Long S Chapel Umc Disaffiliation

Long's Chapel UMC Disaffiliation: A Deep Dive into the Complexities

Introduction:

The disaffiliation of Long's Chapel United Methodist Church (UMC) has captivated the attention of religious observers, legal scholars, and community members alike. This intricate process, fraught with theological disagreements, legal battles, and emotional upheaval, represents a microcosm of the broader denominational struggles within the United Methodist Church. This comprehensive article unravels the complexities surrounding Long's Chapel UMC's disaffiliation, examining its background, the key players involved, the legal ramifications, and the lasting implications for both the local congregation and the broader Methodist denomination. We will delve into the specifics of the situation, explore the reasons behind the decision, and consider the future implications for all stakeholders. Prepare for a detailed and insightful exploration of this significant event.


I. The Precursors to Disaffiliation: A History of Tension

Long before the official disaffiliation process began, simmering tensions within Long's Chapel UMC regarding theological interpretations and social issues gradually escalated. These tensions, mirroring larger debates within the UMC, often centered around issues of LGBTQ+ inclusion, the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy, and the interpretation of biblical scripture related to human sexuality. Understanding this historical context is crucial to grasping the gravity of the disaffiliation decision. The church, like many others within the denomination, experienced internal divisions, with factions holding differing viewpoints on these contentious issues. These divisions often manifested in heated discussions during church meetings, strained relationships between members, and a growing sense of polarization within the congregation. The inability to reconcile these differences ultimately paved the way for the disaffiliation process. This section will explore specific instances of conflict and the attempts, if any, at mediation and reconciliation.

II. The Disaffiliation Process: Legal and Procedural Aspects

The disaffiliation of Long's Chapel UMC wasn't a spontaneous event but rather a carefully orchestrated process guided by specific legal and procedural guidelines established by the United Methodist Church. This section delves into the legal framework surrounding disaffiliation within the UMC, highlighting the specific steps Long's Chapel had to follow to legally sever ties with the denomination. This includes examining the required votes, the potential for legal challenges, and the financial implications of disaffiliation, such as the division of assets and property. We will analyze the specific documents and procedures involved, examining the timelines and key decisions made throughout the process. We will also explore the role of the regional conference and the potential for appeals.

III. Key Players and Perspectives: Voices from Within and Beyond

The disaffiliation of Long's Chapel UMC involved a diverse range of individuals and groups, each with their own perspectives and motivations. This section will examine the key players involved, including church members, clergy, regional leadership, and legal representatives. We will explore the perspectives of those who supported the disaffiliation, emphasizing their reasons and concerns. Equally important is understanding the viewpoints of those who opposed the disaffiliation, highlighting their reasons for wanting to remain within the UMC. This will provide a balanced and nuanced understanding of the human element at the heart of this complex situation.

IV. The Theological and Doctrinal Divisions: A Matter of Faith

At the heart of Long's Chapel UMC's disaffiliation lie significant theological and doctrinal differences. This section explores the core theological disagreements that fueled the decision. We will analyze the specific doctrines and interpretations of scripture that were central to the debate. The discussion will explore how differing views on human sexuality, the role of scripture in moral decision-making, and the authority of church leadership contributed to the ultimate split. Understanding these fundamental theological differences is crucial to comprehending the depth of the divisions within the congregation and the denomination as a whole.

V. Post-Disaffiliation: Implications and the Future

The disaffiliation of Long's Chapel UMC has lasting implications for both the local congregation and the broader United Methodist Church. This section will explore the immediate and long-term consequences of the disaffiliation. We will discuss the future of Long's Chapel UMC, its potential affiliation with a different denomination, and its ongoing relationship with the community. We will also examine the broader impact on the UMC, considering the potential for further disaffiliations and the ongoing challenges to denominational unity.


Article Outline:

Title: Long's Chapel UMC Disaffiliation: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction: Hooking the reader and providing an overview.
Chapter 1: Precursors to Disaffiliation: Historical Context and Underlying Tensions.
Chapter 2: The Disaffiliation Process: Legal and Procedural Aspects.
Chapter 3: Key Players and Perspectives: Diverse Voices and Motivations.
Chapter 4: Theological and Doctrinal Divisions: Core Disagreements and Interpretations.
Chapter 5: Post-Disaffiliation: Implications and the Future.
Conclusion: Summarizing key findings and offering concluding thoughts.


