Parenting

Dr. Marie-Claire Manafundu, coordinator of The United Methodist Church’s Maternal, Newborn and Child Health program in eastern Congo, talks to a woman about the importance of breastfeeding during a visit to Lokole Methodist Hospital Center in Kindu, Congo. The church’s awareness campaign highlighted the health benefits for mothers and children and also featured testimonials from experienced mothers who shared the challenges and joys of breastfeeding. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News.

Church works to promote breastfeeding in Congo

As part of World Breastfeeding Week, United Methodists organized information and awareness-raising sessions to support the health of mothers and children.

Church Leadership

The Rev. Jee Hae Song’s son Joshua, 5, dances at her 2023 ordination during the Upper New York Annual Conference in Syracuse, N.Y. Song presented legislation to the 2024 Upper New York Annual Conference to enact a parental leave policy for United Methodists of Upper New York. The legislation would guarantee 13 paid weeks of leave for clergy and church workers whose family are expanding by birth, adoption or foster placement. Photo courtesy of the Upper New York Conference.

Parental leave efforts gaining momentum

Clergy deserve 13 weeks of paid leave when they are caring for a new baby, according to members of a grassroots effort to make that the United Methodist standard.

Faith Stories

Peter Braima gives his son, Moses, a haircut with a safety razor at their home in Manjama village, near Bo, Sierra Leone, in 2014, while their new, insecticide-treated mosquito net airs out behind them. The nets were provided by The United Methodist Church's Imagine No Malaria campaign. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Photo essay: Reflections of a father’s love

UM News photographer Mike DuBose shares images from around the world to remind us that fathers from all walks of life have dreams for their children and deserve to be celebrated.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now