Remembering the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria
The death toll for the earthquake in Turkey and Syria now exceeds 11,600. We rejoice for every man, woman, and child who is rescued from the rubble. We mourn for the families that have lost loved ones. Lord, have mercy. If you want to help, there are several agencies...
Celebrating Saint Brigid’s Day
Celebrating Saint Brigid's Day By Steve Beard -- In Ireland, the first day of February is St. Brigid’s Day, as well as the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc, marking new birth and the threshold of spring. It was recently christened as an Irish government...
The One Church Plan and the Rise of “Global South”
By Luther Oconer In May 2018, a majority of United Methodist bishops agreed to endorse the One Church Plan (OCP). This plan entails the removal of restrictive language in the United Methodist Book of Discipline pertaining to the practice of homosexuality. If these...
Is History an Argument for the One Church Plan?
By Thomas Lambrecht A recent newsletter published by Mainstream UMC argues that, just as the church changed its understanding and teaching about slavery, the role of women in the church, and divorced clergy, the church can change its understanding and teaching about...
French: The One Church Plan and the Rise of “Global South”
Par Luther Oconer En mai 2018, une majorité des évêques Méthodistes Unis ont convenu de donner leur appui au Plan d'une Église Unique (en sigle PEU). Ce plan consiste à supprimer les termes restrictifs dans le Livre de Discipline de l’Église Méthodiste Unie concernant...
Through a Glass Darkly
By Rob Renfroe - What will happen at the special General Conference this February? Right now, it’s anyone’s guess. We see through a glass darkly, not able to predict with confidence what the delegates will do and knowing that God can always surprise us and provide a...
Kind Life, Gentle Death
By Steve Beard - It had been three hard days for George H.W. Bush, the 94-year-old former President of the United States. Lifelong friend James Baker, Mr. Bush’s secretary of state and chief of staff, went to check on his neighbor – a man he called “Jefe,” the Spanish...
Côte d’Ivoire: Where Methodism Flourishes
Côte d’Ivoire: Where Methodism Flourishes -- By Heather Hahn, UM News Service, 2019 - In a village so thick with red dirt that the palm trees bear a rusty hue, a fresh burst of color beckons people from near and far. A new United Methodist church in Gouabo,...
