Large, global crowd expected for “full-on celebration” of Wesleyan Christianity.

By Sam Hodges
Aug. 12, 2016 | UMNS

At the World Methodist Conference, church politics get checked — mostly — at the door.There’s no legislation, but plenty of preaching, teaching, singing and fellowship.

Think revival, but also think family reunion, with John Wesley as the common ancestor.

“This is a full-on celebration of the Wesleyan tradition that takes place once every five years,” said Sarah Wilke, publisher of The Upper Room, and program chair for the World Methodist Conference set for Aug. 31-Sept. 3 in Houston.

As reunions go, this will be a big one, with attendance of 2,500 to 3,000 expected. Seventy percent of the early registration is from outside the United States. More than 70 denominations and other church groups will be represented, all sharing Read more →

By Heather Hahn
July 25, 2016 | UMNS

The bishops’ executive committee also acknowledged the church’s fast-changing landscape as it plans the Commission on a Way Forward.

Amid growing concerns for the denomination’s future, United Methodist bishops approved a plan for establishing a commission dealing with church teachings on homosexuality.The bishops’ executive committee also took a step toward a special session of General Conference, the denomination’s top lawmaking body, in early 2018.

The Council of Bishops executive committee met July 19-20 in Chicago behind closed doors to discuss creating the Commission on a Way Forward, which General Conference authorized in May. The full council has charged its 17-member executive committee with Read more →