Methodists

Activists seek to preserve ‘sacred’ land Japanese immigrants acquired before CA’s anti-immigrant land laws

By Alejandra Molina — April 1, 2022

(RNS) — 'When you remove these things from the landscape that tell other views, other chapters of American history, people lose that connection, and they don’t often consider them part of American history.'

Faith-based disaster relief groups balance COVID safety with speedy response to Hurricane Ida

By Bob Smietana — August 31, 2021

(RNS) — The surge in COVID-19 rates makes responding to disasters like Ida more complicated.

At Border Mosque, a Muslim prayer is shared across the US-Mexico divide

By Alejandra Molina — October 28, 2019

PLAYAS DE TIJUANA, Mexico (RNS) — Imam Omar Suleiman led a binational prayer Sunday (Oct. 27) at Friendship Park, a historic meeting place on the US-Mexico border that overlooks the Pacific Ocean between San Diego and Tijuana.

Two conventions, two nominees and a whole new culture war

By David Gibson — July 29, 2016

PHILADELPHIA (RNS) It’s officially Hillary Clinton vs. Donald Trump for president. But just as notable is the fact that Democrats have now taken over the language of faith and morals from the GOP.

Can Hillary Clinton finally close the ‘God gap’?

By David Gibson — July 24, 2016

(RNS) The GOP has been called 'God's Own Party' because it draws far more churchgoing voters than the Democrats. Clinton has a chance to change that -- if she wants to.

Methodist lesbian voted down as deacon

By Adelle M. Banks — June 2, 2016

(RNS) Tara 'T.C.' Morrow needed a two-thirds vote to become a provisional deacon.

United Methodism’s global evangelical transformation

By Mark Tooley — May 27, 2016

(RNS) Decades ago it never occurred to me nor to many evangelicals in United Methodism that our church's membership decline and theological liberalism in America would be reversed by dramatic growth in Africa.

United Methodist conference seen as confusing even to God

By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 22, 2016

PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) But delegates on all sides of the issues were hopeful as the conference ended.

UMC withdraws from interfaith pro-abortion rights group

By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 21, 2016

PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) The United Methodist Church will withdraw from the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice in a move one supporter said shows the denomination is moving away from other mainline denominations.

African Methodists worry about the church that brought them Christianity

By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 20, 2016

PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) "People from the country that brought the gospel to us are now preaching a different gospel."

Methodists postpone debate of gay issues that could split denomination

By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 19, 2016

PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) Delegates narrowly agreed to create a commission to "develop a complete examination and possible revision of every paragraph in our Book of Discipline regarding human sexuality."

United Methodist leadership recommends deferral of LGBT decisions

By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 18, 2016

(RNS) Faced with protests, delegates consider convening a special session of the church's General Conference in 2018 or 2019 to discuss LGBT issues.

How do Methodists view homosexuality and same-sex marriage? Some poll results

By Tobin Grant — May 18, 2016

It's not just at the General Conference. United Methodists in the pews are also split over LGBT issues.

Methodists vote to cut ties with group some consider anti-Israel

By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 17, 2016

(RNS) On a 478-318 vote, delegates called for their church to cancel its membership in the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation.

Methodist leader acknowledges struggle to maintain unity