40-year ban on gay clergy struck down
Without debate, General Conference removed the UMC’s ban on the ordination of clergy who are “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” —a prohibition that dates to 1984.
Read MoreNIC’s Lobby Day uses lessons of the past to change the present
Early in the morning of 18 April 2024, 22 members of the Northern Illinois Conference Anti-Racism Task Force, many of whom had participated in last year’s Civil Rights Pilgrimage, boarded a bus or piled into cars to descend on Springfield to speak to state legislators about issues of racial injustice that concern us—with a focus on environmental justice, the school to prison pipeline, and immigration.
Read MoreMentors and the lessons of humility
As I begin my retirement from appointed ministry in the Northern Illinois Conference, I recall the mentors who gave me hope and encouraged high expectations.
Read MoreSeries embraces the rich diversity of music, art and history
The art and culture of different ethnicities is the 2024 focus for the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force series. They will piece together a variety of experiences and learning in “The Quilting of America: Celebrating the Diversity of God’s Children.”
Read MoreJOY Camp welcomes fifth-graders through high schoolers
Young people starting fifth grade through newly graduated high-school students can participate in JOY Camp, June 23-29, a popular camp annually at Camp Reynoldswood, Dixon, IL. All are welcome, regardless of where they are in their journey of faith.
Read MoreWorkshop equips youth leaders to teach anti-racism
Chicago and suburban church youth leaders gathered at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora on April 13 to explore laying the groundwork for friendships and alliances to fight racism. "Becoming the Beloved Community: Disciplining Anti-Racist Youth," a morning workshop, was presented by the Anti-Racism Task Force of the Northern Illinois Conference. It was developed specifically for leaders of youth based on the Becoming Beloved Community Workshop that is offered to churches.
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