The Rev. Deen Thompson is an ordained elder again nearly 50 years after he was removed from ministry because of his sexuality. “This moment was important for Deen, so it was important period,” said Louisiana Conference Bishop Delores J. Williamston.
At its national meeting in New Orleans, the Black Clergywomen of The United Methodist Church caucus gathered to encourage one another and be encouraged by peers in key leadership positions.
The Rev. Matt Rawle is a Louisiana Annual Conference delegate at General Conference but also is on stage during morning worship, singing with the band.
June 24 marked 50 years since an arson fire at the Up Stairs Lounge, a gay bar in New Orleans, killed 32 people and inured 15 more. Churches across the city refused to assist with proper funerals, however, St. Mark's United Methodist Church held an open service for those affected.
The rewards of online ministry are too rich to give up if and when the coronavirus is a thing of the past, said a pastor in Louisiana. Three stories from First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge illustrate his point.
A unique partnership formed by United Methodist, Mennonite and Amish communities is helping with recovery and rebuilding efforts in storm-ridden Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Church damage reports mount in Louisiana and Northeast, but spared areas are helping, including a $100,000 donation from the Alabama-West Florida Conference to the Louisiana Conference.
