Social Concerns

A 1961 map shows the location of churches and the borders of episcopal areas within the Central Jurisdiction, which the Methodist Church established to segregate Black members from the wider church. The union that formed The United Methodist Church in 1968 dissolved the Central Jurisdiction. During the Council of Bishops spring meeting in Jacksonville, Fla., bishops explored the legacy of the Central Jurisdiction as denominational leaders consider changes to the geographic jurisdictional system. Image courtesy of Archives and History.

Lessons from past shape jurisdictions’ future

United Methodist bishops learned more about the legacy of the segregated Central Jurisdiction and history of the jurisdictional system, as leaders contemplate possible changes to that system.

Social Concerns

The Rev. Christopher P. Momany. Photo by Kristen Schell.

For every righteous ‘no,’ there must be a holy ‘yes’

Methodism’s Wesleyan-Holiness heritage holds principles that can be applied to today’s struggles around human dignity.

Social Concerns

Gubernatorial candidate Olu Brown (left) mingles during a campaign event. The retired United Methodist pastor is running in the May 19 Democratic primary election in Georgia. Photo courtesy of the Olu Brown campaign.

Retired pastor running for Georgia governor

Olu Brown, a United Methodist and formerly pastor of a prominent church outside of Atlanta, is campaigning for the Democratic nomination for governor in Georgia. The primary election is May 19.

Human Rights

An illustration shows Wesley Chapel, built in 1768 and located in downtown Manhattan. The chapel was the first meeting house of John Street United Methodist Church, the New York City church that grew out of the first Methodist Society in North America and still worships near Wall Street today. The church played a role in balancing civic responsibility in the early days of the U.S. republic and faithfulness to God. Photo courtesy of John Street United Methodist Church.

As US 250th nears, bishops discuss democracy

United Methodist bishops and scholars from around the world examined Christian faith and democracy at the spring Council of Bishops meeting. The discussions came as democracy faces threats around the world.

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