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Lead story
Editor's note:
As the United Methodist Church faces a slow but steady schism over LGBTQ affirmation and ordination, congregations all over the world are making decisions about what to do next – to stay or to go? And, if they go, how to leave well? Many conservative UMC churches are breaking away, but not all are taking the same approach. Some have joined the newly formed Global Methodist Church, some are striking out on their own, still others, such as White’s Chapel, plan to create their own network of like-minded churches. This large congregation in Southlake, Texas aims to start a Methodist Collegiate College, “envisioned to create a new form of connectionalism – one of shared ministry, equal accountability, and practical governance.” And it’s hoping other churches might join it in time. BeLynn Hollers and Emily McFarlan Miller report for RNS on the church's disaffiliation plan – and why its pastors believe they aren’t alone in seeking moderation.
Religion News
Lyft drivers spread the Gospel with ride-hailing ministries
Pastor Kenneth Drayton and Tomika Reid try to inspire passengers through spiritual guidance on the road as part of what they see as Christian ride-hailing ministries. Both drive for Lyft and share the word of God as roving preachers. By Luis Andres Henao/The Associated Press
Bison’s relocation to Native lands revives a spiritual bond
Decades after the last bison vanished from their tribal lands, the Cherokee Nation is part of a nationwide resurgence of Indigenous people seeking to reconnect with the animal that occupies a crucial place in their centuries-old tradition and belief. By Bobby Ross Jr. /The Associated Press
The performers of the Gule Wamkulu, or "great barefoot dance,” are increasingly opening to the public. These efforts are a part of an engagement drive that seeks to rehabilitate the group’s reputation in society. By Farai Mutsaka/The Associated Press
How the Museum of the Bible produces a white evangelical Bible
The book, 'Does Scripture Speak for Itself?' argues that the Washington, D.C., institution produces a benevolent white evangelical Bible that resists critique. By Yonat Shimron/Religion News Service
Trump’s Twitter return sparks concern among faith groups
New owner Elon Musk has gone back on his promise not to replatform anyone before instituting a transparent process that included outside input, according to the Anti-Defamation League's head. By Jack Jenkins/Religion News Service
Commentary and Analysis
The Mahāyāna branch of Buddhism likely emerged around the first centuries A.D. and was most readily carried through the Silk Road and maritime trade routes. By Pierce Salguero for The Conversation
Gratitude and praise are not only some of the most common themes in Christian music, but also some of the oldest. By David W. Stowe for The Conversation
The Pilgrims who started the first Thanksgiving tradition after they landed in Plymouth were following the customs they had grown up with, originating in medieval times. By Joanne M. Pierce for The Conversation
The Pilgrims thought of themselves as temporary travelers in a world that was not their home — much less a nation. By Tracy McKenzie/Religion News Service
An Aymara Indigenous woman prays on a day of fasting in a call for rain on the sacred Inca Pucara mountain in Chiquipata, Bolivia, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. Residents in the highlands of La Paz say the lack of rain and frost since September is not allowing them to plant potatoes, beans, carrots and peas. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
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- This Week in Religion is a publication of the Global Religion Journalism Initiative, a collaboration among the Religion News Service, The Associated Press and The Conversation U.S.
- The three news organizations work to improve general understanding and analyze the significance of developments in the world of faith.
