Advocacy

The Rev. Mark Holland (left) briefs on regionalization legislation during an April 25 morning meeting of Mainstream UMC at the Charlotte Convention Center. Mainstream UMC is among various groups seeking to influence legislation and advocate on behalf of causes during the United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Sam Hodges, UM News.

Groups busy advocating at General Conference

Caucuses and other groups make their points in various ways outside the plenary and legislative committees of the United Methodist General Conference.

Mission and Ministry

The Rev. Jon Erik Bråthen (left) enjoys chatting with everyone he meets. Based at Porsangmoen near Lakselv in Finnmark, Norway, Bråthen is a military chaplain whose “congregants” include Sámi-speaking peoples who practice semi-nomadic reindeer herding. Photo courtesy of Emil Skartveit.

Military chaplain protects, promotes Sámi rights

In Norway, the Rev. Jon Erik Bråthen reaches out to Sámi-speaking peoples, whose best-known means of livelihood is semi-nomadic reindeer herding.

Social Concerns

Members and supporters of the Coalition of Immokalee (Fla.) Workers pray in Nashville, Tenn., at the conclusion of a protest against the Publix supermarket chain's refusal to join a farm workers' rights labor program. The Book of Resolutions of the United Methodist Church demands that employers "treat farm workers and their families with dignity and respect.” Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Ask The UMC: Does the church support workers' rights?

The United Methodist Church supports workers' rights in a heritage that goes back to early Methodism in England.

Mission and Ministry

Ndume Olatushani describes his installation artwork featuring human figures in prison-style jumpsuits and hoodies at his home in Nashville, Tenn., in 2017. The work was part of a Stations of the Cross exhibition held in Washington, D.C. Olatushani was freed after serving 27 years in prison, 20 of them on death row. A series of webinars April 26-30 will offer advice to church members on how to support former prison inmates and help them find gainful employment. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

How churches can help former inmates adapt

A free series of evening webinars April 26-30 will offer advice to church members on how to support people returning from prison and help them find gainful employment.

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