Ministry Matters - Empire and the church's self-understanding | Antiracist discipleship

How has this intimate connection between Methodism and imperialism shaped the vision of a global denomination in the twentieth and twenty-first century? Empire and the church's self-understanding by David W. Scott & Filipe Maia   The flow of power under imperialism is an everlasting vertical force that moves from the centers of power to its peripheries. Paying close attention to these imperial forces has a double significance. On the one hand, it trains Methodist leaders and theologians to acknowledge that the church is not immune to the forces of empire, even when it seeks to preserve itself from the involvement in geo-political matters. Read here

How is it that people can be long-term faithful church attendees, and yet still be deeply racist? Antiracist discipleship by Michael Adam Beck & Stephanie Hand Moore   We believe that racial reconciliation as it has been understood thus far and multiethnic congregations are not enough. Local churches must organize to engage in the work of antiracism—the policy or practice of opposing racism and promoting racial equality. We need to challenge and reorganize the systems that perpetuate inequity and the continued harm and oppression of persons of color. Read here

A forward-looking faith to be preached this Sunday Prayers for renewed purpose and clear paths in worship

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