Africa Initiative Speaks: Why Disaffiliation is an option for the United Methodist Church in Africa
Africa Initiative Speaks: Why Disaffiliation is an option for the United Methodist Church in Africa September 2, 2023 Introduction Over the past months, much has been written by proponents of the “regionalization plan,” claiming that they have received...
A Collapsing “Big Tent”?
A Collapsing "Big Tent"? By Thomas Lambrecht Throughout this season of disaffiliation, many United Methodist bishops and leaders have attempted to convince traditionalists to remain in the denomination. They have assured traditionalists that there is a place for them...
Divinity Mixed with the Human Mess
By Courtney Lott - I spent a rainy January morning weeping into the pages of a children’s book. It’s called The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse. Though simple on the surface, the drawings and uplifting sayings from the pen of Charlie Mackesy struck me...
Legacy and Friendship
By Steve Beard - Over the last several months, Good News lost two warm-hearted Christian friends who played important roles in the legacy of this ministry. Both writer Marilyn N. Anderes and the Rev. William Mason recently passed away and will be dearly missed by...
Shaken but not Stirred
By Sarah Parham - Everything from air travel to celebrating holidays to childhood education to church life has undergone dramatic shifts. As we watch the evening news, it seems as if our worlds are being completely shaken. But are they? I have a framed quote on my...
The Challenge of Change
By B.J. Funk - “Plan your work and work your plan.” Sometimes, however, those plans have to be laid aside. That’s where churches found ourselves this past year. Covid-19 took the lead role in the play called, “Think Again … You Actually Thought You Were in Charge?”...
The Real St. Patrick
By Steve Beard - While sifting through obscure Spanish colonial records, it was discovered a few years ago that the very first St. Patrick’s Day parade was not conducted in Boston, Chicago, nor New York City. Instead, the Irish feast day was celebrated in modern day...
Does Regionalization Replace Separation?
By Thomas Lambrecht - There are two proposals that would change United Methodism by creating different regional versions in the various geographical areas of the church: Africa, Europe, the Philippines, and the U.S. One proposal is from the Connectional Table and the...