(The following sections would expand on each chapter outlined above, providing the detailed analysis promised in the outline. Due to the word count limitations, I cannot provide the full expansion of each chapter here, but the above provides a solid framework. Each chapter would be approximately 250-300 words.)


Nine Unique FAQs:

1. What specific theological issues led to Long's Chapel UMC's disaffiliation?
2. What were the legal steps involved in the disaffiliation process?
3. What were the financial implications of disaffiliation for Long's Chapel UMC?
4. How did the decision to disaffiliate impact the community surrounding the church?
5. What are the potential long-term consequences for the UMC as a whole?
6. What denomination, if any, has Long's Chapel UMC affiliated with since its disaffiliation?
7. Were there any attempts at mediation or reconciliation before the disaffiliation?
8. What role did regional leadership play in the disaffiliation process?
9. How did the media portray the disaffiliation, and what impact did this have?


Nine Related Articles:

1. United Methodist Church Schism: A Timeline of Divisions: This article provides a chronological overview of the major internal conflicts within the UMC that have led to numerous disaffiliations.

2. The Legal Landscape of Church Disaffiliations: A deep dive into the legal precedents and frameworks governing church departures from denominations.

3. Theological Debates within the United Methodist Church: An examination of the key theological differences that continue to divide the denomination.

4. LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the United Methodist Church: A focused study of the debates surrounding LGBTQ+ clergy and members within the UMC.

5. The Impact of Church Disaffiliations on Local Communities: An analysis of the social and economic consequences of church splits on surrounding communities.

6. Financial Implications of Church Disaffiliations: A look at the financial aspects of church departures, including asset division and property ownership.

7. Alternative Denominations for Disaffiliating Methodist Churches: An exploration of potential new denominational homes for churches leaving the UMC.

8. The Role of Mediation and Reconciliation in Church Conflicts: An examination of conflict resolution strategies within religious organizations.

9. The Future of the United Methodist Church: An analysis of the challenges facing the UMC and potential pathways forward.


