Bishop Ward has been selected as one of 60 influential North Carolinians to participate in an election-year series sponsored by the Raleigh News & Observer, the Durham Herald Sun, and the Charlotte Observer. These persons will participate in surveys throughout the year to get their views on the policy issues of most importance to North… Continue Reading→
A Call to Prayer and Action in Support of Public School Children
Dear United Methodist friends, Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ. We are deeply committed across North Carolina to the education of all children, to the support of teachers and administrators, and to stronger funding for public education. At the 2016 Sessions of the North Carolina and the Western North Carolina… Continue Reading→
March For Our Lives Prayer
Dear friends, Let us pray and support young people who “March For Our Lives” this weekend. Let us learn, advocate, witness, work and pray so that violence in schools will cease. Let us listen to the youth in our midst: “We are praying for and standing in solidarity with those who march this weekend. As… Continue Reading→
The Kingdom of God Belongs to Such as These
Dear United Methodist friends, In these early days of Lent, we grieve with the people of Parkland, Florida. We give thanks for courageous, faithful, thoughtful leadership of pastors and of laity. As we seek to find and offer comfort, God is with us. I hope you will read and ponder prayerfully this excellent message from… Continue Reading→
Advent After the Storms
As Advent begins, we stand once again amid the destruction left by devastating storms. In the darkness, we yearn for light, Bishop Ward writes in an article published by Faith & Leadership.
From the Bishop: More Work to Do
Dear United Methodist friends, Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ. Early Sunday morning, vandals painted racist and misogynist graffiti on classroom trailers of Saint Francis United Methodist Church in Cary. This is deeply disturbing to us all as people baptized into Christ and deeply committed to honoring all as beloved… Continue Reading→
From the Bishop: Take Courage
Dear United Methodist friends, Grieved afresh by the horrific violence Sunday morning in First Baptist Church, I asked colleague bishops in our Council of Bishops covenant group this morning for wisdom and help. How do we respond faithfully to encourage and protect those who gather for worship, prayer, learning, and service? An African colleague bishop… Continue Reading→
From the Bishop: A Call to Prayer and Witness as DACA is Rescinded
Dear friends in Christ, Grace and peace to you this day. As DACA is rescinded today, let us hold in our hearts and prayers our Hispanic neighbors, including our clergy, their families and the people they lead and serve. The United Methodist Church has opposed this action on DACA consistently. The Council of Bishops, the… Continue Reading→
Charlottesville: Let Us Remember Who We Are
Dear United Methodist friends, In the wake of hate and violence unleashed in Charlottesville, let us remember who we are and what we offer to the world. We are God’s people, given identity and destiny in baptism. We are God’s people, nurtured into distinctive discipleship as Christ-followers. We are God’s people, given courage, wisdom, strength,… Continue Reading→