United States. Read more
Dec 3, 2018
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The United Methodist Church officially opposes the death penalty: "We believe the death penalty denies the power of Christ to redeem, restore and transform all human beings." (The Social Principles, Book of Discipline).
Notable Quotes
"When Jesus defined his ministry, he made liberating the captive a focus of his message. Jesus’ gospel is for slave and for the free (Galatians 3:28). It is meant to have a component of liberation. The gospel calls us to advocate for a more just world–to be a voice for the voiceless."
– John D. Barry, a nonprofit CEO, Bible scholar, and pastor, writing in the Jan. 9 issue of Red Letter Christians' Wake Up newsletter.
Grassroots UMC
Lifewatch to Hold Annual Worship Service
The Task Force of United Methodists on Abortion & Sexuality, also known as Lifewatch, will hold its annual worship service at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18 at the United Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Ave., Washington, D.C., according to its December 2018 newsletter. Reired Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker, former episcopal leader of the Florida Area of the United Methodist Church, will lead the service. The Lifewatch Board will meet at 3 p.m. that same day. For more information, contact the Rev. Paul Stallsworth, paulstallsworth@nccumc.org. Read more
North Texas UMC Pays Off School District's Lunch Debt
First UMC of Royse City east of Dallas decided to give its Christmas Eve offerings to help pay off the students' lunch debt of its local school district. Read more
Jan 17, 2019
2:13 PM
Special Needs Service Welcomes All Ages and Abilities
A United Methodist congregation in Texas has inspired a seminary student to start a similar "special needs" worship service at First UMC in Colorado Springs, reports Michelle Karas of the Gazette. Director of children's ministries Janita MacGregor has been trying for five years to start a worship service designed for and led by people with disabilities. She was inspired to model the service, called "Wonderfully Made," after "The Feast," a special needs service held by Highland Park UMC in Dallas. Ms. McGregor currently attends UMC-related Illiff School of Theology in Denver. Read more