  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Safe Sanctuaries Joy Thornburg Melton, 2008 The Only Resource of Its Kind Is Now Two Bestsellers in One! Tragically, churches have not always been safe places for children or youth or vulnerable adults. With this in mind, attorney, pastor, and author Melton outlines a process for developing policies and procedures to recognize and reduce the risk of abuse in the church. Safe Sanctuaries combines and expands information from two of her earlier groundbreaking books, which focused, separately, on children and teens. Safe Sanctuaries is the most helpful resource I have found dealing with this troubling topic, says one minister. Straightforward yet non-threatening, the information is helpful for all denominations and congregations of faith. Practical guidance is provided in developing and implementing a substantive, holistic action plan of abuse prevention: recruiting, screening and working with volunteers training models for all who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults suggestions for congregational response to unthinkable allegations of abuse order of worship celebrating the adoption of Safe Sanctuaries policies Melton's transformative, relevant, and foundational resource will train leaders in what they need to know to stay safe and keep the vulnerable in their care safe. This revised edition now features updated and timely information about protecting young people from online predators.
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  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Handbook of Religion and Social Institutions Helen Rose Ebaugh, 2007-10-23 Handbook for Religion and Social Institutions is written for sociologists who study a variety of sub-disciplines and are interested in recent studies and theoretical approaches that relate religious variables to their particular area of interest. The handbook focuses on several major themes: - Social Institutions such as Politics, Economics, Education, Health and Social Welfare - Family and the Life Cycle - Inequality - Social Control - Culture - Religion as a Social Institution and in a Global Perspective This handbook will be of interest to social scientists including sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists, and other researchers whose study brings them in contact with the study of religion and its impact on social institutions.
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  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: History of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania (1893) Henry C Bradsby, 2014-08-07 This Is A New Release Of The Original 1893 Edition.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Jewish Catacombs Elsa Laurenzi, 2013-03-28T00:00:00+01:00 This slender well-written book is packed with easy-toread information about the structure of the Jewish community of Rome and the politics and history of the city where it developed and grew. Not an easy task because very little documentation has survived to the present day; Elsa Laurenzi is honest enough to inform the reader of this difficulty and avoids making “easy” but unfounded statements. Instead she takes the reader by the hand and illustrates the customs and culture of a society that was part of a much larger society, as different as it was tolerant, one that knew how to integrate different and contrasting forms of reality. Using a glossary inserted into the text, she uses the sources available - ancient authors, epigraphic texts, archaeological remains – to provide useful and accurate explanations about a terminology not everyone may be familiar with.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Christ and Culture H. Richard Niebuhr, 1956-09-05 This 50th-anniversary edition, with a new foreword by the distinguished historian Martin E. Marty, who regards this book as one of the most vital books of our time, as well as an introduction by the author never before included in the book, and a new preface by James Gustafson, the premier Christian ethicist who is considered Niebuhr’s contemporary successor, poses the challenge of being true to Christ in a materialistic age to an entirely new generation of Christian readers.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Wesley Studies , 1903
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Canoeing the Mountains Tod Bolsinger, 2018-04-24 Do you ever feel that you are leading in uncharted territory? Pastor and consultant Tod Bolsinger draws on decades of expertise guiding churches and organizations in this expanded practical leadership resource, offering illuminating insights and practical tools to help you reimagine what effective church leadership looks like in our rapidly changing world.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Liberation and Reconciliation James Deotis Roberts, 1994
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: I'm Black. I'm Christian. I'm Methodist. Lillian C. Smith, Erin Beasley, Justin Coleman, Jevon Caldwell-Gross, Pamela R. Lightsey, F. Willis Johnson, Vance P. Ross, Rodney Lorenzo Graves, Tori C. Butler, Rev. Rudy Rasmus, 2020-11-03 Ten personal narratives reveal the shared and distinct struggles of being Black in the Church, facing historic and modern racism. It’s uncertain that Howard Thurman made the remark often attributed to him, “I have been writing this book all my life,” but there is little doubt that he was deeply immersed in reflection on the times that bear an uncanny resemblance to the present day, which give voice to the Black Lives Matter movement. Our “life’s book” is filled with sentence upon sentence of marginalization, pages of apartheid, chapters of separate and unequal. Now this season reveals volumes of violence against Blacks in America. Ten Black women and men explore life through the lens of compelling personal religious narratives. They are people and leaders whose lives are tangible demonstrations of the power of a divine purpose and evidence of what grace really means in face of hardship, disappointment, and determination. Each of the journeys intersect because of three central elements that are the focus of this book. We’re Black. We’re Christians. We’re Methodists. Each starts with the fact, “I'm Black,” but to resolve the conflict of being Christian and Methodist means confronting aspects of White theology, White supremacy, and White racism in order to ground an oppositional experience toward domination over four centuries in America. “The confluence of the everyday indignities of being Black in America; the outrageous, egregious, legalized lynching of George Floyd; and the unforgivable disparities exposed once again by COVID–19 have conspired together to create a seminal moment in America and in The United Methodist Church—in which we must find the courage to say unambiguously ‘Black Lives Matter.’ To stumble or choke on those words is beneath the gospel,” says Bishop Gregory Palmer, who wrote the foreword to the collection. Praise for I'm Black. I'm Christian. I'm Methodist. “This book made me shout, dance, rage and hope—all at once! As a cradle Methodist, I have deep love for my church and bless it for nurturing my walk with Christ and my passion for social justice. At the same time, I lament that my church is also the place where I have witnessed and been most wounded by virulent racism, sexism, heterosexism, and ageism. Yet, I stay and struggle for the soul of the church because I am a Black Christian woman fired by the love of God-in-Christ-Jesus. I stay because this is MY church and the church of my ancestors. Although I regularly question my decision to remain United Methodist, it is stories like these—from other exuberant love warriors—that remind me that I am called by God to stay, pray, fight, and flourish!” —M. Garlinda Burton, deaconess and interim general secretary, General Commission of Religion and Race, Washington DC “Racism continues to be the unacceptable scandal of American society and the American churches. In spite of some gains such as the diversity of supporters for “Black Lives Matter,” even the best intentioned among us remain largely ignorant of the actual life experience of those who are other than ourselves. This collection of testimonies, edited by Rudy Rasmus, helps remedy that by simply recounting personal stories of being Black, Christian, and Methodist in the United States. White Methodist Christians in particular need to read these stories and take them to heart so that racism and its divisiveness is countered by shared experience and recognition of common humanity across difference. More White Methodists need not only reject racism in our society and church but become active anti-racists willing to do the hard work to create the beloved community, dreamed about by Martin Luther King in the 1960s civil rights movement. —Bruce C. Birch, Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Theology Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington DC “This book is a powerful collection interweaving personal stories, denominational and intercultural practices, and Black lives bearing hopeful witness. Readers will have their consciousness raised, and they will think more deeply about the meaning of beloved community and the embodiment of the justice of God.” —Harold J. Recinos, Professor of Church and Society, Perkins School of Theology/SMU, Dallas, Texas “For hundreds of years, we have not listened. This book is our chance to hear the words of the Black leaders in our church. They will change us, remake us, and reform us. Get ready to be transformed by painful truth and deep love. —Rev. Dr. Dottie Escobedo-Frank, Lead Pastor, Catalina United Methodist Church, Tucson, Arizona I’m Black gives readers a clear picture of the diversity and value of Black culture in church and society. After reading the dynamic stories told by these faithful, transformative church leaders, Black lives will be cherished, and systemic change for the better will take place.” —Joseph W. Daniels, Jr. , Lead Pastor, Emory United Methodist Church, Washington, D.C. Dr. Rudy Rasmus and others give an insightful look into what it means to be black, Christian and Methodist in America. Their perspectives on the status and plight of being black in America are both engaging and riveting. If you are looking for ways to better understand the nuances and many faces of African American Methodist evangelical life in America, this book is a must-read! —The Reverend J. Elvin Sadler, D.Min., General Secretary-Auditor, The A.M.E. Zion Church Assistant Dean for Doctoral Studies, United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio I endorse this powerful book of Essays conceived and edited by my friend Pastor Rudy Rasmus. It is a book for our current and future realities facing the Black Church a must read. —Deborah Bass , Vice-Chairperson, National BMCR
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: The Changeover Zone Jim Ozier, Jim Griffith, 2016-04-19 How clergy and congregations can navigate the tricky transition from one pastor to the next. The Changeover Zone addresses a critical and perennial need in the church: the process of handing the baton of pastoral leadership from one person to the next. Authors Jim Ozier and Jim Griffith offer practical, clear instructions and guidance for both clergy and congregations. They provide detailed sections especially for clergy who are taking over from a founding pastor and for those replacing long-tenured pastors. The book is packed with real-church examples, helpful tips and tactics that have been proven successful. This resource will expertly guide pastors, supervisors, and congregations in nearly any church setting or denomination. I just love this quote from the book: How fast you run will keep you in the race; how well you hand off will win it. Over the next 10 years we will see one of the largest pastoral leadership transitions in our history. How well we handle this hand-off to the next generation may well determine our future. The Changeover Zone is timely, helpful and insightful as we approach these transitions in leadership. Every personnel committee, pastor, judicatory leader, district superintendent and bishop should read this book before approaching any major leadership changes. --Bob Farr, Director of Congregational Excellence, MO Conference, UMC; author, The Necessary Nine The Changeover Zone provides a roadmap for how to make healthy pastoral transitions, especially in churches making their first transition or first transition in a long time. This book will help you learn how to not only survive a church pastoral transition but how to thrive and gain momentum through the transition. We have utilized this roadmap in East Ohio and