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.

Raphaël Aboua (right) helps serve Holy Communion at Ebenezer Beago United Methodist Church in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Photo by Isaac Broune, United Methodist News Service.

Sacraments, Rites and Rituals

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

In recent months, the numbers of unaccompanied minors from Central America crossing the U.S. border has surged, drawing both concern and criticism. In this file photo, an abandoned sandal lies just across the border from Mexico near Friendship Park in San Diego. Photo by Mike DuBose.

Global Migration

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

Worshipers sing during a Wednesday evening gathering at Kindgom Builders Center, Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston in this 2011 file photo. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

African-American contributions to The United Methodist Church

Take a look at how African-Americans shaped the Church - past, present and future. Read More

Photo illustration by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications

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

The Rev. HiRho Y. Park. Photo by Mike DuBose, United Methodist Communications.

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

The Rev. David Valera leads a prayer at the climate vigil during the 2016 United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Ore. The climate vigil was an effort offer prayers and concern for the ways that climate change is impacting creation. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

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

A cross pin reflects Cmdr. Laura Bender’s service to the military. Photo by Jay Malin, UMNS

Ministry to Those Who Serve

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

Candles flicker. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

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

The Underwater Investigation Unit of the Baton Rouge Police Department rescues people trapped by the Louisiana floodwaters.

Responding to Disasters

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

A nature scene from Lake Junaluska taken in August 2013. A United Methodist Communications photo by Kay Panovec.

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

Hands in prayer. Photo illustration by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

Prayers and Meditations

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

Zegey Kerry (left) and Oscar Garza (right) sing during worship at the 2012 MARCHA meeting in Lake Junaluska, N.C. File photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

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

Four tribes were represented during the Native American dance presentation during the 2014 Council of Bishops' meeting in Oklahoma City. Tribes are Euchee, Seminole, Creek and Shawnee. Photo by Holly McCray, Oklahoma Conference.

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