Category: Other Perspectives
‘We shall overcome someday’

Have we made progress in realizing Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream? Cheryl Bistayi reflects on this question by telling the painful story of her granddaughter’s husband and the racism he… Continue Reading ‘We shall overcome someday’
Living with hope in this odd space

In this op-ed, retired pastor Jack Harnish believes last week’s North Central Jurisdictional Conference modeled what he believes The United Methodist Church is to become.
Why I’m voting yes on Proposal 3

In this op-ed, Rev. Alice Fleming Townley addresses why she will be voting yes on Proposal 3, which restores rights lost when Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S.… Continue Reading Why I’m voting yes on Proposal 3
Pastor appreciation from a preacher in the pew

Retired pastor Jack Harnish reflects on what it means to be a preacher in the pew during Pastor Appreciation Month.
Who needs a queen?

Jack Harnish reflects on the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II and offers some wonderings about why her death touches us so deeply.
My almost-100 years as a Methodist

The Rev. Mel West, founder of Mobility Worldwide, reflects on growing up in rural Missouri and how the trinity of family, farm, and church shaped his life and faith as… Continue Reading My almost-100 years as a Methodist
A Methodist till I die

Jack Harnish gives five reasons why he loves being United Methodist and why he intends to remain one until he dies.
‘Our brother and our friend’

On April 4, Patrick Lyoya was killed by a Grand Rapids Police officer. His pastor, Banza Mukalay of Restoration Community UMC in Wyoming, MI, remembers a brother and a friend.
One thing they have in common

What do mass shooters have in common? The Rev. Jack Harnish notes that most are white males targeting racial minorities. He adds, “In the long run, I have to believe… Continue Reading One thing they have in common
S. Africa’s Bishop Storey visits Michigan

Bishop Peter Storey, one of the world’s significant Christian leaders, encouraged efforts to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world during a recent visit in Michigan.