Latest Articles
Background checks, essential for kids' ministry, often remain a mystery
About 10 years ago, when the state of Pennsylvania passed a law requiring a background c...
Making room in the UMC for the Spirit’s work
The denomination’s new regionalization plan is a marked break from its colonial hangover.
May 26, Trinity B (John 3:1–17)
Sometimes being truly free in the Spirit means being deeply bound to the outworking of God’s mission in the world.
Episcopal priest could be defrocked over 'Eucharistic fast'
An Episcopal priest may lose his credentials in the denomination after observing a “Eucharistic fast” in the name of racial justice....
Going away and coming closer (John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15)
How could it be better for Jesus to go away?
Gathering for good
On a Copenhagen street, emergency responders and passersby formed a spontaneous community.
What’s behind the grad student strike at Boston University?
My students are being financially exploited—based on a social imaginary that doesn’t reflect the realities of higher ed.
Missed opportunities at the UMC general conference
We took some good steps. But we are too afraid to name certain truths.
A pastor’s disappointments
Amy Butler’s memoir is a story of relentless striving and continued failures. In other words, it’s a story of the church.
Readers Write
The Century invites readers to submit first-person narratives inspired by the words Face and Source.
1,200 Jewish professors call on Senate to reject controversial antisemitism definition
Some 1,200 Jewish university professors have signed a statement rejecting a controversial antisemitism definition that the US Senate is considering codifying in federal law....
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Carlton Minnick, influential UMC bishop, dies at 96
Carlton “C.P.” Minnick, a former president of the United Methodist council of bishops, died May 4. He was 96....
The making of God
“I don’t believe in God as character,” says poet Pádraig Ó Tuama, “but I do believe in God as plot.”
Other Jewish voices
“When unqualified support for Israel is categorized as Jewish,” says historian Marjorie Feld, “it erases dissent and flattens Jewish life.”
The uniquely American story of Crownsville Hospital
Antonia Hylton digs into the history of a Maryland asylum that forced its Black patients to build their own facilities.
After Hagia Sophia, Turkey converts second ancient Byzantine church into mosque
Hundreds of worshippers filled the narrow streets of Istanbul’s Fatih district on Friday to hear the sounds of Friday prayers ringing out from the newly inaugurated Kariye Mosque....
Union Theological Seminary votes to divest from companies profiting from Gaza war
Union Theological Seminary’s board of trustees voted Thursday to divest from all companies profiting off the war in Gaza....
A failure of compassion
Outdoor workers need a little water and shade every four hours. Is that too much to ask?
May 19, Pentecost (Acts 2:1–21)
Acts points us to a better communion, one that preserves and celebrates diversity.
Divine testimony in our hearts (1 John 5:9-13)
According to 1 John, we have received more than mere mortal attestation.