United Methodist
Religious groups react to Boy Scouts’ vote to drop ban on gay adults
By Adelle M. Banks — July 28, 2015
(RNS) A sampling of religious response to the Boys Scouts of America’s drop of its ban on gay adult leaders.
United Methodist conferences petition denomination on behalf of LGBT rights
By Renée K. Gadoua — June 17, 2015
(RNS) United Methodist regional bodies meeting across the country this month are increasingly writing petitions and passing resolutions asking the denomination to change church law on behalf of LGBT people.
Possible Boy Scout gay leadership change has religious groups weighing options
By Adelle M. Banks — May 29, 2015
(RNS) Catholics and Mormons seem to be taking a wait-and-see attitude, Methodists plan to mull the next steps with BSA officials, and some LGBT-affirming church groups are welcoming the possible change.
Methodists in England ‘like an iceberg … crumbling into the sea’
By Trevor Grundy — September 2, 2014
CANTERBURY, England (RNS) “It’s totally dying out," said Linda Woodhead, a sociologist at Lancaster University. "On current trends, they (the Methodists) will disappear, very soon.”
‘Dear Martin’: Bishop’s letters to MLK trace the highs and lows in race relations
By Adelle M. Banks — January 16, 2014
(RNS) "While we are yet flawed by those among us who hold to racial bigotry and intolerance, they no longer define us as a nation or a people!” United Methodist Bishop Woodie White wrote in his 2014 letter to Martin Luther King.
United Methodist high court to consider challenges to gay teachings
By Katherine Burgess — September 24, 2013
(RNS) The Judicial Council hearings come as at least four United Methodist ministers -- including the former dean of Yale Divinity School -- are facing trial for officiating at same-sex weddings, and more than 1,500 clergy have signed a statement offering to marry gay couples.
Mistaken identity brings threats to Pastor Zimmermann
By Molly Vorwerck — July 25, 2013
(RNS) George Zimmermann, 78, retired to Deland, Fla., 16 years ago from his post at Georgetown United Methodist Church in Paradise, Pa. He said his time in Florida had been relatively peaceful and uneventful – until the phone calls began trickling in.
Appeals court OK’s pastor’s suit against Oklahoma license plate
By Greg Horton — June 17, 2013
(RNS) The pastor contends the image of the Native American compels him to be a “mobile billboard” for a pagan religion.
A federal appeals court ruled the suit can proceed.
George McGovern: A friend to the hungry
By John L. McCullough — October 22, 2012
(RNS) Former Sen. George McGovern was a friend to anyone concerned about the issue of hunger and malnutrition in the world, always making hunger a top concern, even when the political winds did not favor that fight as a topical concern. By John McCullough.
Study: Pastors’ concerns for others may harm their own health
By Chris Lisee — July 3, 2012
(RNS) Studies of United Methodist pastors found high rates of chronic disease and depression, and researchers worry it can be difficult to convince clergy -- who tend to care for others first -- to seek help. By Chris Lisee.
United Methodists vote to end guaranteed clergy appointments
By Adelle M. Banks — May 1, 2012
(RNS) In a move that will give bishops more flexibility to remove ineffective pastors, the United Methodist Church voted on Tuesday (May 1) to end guaranteed clergy appointments. By Adelle M. Banks.
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