Inclusive

Powell Richardson and his family sit in a special row in the sanctuary of Church Street United Methodist in Knoxville, Tennessee. Church Street recently added designated spaces to better accommodate persons in wheelchairs. Photo from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Why disability inclusion matters

What does the United Methodist Book of Discipline say about persons with disabilities?

Mary Ellis and Steve Richardson conduct a free church disability audit. Steve is chair of the Holston Conference’s Disability Concerns Committee. Photo from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Accessibility audits ensure church’s doors are open to all

The Richardson family’s desire for their son Powell to become a full member of the UMC led to a change in the Book of Discipline that paved the way for others with disabilities to join.

Judicial Council

Council of President Tracy S. Malone (center), who also leads the Indiana Conference, addresses her fellow bishops and those watching on livestream on May 2, final day of the Council of Bishops 2025 spring meeting in Chicago. The bishops released a statement late that day trying to ease concerns about a Judicial Council ruling on same-sex weddings. Sitting beside Malone, from left, are Horizon Texas Conference Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., president-designate, and Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, secretary. Holston leads the Alabama-West Florida and North Alabama conferences. Photo by Rick Wolcott, Council of Bishops.

Bishops respond to same-sex wedding ruling

United Methodist bishops seek to ease concerns after the denomination’s top court ruled that trustees cannot bar a pastor from officiating at same-sex weddings within church walls.

Human Sexuality

Reinstated clergy members the Revs. Beth Stroud (left), Deen Thompson and Susan Morgan serve communion at a May 1 celebration of full inclusion for LGBTQ persons in The United Methodist Church. The event was at Dallas’ Greenland Hills United Methodist Church. Photo by Sam Hodges, UM News.

‘World shifted’ with full inclusion

Dallas church hosts first anniversary celebration of United Methodist Church lifting restrictions for LGBTQ participation.

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