United Methodist Topics
In the topic pages below, we have gathered useful news and features, videos, resources and official church statements around social issues of the day, beliefs and church seasons, and particular areas of ministry in which the church is engaged.
While not comprehensive, these pages provide snapshots of both what The United Methodist Church's view on a particular issue is — whether social, political or theological — as well as stories about how the church is engaged in ministry around that topic.


Sacraments, Rites and Rituals
Explore how United Methodists understand baptism, communion, rites and rituals other Christian churches view as sacraments. More

Global Migration
Find resources along with historical context, information, and headlines related to the topic of global migration. Read More

African-American contributions to The United Methodist Church
Take a look at how African-Americans shaped the Church - past, present and future. Read More

Education and Schools
Find prayers, resources, stories and information to support schools and students. Read More

Lent and Easter
What is Lent? Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word lencten, which means "spring." The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry. Read More

Women in Leadership
We honor the women, who as preachers, leaders, teachers, missionaries, and organizers, have shaped the history of the Methodist Church. Read More

Care for Creation
United Methodists around the world are finding new ways to "Go Green" and care for the natural resources that are part of God's Creation. Read More

Ministry to Those Who Serve
Find stories, resources and videos about how The United Methodist Church supports military families and all veterans. Read More

Responding to Violence
When we hear news of terrible violence, people of faith are called to pray for an end to these tragedies. Here are resources for responding to violence. More

Responding to Disasters
United Methodists support those hurt by storms. Learn how you can donate to relief efforts. More

Reflections on Our Faith
In these short videos, we offer conversation starters about some of the basic questions you might have on topics that range from theology to everyday life. Read More

Music and The UMC
Discover the meanings of our sacred hymns, how to use this music in your personal prayer life, and more. Read More

Prayers and Meditations
Enrich your personal prayer life with these prayers and meditations throughout the year. Read More

Racial Justice
"With respect to race, the aim of The United Methodist Church is nothing less than an inclusive church in an inclusive society." Read More

Native Peoples and The UMC
Explore resources, stories, information and other content that support ministries by and with Native Peoples across the global United Methodist Church. More

The Church and Human Sexuality
Learn more about the official position of the church, read opinions by church leaders and members, find resources and recent news stories. More

Young People in The UMC
Ministries with young people, a vital part of The United Methodist Church, are found in local congregations throughout the church. Read More

Advent and Christmas
Find stories, worship resources, prayers, videos and links about how The United Methodist Church celebrates the season of Christ’s birth. More