Topic: United Methodists seek racial justice

Useful Links

As followers of Christ, we affirm all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God and therefore work toward societies in which each person’s value is recognized, maintained, and strengthened.

We recognize racism as a sin and seek to eliminate it.

On this page, you will find stories, resources and tools to learn more about the issue of racism and the ways you can advocate for the fair treatment of all people.

Apurva Kunte from Vanderbilt joins students from Tennessee State and other Nashville Universities and high schools in a debate hosted by Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church.

Church Builds Harmony Through Student Debate

United Methodists in Nashville invited young people to talk about the tough issues affecting us all, and seek change. View

The Rev. James Lawson (left) joins Martin Luther King and Ralph Jackson at a March 1968 press conference. Photo used with permission from the SCLC of California.

James Lawson: Reflections on Life, Nonviolence, Civil Rights, MLK

The United Methodist pastor's parents told him “there’s a better way” than violence to resolve conflict. Those words would shape James Lawson’s life, leadership and ministry. View

Rev. Richie Butler, pastor of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Dallas, describes YOU - the Year of Unity - his civic program to promote racial healing. Photo courtesy of The United Methodist Church of North Texas.

Dallas church gets serious about racial healing

The Year of Unity (YOU) will involve community building events, empowerment, and education. It has the support of area civic leaders, including former President George W. Bush. Read More

The Rev. Gilbert Caldwell poses with his wife Grace, and sons Dale and Paul in front of Bryantville United Methodist Church.

Gilbert Caldwell: Voice for Justice and Human Rights

The retired United Methodist pastor reflects on how his relationship with MLK and involvement in the civil rights movement shaped his life and ministry. View

Bishop Woodie W. White (center) crosses the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, during the 50th anniversary observance in 2011 of Bloody Sunday. With him are his wife, Kim (right), Ruby Shinhoster and Beth Clarke. Photo by Mike DuBose, United Methodist Communications.

Bishop Woodie White’s 2017 Letter to Martin Luther King Jr.

"But Martin, our goal... is not merely a better, more just America. We Christians strive for a more beloved community, for what we sometimes call the reign of God." Read More

Erin Hawkins, top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race, speaks on May 10 to the United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Ore. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS

Religion and Race top executive to stay on

Erin Hawkins pointed to news of racial unrest as a reason to remain in her current denominational leadership role. Read More

Jeremaih (left) and Jeremain Robinson remove a waterlogged table from a home that was heavily damaged by flooding in Baton Rouge, La. The 16-year-old twins were part of a volunteer team from First United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS

Baton Rouge church fixing ‘holy, beautiful messes’

A United Methodist church straddling a line between racially divided neighborhoods is repairing flooded homes and, hopefully, relationships. Read More

A Freedom School volunteer reads with a young scholar at Summit on 16th United Methodist Church in Columbus, Ohio. Freedom Schools “build strong, literate, and empowered children.” Photo by Gwen Kisker, United Methodist Communications.

Freedom Schools Shape Students’ Lives

United Methodists staff and support Freedom Schools to empower young scholars to become tomorrow's leaders. View

The Rev. James Lawson talks about Black Lives Matter and the civil rights movement during a break from teaching at the Children Defense Fund’s Proctor Institute in Clinton, Tenn. UMNS photo by Mike DuBose

Lawson: Black Lives Matter shows need for change

The Rev. James Lawson says the movement is an extension of the social awakening that started with the civil rights movement. Read More

The Rev. James Lawson: Civil Rights and Black Lives Matter

United Methodist leader reflects on the long fight for justice. “You have to allow history to move at its own pace.” View

At the end of an ecumenical “Prayer Walk for Racial Peace,” organizers and some marchers are shown under one of the rainbows that came out at the end of the march. Photo courtesy of Michael Beck

Prayer walk for racial peace unites community

A United Methodist pastor in Florida says ecumenical work around racial justice has changed his city. Read More

Talking about race: United Methodist pastor’s tips

Multiple shootings and mounting tension in the U.S. have many asking “What can we say?” Church leader from Ferguson has advice. Read More

Pastors led a July 7 prayer vigil after Alton Sterling was killed by police in Baton Rouge, La. Photo courtesy of Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Louisiana United Methodists join in prayer after shooting

Pastors led prayer vigil after Alton Sterling was killed by police. “We offered a witness...that the church cares about injustice,” said the Rev. Susie Thomas. Read More

Members of the Black Lives Matter movement disrupt the May 16 proceedings of the 2016 United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Ore. The demonstrators marched into the plenary session chanting slogans and gathered around the central communion table. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UMNS.

GC2016 plenary pauses for Black Lives Matter demonstration

General Conference plenary halted briefly by Black Lives Matter marchers. Read More

Pastors Matt Miofsky (left) and Willis Johnson talk after services at The Gathering United Methodist Church in St. Louis, Missouri.

UMTV: Pastors Model Peace After Ferguson

They were on the streets of Ferguson after racial tensions flared. A year later, these friends are still fighting racism, together. View

Ferguson, Missouri in 2015. Video image by United Methodist Communications

Call for clergy to be sign of peace in Ferguson

United Methodist pastor, the Rev. F. Willis Johnson Jr., says he wants to “revive a sense of optimism and hope” in his troubled city. Read More

Pastors Willis Johnson (left) and Matt Miofsky (right) talk before services at The Gathering United Methodist Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Video image by United Methodist Communications.

Pastors fight racism, move forward after Ferguson

A year after racial tensions exploded in a small town, two United Methodist faith families say their commitment-and their connection-is stronger. Read More

Erin Hawkins of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race speaks during the 2012 General Conference. Photo by Skyler E. Nimmons.

Enough is enough: On violence and accountability

The Commission on Race and Religion's Erin Hawkins says prayer is powerful but we need action steps for being accountable and courageous. Read More

The Africa University Choir sang comforting hymn selections at Francis Burns United Methodist Church in Columbia, S.C., on June 19, the day after nine people were shot at Emanuel AME in Charleston. Photo by Betty Void

AU Choir consoles, encourages South Carolinians

Africa University choir members, shocked by the Charleston church shootings, change program to offer comfort. Read More

The Charleston tragedy: How should we respond?

Rev. F. Willis Johnson says that a 21-year-old could be so bigoted in beliefs and diabolical in actions leaves the most devout bewildered. But “the only thing that will conquer... Read More

What the Church Says

Rights of Racial and Ethnic Groups

"We recognize racism as sin and ... assert the right of members of historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups to equal opportunities..." Read More

White Privilege in the United States

European Americans enjoy a broad range of privileges denied to persons of color in our society, privileges that often permit them to dominate others who do not enjoy such privileges. Read More