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Hollering for Change: Self-care and the “ministry of rest”

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Hollering for Change is the name of a series of commentaries by The Rev. Dr. Tori Butler for United Methodist News. Graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News. 

In this episode of “Hollering for Change,” the Rev. Martha Orphe, a United Methodist clergywoman on incapacity leave from the Louisiana Conference, shares with Rev. Dr. Tori Butler how prioritizing her ministry over her wellbeing led to a serious health condition. Orphe contracted sarcoidosis from breathing contaminated air while cleaning out dozens of churches after Hurricane Katrina.

View related video, Hollering for Change: Black clergywomen support one another

Read related report on the Black Clergywomen of The United Methodist Church caucus gathering in Washington July 31-Aug. 2, Attendees of Black clergywomen’s event encouraged to ‘Be You’


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General Conference
Jessica Vittorio, a Wespath board member and North Texas Conference delegate, urges passage of a new retirement plan for United Methodist clergy in the U.S. during a plenary session May 1 at the United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Larry McCormack, UM News.

New clergy retirement plan approved

General Conference delegates have supported the request by Wespath, The United Methodist Church’s pension and benefits agency, to move to a defined contribution retirement plan for U.S. clergy.
General Conference
The Rev. Jay Williams (right) hugs fellow delegates after the United Methodist General Conference, meeting in Charlotte, N.C., voted May 1 to remove The United Methodist Church’s longtime ban on the ordination of clergy who are “self-avowed practicing homosexuals.” Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

40-year ban on gay clergy struck down

In an emotional morning, General Conference has eliminated the ban on “self-avowed practicing” gay clergy. Following the vote at break, delegates and observers sang hymns in joy.
General Conference
Lori Sluder is consecrated a deaconess by Bishop Karen Oliveto on April 29 during the United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. Assisting her is Megan Hale (right), the executive for the Candidacy Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner of United Women in Faith. Sluder serves as executive assistant to the bishop of the Holston Conference. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.

Bishop: ‘Love every neighbor’

Twenty-six deaconesses and home missioners were consecrated following Bishop Karen Oliveto’s sermon urging listeners to make God’s love visible in all they do.

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