Sacraments

The Rev. Karen Jones of the South Carolina Conference reacts to the passage of legislation during the United Methodist General Conference, meeting in Charlotte, N.C., that will allow deacons to preside over Holy Communion in the context of their local appointments. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Deacons can now preside at sacraments 'when contextually appropriate'

In what presiding Bishop David Graves called a “historic moment,” General Conference on May 2 passed new legislation granting authority to deacons to preside at the sacraments in their ministry settings.

Theology and Education

Marshall Greene (center) is baptized during the Annual Inlet Baptism in Murrells Inlet off the Belin Memorial United Methodist Church's seawall. Holding him is (left) Austin Bond, director of youth ministries and (right) Walter Cantwell, associate pastor. Photo by Benjamin Coy.

Ask The UMC: How far back does Christian baptism go?

Christian baptism has its earliest beginnings in the church. It was related to the water rites of other religions.

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