News and Views

Mittie Quinn visits Bethlehem and finds in a holy and troubling paradox.

Ancient church mothers and fathers often greeted one another with the phrase, “Give me a word.” This greeting led to the sharing of insights and wisdom. Today we continue this tradition with this monthly column. remember By Rev. Mandy SayersPastor, Covenant UMC, Gaithersburg At...

By Rev. Charles Harrell  (A response to Tom Starnes’ “UM’s ask: what is doctrine, what is law, and what is right?”  The case before the Judicial Council mentioned in both their essays, was decided in October. See the story.) Thanks to Tom Starnes for his...

By Rachel Cornwell  “I hate preaching about money.” “Parishioners skip church if I’m giving a stewardship sermon.”“Pastor, that sermon about church finances didn’t feed me spiritually.” Many ministers have either said, or heard, comments like...

By Kimberly Burge I am a lifelong Christian, but a brand-new Methodist. Last Easter, I became a member of Mount Vernon Place UMC in Washington. Although I have lived in D.C. for two decades and worked at multiple Christian organizations, I hadn’t managed to find that elusive faith...

By Rod Miller See the first article in this series: We are called to be collaborators with God. Last month, we focused on the invitation given to everyone to be collaborators with God. This month we explore the rich and vital collaboration of laity and clergy. The first place I learned about...

One of the first questions asked after someone is killed by a domestic partner is, ‘Why didn’t they say something’? The question is almost an indictment of their silence and a further victimization of their circumstances.

By Rev. Rod MillerSpecial to the UMConnection The first in a three part commentary. Also read: Laity and clergy in partnership: a vital connection  How we understand our relationship with God can greatly affect the trajectory of our lives. Where we go, what we do with our gifts and...

By Thomas Starnes Editor’s Note: When the Judicial Council meets Oct. 24-27, it will be considering petitions brought by the Denmark and California-Pacific annual conferences that argue that the language in the Discipline that deems “homosexual practice” to be...

September is Deaf Awareness Month. It's a time to learn about Deaf culture, sign language (and even learn some sign phrases), and Deaf history. It's also a good time to become more sensitive to Deaf culture, improve accessibility in our churches, and do a better job of empowering Deaf and hard...