African American

The history of Pickett Chapel United Methodist Church in Lebanon, Tenn., goes back almost 200 years. Pickett Chapel is believed to be the oldest African American church building in the state of Tennessee. Photo from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Historic church tells story of slavery, triumph

Pickett Chapel has served both Black and white congregations over nearly 200 years. The fingerprints of enslaved people who built this church can still be seen today.

Local Church

Members of The Village United Methodist Church in DeSoto, Texas, dance during an Oct. 27 worship service in the parking lot of the church. The church hosts a tailgate-like event when the Dallas Cowboys play at home. Photo by Jim Patterson, UM News.

Young Black church thrives with ‘contemporary feel’

At The Village United Methodist Church in the Dallas area, leaders and members of the congregation are embracing a new, energetic worship service and having success connecting with young people.

Social Concerns

The Rev. Larry Pickens Photo courtesy of the author.

Advancing a theology of reparations

The Black experience is grounded in the pain of racism, and reparative justice offers a means to address that trauma and transform relationships.

Theology and Education

The Rev. Candace M. Lewis gives a tour of renovations underway at Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, where she serves as president and dean. The historically Black United Methodist seminary is proceeding with an ambitious rebuilding plan despite having lost almost half its funding from the denomination since 2016. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Gammon builds on legacy as it looks forward

The leadership of Gammon Theological Seminary shares ambitious plans as they seek to get the only historically Black United Methodist seminary fiscally healthy.

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