As the facts continue to come to light and speculation as to motives is debated, one undeniable truth confronts us all — families once again grieve and mourn the senseless loss of life in our community. At this time, pray for those who have lost loved ones, those who are fighting for...
This denomination has been wrestling with the matter of human sexuality since 1972. The restrictive language was written into our Book of Discipline at that time, and we have been dealing with the ramifications and repercussions ever since. Men and women of deep faith and good intention have...
Today we awoke to the news of what is being called the worst mass shooting in modern American history. Yet, these words sound all too familiar. They sound familiar because we heard them after the shooting at the Pulse Night Club in Florida. We heard them after the shooting in San Bernardino...
As we watched the rally unfold today in Charlottesville, Va., we were reminded that hate, bigotry, bias and prejudice are not new to the American landscape. These vile concepts have reared their ugly head in every generation. While we should not be surprised, those who are Christ-followers...
Once again, I am combing Scripture for another passage I can use to address a senseless death. Once again, I am trying to come to grips with the hatred that leads to the death of another innocent human being. Once again, I am wiping my tears and the tears of those who grieve and mourn these...
Grace and peace to you in Jesus Christ, our Rock and our Redeemer. On Friday, April 28, the Judicial Council (the Council) responded to a petition requesting a declaratory decision concerning the nomination, election, consecration, and assignment of Bishop Karen Oliveto. Bishop Oliveto was...
Grace and peace to you in Jesus Christ, our Risen Savior! As we enter this season of Eastertide, we are more aware than ever of the powerful work of God, through the Holy Spirit, to overcome death in all its forms. Where the limitations of humanity see only the impossible, God breaks through and...
On January 16, 2017, we celebrated the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His message of justice, liberation, and inclusion reverberated from coast to coast as we remembered our national hero. Whether it was during a breakfast, dinner, or church service in his honor, his...
Beloved of God, Words are inadequate to address the tragedy unfolding after a house fire in Baltimore city this morning. As I write this, it is known that five children succumbed to the fire, one other is missing, and the mother is in the hospital with three additional siblings. Many...
As a people of faith, our hope is built on the Solid Rock, Jesus the Christ. The catastrophe that occurred in Southwest Baltimore this morning, when a school bus crashed into the side of transit bus, leaves us all shaken. Although all of the details are unknown, what we do know is that precious...