it works. I recommend this book to anyone involved with pastoral transitions at any level. --Kelly P. Brown, Director of Congregational Vitality, East Ohio Conference, UMC A great resource for pastors and churches who are going through transitions. I love how the change in a church pastor is seen not as an event, but as more of a process and from various key perspectives. This will be a valuable tool for my coaching with pastors and churches who are entering a season of transition. --Ken Willard, leadership coach, certified church consultant, and author, Time Management for the Christian Leader When our church learned that both long tenured pastors were leaving at the same, we knew we needed expert help. Jim Ozier led our leaders in a workshop based on The Changeover Zone to prepare us for this scary change. In this book the authors use sound biblical footing to show you what to do and how to do it, as you go through a pastoral change. --Cheryl Lee, SPPR Chairman, Ebenezer United Methodist Church, Suffolk, VA The action plan for the 100 days before and after a change of pastors (the Changeover Zone) is brimming with time-tested wisdom. Pastors, churches, and supervisors will be prepared to not only minimize the pain and confusion that comes with pastoral transitions, but actually maximize the potential for growth and new life in congregations. --Ken Irby, Shreveport District Superintendent, Louisiana Annual Conference, UMC This book is filled with insight and excellent counsel. I have been using the authors’ advice on making a great handoff for several years. You will nod your head as you read, and say, Of Course. Keep nodding. It will make a difference in raising up stronger leaders and building reproducible systems. And that’s what we all want. --Cathy Townley, Townley Coaching FINALLY! A simple, straightforward way to think about an essential part of ministry - transitions. Transitions can make or break a ministry and too often they happen without the purposeful thought that can make them successful. Whether your context is a new start pastor moving on or a long tenured pastor receiving a new appointment, this book will be your comprehensive guide in the process of ending well and starting strong.- Rev. Nicole Reilley, Director of New Ministries, Cal-Pac Conference
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Seeing in the Dark Beverly J. Shamana, 2001 It seems to be common knowledge that by the time persons reach adolescence, they have been socialized out of much of their innate creativity. By the time we reach adulthood, many of us feel that we have no creativity at all. This book begs to differ and encourages readers to get re-acquainted with the God-given creativity that IS within.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: A Voice from Inside Geoffrey Wallis, 2021-06-23 Wallis takes on all the shades of gray. He dissects the experience of this religion with laser precision - Lisa, igotout.org Wallis not only shines a light on the psychological turmoil caused by the organization's policies but does so with such intelligence, empathy, and personal understanding - Allison Del Fium, What the Faith Podcast What is it like to suffer Religious Trauma Syndrome while still inside a High Demand Religious Organization? What causes Religious Trauma Syndrome and what are the risks that come with continuing participation? A Voice From Inside presents the rare voice of a critical insider of the Watch Tower Society, offering an account of the experience, how people are struggling, and what can be done to survive and move forward. Writing under a pseudonym, Geoffrey Wallis courageously explains what has led many to label the Jehovah's Witnesses as a Captive Organization and how the community's policies lead to the phenomenon of Physically-In-Mentally-Out (PIMO). With raw honesty, the author tells the gripping story of his journey through Religious Trauma Syndrome as an active Jehovah's Witness. He discusses the experience of stigmatized LGBTQ+ members, moral injury PTSD in the newly disillusioned, and what it's like to rise up the ranks of the organization's hierarchy. Along the way, he boldly speaks out about how to protect fellow members by calling for regulation to protect the religious freedoms of PIMOs and teaching others to reverse-engineer manipulative psychology with mindfulness practice. Written to help bring change to the Jehovah's Witness community as a whole, but also for anyone struggling with religious trauma, A Voice from Inside is both a witness to the experience of living in an HDRG as well as a clarion call for change and healing in a world that sorely needs it.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: A Theological Introduction to the Book of Psalms Prof. J. Clinton McCann JR., 2011-12-01 Taking his point of departure from the newest frontier of research, McCann reads the psalms in the context of their final shape and canonical form. He interprets the psalms as scripture as well as in their character as songs, prayers, and poetry from Israel's history. McCann's intent is to contribute to the church's recovery of the psalms as torah--as instruction, as a guide to prayer, praise of God, and pious living. The explicit connections which McCann draws from the psalms to the New Testament and to Christian faith and life are extensive, making his work suitable for serious study of the psalms in academic and in church settings. An appendix examines the tradition of singing the psalms and offers suggestions for the use of the psalms in worship.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Good Without God Greg Epstein, 2010-10-26 An inspiring and provocative exploration of an alternative to traditional religion Questions about the role of God and religion in today's world have never been more relevant or felt more powerfully. Many of us are searching for a place where we can find not only facts and scientific reason but also hope and moral courage. For some, answers are found in the divine. For others, including the New Atheists, religion is an enemy. But in Good Without God, Greg Epstein presents another, more balanced and inclusive response: Humanism. He highlights humanity's potential for goodness and the ways in which Humanists lead lives of purpose and compassion. Humanism can offer the sense of community we want and often need in good times and bad—and it teaches us that we can lead good and moral lives without the supernatural, without higher powers . . . without God.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Going, Going, Gone , 2017
