British Methodism Adopts Progressive Sexuality Standards
By Thomas Lambrecht - On Wednesday, the British Methodist Church became the largest denomination in Great Britain to endorse same-sex marriage. The overwhelming vote follows the acceptance of an initial report in 2019, God in Love Unites Us, followed by two...
Being the Church in a War Zone
By Bob Kaylor - Driving through the countryside of the Normandy region of France feels a bit like entering the world of an animated Walt Disney film. The green fields, bushy hedgerows, lolling cows, and medieval-period stone houses, churches, and barns call to mind...
Finding a friend in Mary
By Phillip C. Thrailkill Hope and Michael were lead characters in the once-popular TV show Thirtysomething. She was a Christian and he a Jew. As I was reading Philip Yancey’s The Jesus I Never Knew, I was reminded of an argument between the two characters during a...
Straight Talk: Good News statement on request for a special session of General Conference
For some years now Good News has been working for renewal and reform in the United Methodist Church. We have maintained, and continue to maintain, that the greatest challenge facing the church has more to do with our fidelity to the truth of core doctrinal teachings...
Church and Society decries pro-life amendment
By Joseph Slife A representative of the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) appeared at a news conference on November 16 to denounce an amendment—included in the House-passed health care bill—that would prohibit taxpayer-funded abortion. Linda...
Our cause, our calling, and our commitment
By Liza Kittle Preparing for a new year of ministry at Renew, I have been pondering “big picture” things. One of the challenges of leading Renew is striking a balance between engaging the spiritual battles of the United Methodist Church and promoting the formation of...
Earning the right to be heard
By Duffy Robbins “Let him (or her) who has a mouth to speak listen to what the audience says…” One of those youth ministry proverbs that we hear over and over again is this: “You’ve got to earn the right to be heard.” Kids will not donate their attention. Wise youth...
What is the gospel?
By Frank Decker A defining moment in a Japanese restaurant near my office took place when a number of us from various ministries around the world were chatting about missions over lunch. The conversation was candid and stimulating. After one African leader had shared...
