Sexuality

The Rev. Lovett H. Weems Jr. has released “An Aura of Hope: United Methodism’s Next Chapter in the United States,” which offers advice for rebuilding the post-disaffiliation church. Book cover courtesy of Abingdon Press, graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Scholar offers guide for growth after division

The Rev. Lovett H. Weems Jr., a respected scholar of United Methodist leadership, has published “An Aura of Hope” — offering a roadmap for renewal after a season of church disaffiliations.

Multicultural Ministry

Leaders of the Council of Evangelical Methodist Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean say the historic autonomy of churches in the region has helped the council navigate divisions within The United Methodist Church. Pictured from left are Bishops Juan de Dios Peña (president of CIEMAL) and Frank de Nully Brown (vice president) and Horacio Mesones, the council’s executive secretary. Photo illustration by the Rev. Gustavo Vásquez, UM News.

Latin American Methodists stress unity amid church changes

CIEMAL leaders say the historic autonomy of churches in Latin America and the Caribbean has helped the region navigate divisions within The United Methodist Church without deep regional fractures.

General Church

Bishop Gift K. Machinga (right) prepares to cut the ribbon at Mikundi Dairy Farm in Mikundi, Malawi, during his first visit to the country. Machinga says the church-run farm is a beacon of the income-generating projects he envisions for his episcopal area, which includes Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana. He is joined by the Rev. Daniel Mhone (center), superintendent of the Malawi Provisional Conference, Kephus Mtambo (left), the farm’s project coordinator, and community members. Photo by Francis Nkhoma, UM News.

Bishop’s visit signals new hope in Malawi

After years of legal turmoil in the country, Bishop Gift K. Machinga meets with church leaders to hear about challenges, create a roadmap for future.

Faith Stories

The Rev. Andy Oliver (left) of Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Fla., prays with Luis Blanco in front of the Tampa immigration office on Jan. 30, 2018. The congregation supported Blanco and his family during his deportation proceedings. Oliver continues to be in ministry with marginalized communities in Florida, including helping to lead weekly protests at detention centers in the state that are housing suspected undocumented immigrants. File photo courtesy of the Rev. Andy Oliver.

Pastor emulates Wesley in Florida

The Rev. Andy Oliver’s journey from burnt-out pastor to passionate activist has taken some interesting stops, including public relations and tending bar.

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