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Crisis of Conscience James T. Clemons, 2007-07-01 Crisis of Conscience features personal stories by Arkansas Methodist pastors, laypersons, and community leaders—including Dale Bumpers, M. Joycelyn Elders, and Miller Williams—who lived through the struggles for civil rights in the 1950s and saw their congregations and other institutions rocked by the tumultuous events of the history-making era. The book also depicts the desegregation of Hendrix College, the prophetic role of Philander Smith College in civil rights activism, and the experiences of other Arkansas Methodist institutions in the great freedom struggle that caused many of the state’s church members to realize they could no longer reconcile their belief in God with participation in a segregated society.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Three Simple Rules Rueben P. Job, 2007 Learn the three simple rules to mutual respect, unity and a deeper daily relationship with God.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Pastoral Record Abingdon Press, 1984-08 History of pastor's ministry in one place.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White 35012 Adam Hamilton, 2010-07-01 Everyone agrees that America is polarized, with ever-hardening positions held by people less and less willing to listen to one another. No one agrees on what to do about it. One solution that hasn’t yet been tried, says Adam Hamilton, is for thinking persons of faith to model for the rest of the country a richer, more thoughtful conversation on the political, moral, and religious issues that divide us. Hamilton rejects the easy assumptions and sloppy analysis of black and white thinking, seeking instead the truth that resides on all sides of the issues, and offering a faithful and compassionate way forward. He writes, I don't expect you to agree with everything I've written. I expect that in the future even I won't agree with everything I've written here. The point is not to get you to agree with me, but to encourage you to think about what you believe. In the end I will be inviting those of you who find this book resonates with what you feel is true, to join the movement to pursue a middle way between the left and the right - to make your voices heard - and to model for our nation and for the church, how we can listen, learn, see truth as multi-sided, and love those with whom we disagree. Read more about this title Adam Hamilton's Seeing Gray Blog Now available! Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White - DVD UPC: 843504001902 A five-session video resource featuring Adam Hamilton teaching these concepts on DVD for group or individual study. Includes leader's guide as well as bonus video. Click below to view a preview of each video session. Where Faith and Politics Meet Christ Christians and the Culture Wars How should we live, The Ethics of Jesus Spiritual Maturity and Seeing Gray What Would Jesus Say to America?
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: The Peace That Almost Was Mark Tooley, 2015-07-14 A narrative history of the 1861 Washington Peace Conference, the bipartisan, last-ditch effort to prevent the Civil War, an effort that nearly averted the carnage that followed. In February 1861, most of AmericaÆs great statesmenùincluding a former president, dozens of current and former senators, Supreme Court justices, governors, and congressmenùcame together at the historic Willard Hotel in a desperate attempt to stave off Civil War. Seven southern states had already seceded, and the conferees battled against time to craft a compromise to protect slavery and thus preserve the union and prevent war. Participants included former President John Tyler, General William ShermanÆs Catholic step-father, General Winfield Scott, and LincolnÆs future Treasury Secretary, Salmon Chaseùand from a room upstairs at the hotel, Lincoln himself. Revelatory and definitive, The Peace That Almost Was demonstrates that slavery was the main issue of the conferenceùand thus of the war itselfùand that no matter the shared faith, family, and friendships of the participants, ultimately no compromise could be reached.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: The Time Is Now Joan Chittister, 2019-03-05 A beloved nun and social activist offers a soul-stirring guide for all who feel disillusioned and dissatisfied with the power-hungry institutions and systems of this world “A cri de coeur against the status quo and for a bold spirituality to fight injustice.”—The New York Times In The Time Is Now, Sister Joan Chittister—a rabble-rousing force of nature for social justice and fervent proponent of personal faith and spiritual fulfillment—draws on the wisdom of prophets, both ancient and modern, to help us confront the societal forces that oppress and silence the sacred voices among us. Pairing scriptural insights with narratives of the truth-tellers that came before us, Sister Joan offers a compelling vision for readers to combat complacency and to propel ourselves toward creating a world of justice, freedom, peace, and empowerment. For the weary, the cranky, and the fearful, this energizing message invites us to participate in a vision for a world greater than the one we find ourselves in today. This is spirituality in action; this is practical and powerful activism for our times. Praise for The Time Is Now “For decades Chittister has been a prolific author and advocate for women and social justice inside and outside the realm of the Catholic Church. Here she shares her perspective on the current state of equity, social justice, and the environment and calls on all Christians to explore the traits of prophets, many of which they can find within themselves . . . offering motivation as well as ways to accomplish change.”—Booklist “A series of short essays to encourage and refresh the spirit of activists . . . applicable to both progressive and conservative Christians. Will appeal to spiritual readers seeking an encouraging book for social justice advocacy.”—Library Journal (starred review)
