Category: Other Perspectives
We must teach the next generation
![Portrait of Opal Lee](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/opal_lee_TOP.png)
Jeanette Harris declares Juneteenth’s historical significance and how we must use it to educate and reflect on the continuing fight for justice and equality.
Building bridges in Michigan
![Mackinac Bridge from above](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mackinac_bridge_TOP.png)
Retired pastor John E. Harnish hopes the new United Methodist Church will emerge from the pain of disaffiliation and the vibrant energy of the recent General Conference as a bridge-building… Continue Reading Building bridges in Michigan
‘Start a love train’
![Singing and dancing](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/love_train_TOP-jpg.webp)
At General Conference, Sherry Parker-Lewis witnessed an air of grace, anticipation, and hope as The United Methodist Church moved toward unity of purpose.
From auto parts to altar
![Marjorie Matthews](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/matthews_TOP.jpg)
Elected in 1980, Majorie Matthews, The United Methodist Church’s first woman bishop, was a Michigander. The New York Times called Matthews “a symbol of progress,” and others lauded her historic… Continue Reading From auto parts to altar
Listen to the voice of Henry Bibb
![Henry Bibb, early Black Methodist](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/bibb_TOP.jpg)
A Black Methodist voice from the past has much to teach us about how to be a messenger of both judgment and grace to a church moving toward racial justice.
Gun violence is a public health crisis
![Rep. Julie Rogers speaking on Advocacy Day 2023](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/rep_julie_rogers_TOP.jpg)
In this op-ed, Rep. Julie Rogers thanks Michigan United Methodists for putting their faith into action on matters of gun violence prevention and encourages them to continue advocacy.
Christmas calls for a sober resolve
![Bethlehem at night](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/bethlehem_TOP.jpg)
Biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann asks us to pause in our Christmas celebrations to ponder how the world can become a safer place for children and all those vulnerable to the… Continue Reading Christmas calls for a sober resolve
Power your church with solar energy
![Installing solar panels on a building](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/solar_panels_TOP.jpg)
In this op-ed, Rev. Richard Killmer invites United Methodists to learn about an affordable, renewable solar power option for their churches during an October 23 webinar.
Wesleyan theology demands that we be antiracist
![Cross and stained glass](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/momany_op-ed_TOP.jpg)
Respecting the value of every single human being was a common theme among many Methodist abolitionists, says Rev. Christopher Momany, and it holds true in antiracism work today.
Navigating conflict and building resilient churches
![Community members standing in a circle](https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/calm_blog_TOP.jpg)
In this op-ed, three Michigan Conference laity offer their Calm approach as a practical roadmap for church leaders to pivot after disaffiliation toward a future of renewed vitality.