Social Concerns

Human Rights
 Representatives of churches in the Chicago area who are supporting Sammool House meet in the living room of the home, which provides a safe place for women escaping domestic conflict, financial hardship or other crises. The ministry was founded by the Rev. Misook Park (third from left), pastor of Sammool Korean United Methodist Church in the Northern Illinois Conference. Photo courtesy of Sammool House.

Pastor redefines what a church can be

Through a small immigrant congregation and an unmarked guest house for women in crisis, the Rev. Misook Park has quietly built a ministry that extends beyond Sunday worship.
Immigration
Friends and relatives in Bucaramanga, Colombia, hold a vigil July 14 for Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a Colombian national who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Maine. The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition said Durán Guerrero was legally authorized to work in the U.S. Photo by Jaime Moreno, AP.

Amid ICE killings, churches defend immigrants

United Methodists are caring for frightened neighbors after federal immigration enforcement fatally shot two people in less than a week. Church leaders also are trying to help people who have seen their legal status stripped.
Social Concerns
The Rev. Mark Obrzut. Photo courtesy of Lucy Obrzut.

Rising up and loving boldly

During the Susquehanna Annual Conference, members were challenged to join a revolution of love and transform the world through faithful and courageous discipleship.
Mission and Ministry
The Rev. Steve Horswill-Johnston. Photo courtesy of the author.

When the doors were not yet open

It’s been 25 years since the rollout of The United Methodist Church’s brand promise of “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” Despite controversy, it remains relevant today.

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