Essay: Full-time ministry drains too many clergy and church budgets. Part-time pastors can help
G JEFFREY MACDONALD says – in an article first published on Religion News Service – that the happier, healthier future of ministry is in part-time clergy…
In the US, United Church of Christ elects first woman – and first woman of African descent – to lead denomination
United StatesRNS The United Church of Christ elected its first female general minister and president on Monday at its 34th General Synod in the US city of Indianapolis. Rev Karen Georgia Thompson’s election also makes her the first woman of African descent to lead the mainline denomination. “Today, United Church of Christ, we created a […]
In the US, reparations campaign takes new forms with Bible study, Juneteenth march
United StatesRNS The long campaign for reparations for slavery in the United States has taken numerous forms. Members of Congress have supported a commission to study the matter. Pastor Les Robinson interacts with members of the congregation at The Sanctuary Church on Sunday, 14th May, 2023, in Santa Clarita, California. For Black Californians who have […]
“A new world”: As Afghan refugees celebrate Islam’s holy month, US church gives Ramadan lessons
EMILY MCFARLAN MILLER, of Religion News Service, reports on how United Church of Christ churches are supporting Afghan families who have recently arrived in the US…
In two years, the United Church of Christ has paid off $US100 million in medical debt in the US
RNS The United Church of Christ has now paid off more than $US100 million in medical debt for people across the United States. The UCC announced on Monday that it used $US200,000 from one of its annual Giving Tuesday campaigns to purchase and pay off $US33 million in medical debt for residents of Ohio, where […]
In the US, William Sterling Cary, pioneering Black pastor, dies at 94
Chicago, USAP William Sterling Cary, a pioneering minister and civil rights activist who was the first Black person in prominent church leadership roles including president of the National Council of Churches, has died, according to family members. He was 94. Cary died Sunday at his suburban Chicago home in Flossmoor following heart failure after a […]
Jewish group condemns United Church of Christ resolution on Israel, Palestinians
RNS A Jewish advocacy group has condemned a resolution adopted at a meeting of the United Church of Christ on Sunday that calls the continued oppression of the Palestinian people a “sin”. The American Jewish Committee denounced the UCC resolution, a “Declaration for a Just Peace Between Palestine and Israel”, saying the measure “demonizes Israel, fails to offer […]
In the US, United Church of Christ declares racism a public health crisis
RNS The United Church of Christ kicked off its Special Edition General Synod on Sunday by passing a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. Delegates to the mainline denomination’s biennial meeting, held virtually this year, approved “A Resolution to Declare and Respond to Racism as a Public Health Crisis” with 96 per cent of the […]
In the US, as United Church of Christ takes on race and LGBTQ issues, consensus reigns
RNS When the United Church of Christ kicks off its General Synod on Sunday, Rev Traci Blackmon isn’t worried about fractious votes, conservative insurgencies or to-do’s over high-level resignations – or calls for the same. The UCC, in short, is no Southern Baptist Convention, which endured all of the above at its annual meeting last […]
Florida church says offering free beach parking is a religious act. Judge agrees
RNS A federal judge in the US state of Florida has ruled that a Gulf Coast community could not stop a local church from allowing beachgoers to use its parking lot, calling the practice, which allowed the church’s youth group to fundraise and evangelise those who used the lot, a legitimate ministry. The church’s victory […]