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Baby Dinosaurs on the Ark? Janet Kellogg Ray, 2021-09-09 A scientific look at creationism from a former creationist A significant number of Americans, especially evangelical Christians, believe Earth and humankind were created in their present form sometime in the last 10,000 years or so—the rationale being that this is (presumably) the story told in the book of Genesis. Within that group, any threatening scientific evidence that suggests otherwise is rejected or, when possible, retrofitted into a creationist worldview. But can this uncomfortable blend of biblical literalism and pseudoscience hold up under scrutiny? Is it tenable to believe that the Grand Canyon was formed not millions of years ago by gradual erosion but merely thousands of years ago by the Great Flood? Were there really baby dinosaurs with Noah on his ark? Janet Kellogg Ray, a science educator who grew up a creationist, doesn’t want other Christians to have to do the exhausting mental gymnastics she did earlier in her life. Working through the findings of a range of fields including geology, paleontology, and biology, she shows how a literal interpretation of the book of Genesis simply doesn’t mesh with what we know to be reality. But as someone who remains a committed Christian, Ray also shows how an acceptance of the theory of evolution is not necessarily an acceptance of atheism, and how God can still be responsible for having created the world, even if it wasn’t in a single, momentary, miraculous event.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Making Sense of the Bible Adam Hamilton, 2014-03-18 Denominations from evangelical to mainline continue to experience deep divisions over universal social issues. The underlying debate isn’t about a particular social issue, but instead it is about how we understand the nature of scripture and how we should interpret it. The world’s bestselling, most-read, and most-loved book is also one of the most confusing. In Making Sense of the Bible, Adam Hamilton, one of the country’s leading pastors and Christian authors, addresses the hot-button issues that plague the church and cultural debate, and answers many of the questions frequently asked by Christians and non-Christians alike. Did God really command Moses to put gay people to death? Did Jesus really teach that everyone who is not a Christian will be assigned to hell? Why would Paul command women to “keep silent in the church?” Were Adam and Eve real people? Is the book of Revelation really about the end times? Who decided which books made it into the scriptures and why? Is the Bible ever wrong? In approachable and inviting language, Hamilton addresses these often misunderstood biblical themes leading readers to a deeper appreciation of the Bible so that we might hear God speak through it and find its words to be life-changing and life-giving.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: American Law Reports , 1973
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Better Melvin Bray, 2017-02-14 What if we could actually change the world by telling better stories? What if the world we have-with its racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, religious hatred, ecological disregard-is exactly the world we have spun into existence through the stories we have told? In his new book, Melvin Bray insists that a better world is possible if the stories around which we organize our lives begin to match the beauty we imagine is possible. Bray puts forth his own daring yet faithful reimaginings of classic faith stories that inspire more beautiful, more just, more virtue-filled ways of being in the world. Better offers a spiritual path on which people-for whom life has called into question many of their assumptions about God and the world-can continue to hold onto their faith, while joining others of goodwill in seeking sustainable, cooperative, and courageous answers to the seemingly intractable problems of our time. Named a Best Book of 2017--the Cornwall List on Ponderings on a Faith Journey blog.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Protest and Prejudice Gary T. Marx, 1967 Volume three in a series based on the University of California Five-year study of anit-Semitism in the United States, being conducted by the Survey Research Center ... under a grant from the Anti-defamation League of B'nai B'rith.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Daily Christian Advocate United Methodist Church (U.S.). General Conference, 2008
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: American Doctoral Dissertations , 2002
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: The Matter at Hand Randy Hardy, 2021-04
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: We Make the Road by Walking Brian D. McLaren, 2014-06-10 From critically acclaimed author Brian McLaren comes a brilliant retelling of the biblical story and a thrilling reintroduction to Christian faith. This book offers everything you need to explore what a difference an honest, living, growing faith can make in our world today. It also puts tools in your hands to create a life-changing learning community in any home, restaurant, or other welcoming space. The fifty-two (plus a few) weekly readings can each be read aloud in 10 to 12 minutes and offer a simple curriculum of insightful reflections and transformative practices. Organized around the traditional church year, these readings give an overview of the whole Bible and guide an individual or a group of friends through a year of rich study, interactive learning, and personal growth. Perfect for home churches, congregations, classes, or individual study, each reading invites you to Cultivate an honest, intelligent understanding of the Bible and of Christian faith in 21st century Engage with discussion questions designed to challenge, stimulate, and encourage Reimagine what it means to live joyfully and responsibly in today's world as agents of God's justice, creativity, and peace If you're seeking a fresh way to experience and practice your faith, if you're a long-term Christian seeking new vitality, or if you feel out of place in traditional church circles, this book will inspire and activate you in your spiritual journey.
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: "A Hot Bed of Secession" Joseph F. DiPaolo, 2001
  long s chapel umc disaffiliation: Abraham Lincoln - His Speeches and Writings , 1946