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Diversity

Social Concerns
The Rev. Dr. Thomas Muhomba. Photo courtesy of the author.

Honoring our differences while celebrating unity

As The United Methodist Church seeks to embody unity, it must also reckon with the distinct realities and contexts that shape its people.
Bishops
Father Emmanuel Katongole, a Catholic priest and theologian who previously worked at Duke Divinity School, addresses the United Methodist Council of Bishops, meeting this week at Epworth by the Sea Conference Center in St. Simons Island, Ga. At the invitation of the bishops’ Anti-Racism Leadership Team, Katongole spoke of the challenges racism and tribalism present to Christians. Photo by Rick Wolcott, Council of Bishops.

Bishops hear call to be an ‘Ephesians church’

On U.S. Election Day, United Methodist bishops heard about the ongoing work of overcoming racism and tribalism. A theologian urged them to look to the Bible for guidance.
Local Church
With the help of Monticello United Methodist Church pastor Matt Ozment's 5-year-old daughter, the Rev. Bailey Amtower celebrates the 15th anniversary of LifeBridge Church in Shawnee, Kan. Photos by David Burke, Great Plains Conference.

Two churches live in harmony under one roof

Although LifeBridge and Monticello United Methodist churches share a sanctuary, education programs and mission outreach, they remain two different congregations. The Rev. Matt Ozment says they are looking for ways to invite the outside community into their loving church community.
General Church
The Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli. Photo courtesy of the author.

Putting hope in the 'harder thing'

Worldwide regionalization allows the worldwide church to remain United Methodist in a new connectional way.

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