Archive: Charles Keysor Leaves UM Church

By James V. Heidinger II, Editor, Good News Magazine

 Dr. Charles W. Keysor, founding editor of Good News magazine, transferred his ordination June 1 to the Evangelical Covenant Church of America. Dr. Keysor was formerly an elder in the Northern Illinois Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He indicated in an interview with the United Methodist Reporter that his decision had been reached after a gradual process.

Rev. Mike Walker, Chairman of the Good News Board of Directors, said, “Evangelicals in the UM Church are very grateful for the courageous initiatives and prophetic churchmanship of Charles Keysor in his 15 years with the Good News movement.

“We trust that in the future,” he continued, “the denomination will be more appreciative of and open to evangelicals, so the exodus from the UM church will stop.”

Good News leaders stressed their continued commitment to renewal within the UM Church. Rev. Walker stated, “Those of us who remain in the church continue to work to see Dr. Keysor’s original dream for a renewed church come to reality.” Dr. James V. Heidinger, II, Editor /Executive Secretary of Good News, commented, “We are deeply indebted to Dr. Keysor for his courageous leadership, though we remain firmly committed to working for renewal within the United Methodist Church.”

Dr. Keysor resigned as Executive Secretary of Good News in January, 1981.