Healthy Congregations and Effective Leaders in Every Place Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World
It has long been the hope of the Church universal that we could live into Jesus’ final prayer for his disciples, “that they may all be one.” (John 17:21) Our unity undergirds the work of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world
Dear Friends, I confess my heart aches and grieves where we find ourselves. Our beloved church holds a diversity of opinions, and I understand that some sisters and brothers feel they must leave our Connection for the sake of their conscience concerning issues of human sexuality. As a believer facing hard realities, I draw strength… Continue Reading→
As we continue to see encouraging trends and begin to see aspects of our lives opening up, it is appropriate to pause and reflect on how COVID-19 has affected our lives and how we have responded.
The United Methodist Church is founded on a Wesleyan theology of grace, anchored in Scripture, and based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the continuing movement of the Holy Spirit. You are invited to join a virtual gathering of all interested laity and clergy in the North Carolina Conference on Tuesday, April… Continue Reading→
Out of commitment to the well-being of our clergy, The Bishop and Cabinet are declaring June 28 – July 5, 2022, as Transition Week in the NC Conference. Clergy receiving new appointments will move on June 28 and have their first Sunday in a new pulpit on July 10, with a guest preaching at the… Continue Reading→
As your Bishop, I encourage you to read these words with your hearts and join in prayer for the people in Ukraine. Pray with the prophet Isaiah, “And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they study war anymore.”… Continue Reading→
Black History Month often raises many questions and responses around why it is celebrated. Therefore, I ask for this moment of personal privilege, not as a debate (my heart has grown weary of that), but as an opportunity of witness. February, Black History Month, is a time to celebrate the resilient accomplishments of a people… Continue Reading→
What will and has become of Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream? There is a deep urgency today not only to celebrate the King holiday in our usual way, but to discover intentional and concrete ways of making real Dr. King’s call for justice, peace, and love.
Bishop Fairley’s Advent message reminds us of the “stubborn and audacious hope” we have in the one who is Emmanuel – God with us. As the Advent season begins, let us both be filled with that hope and carry that hope to a world that longs to hear it. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.