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Hollering for Change: Self-care and the “ministry of rest”

Sept. 20, 2023 | SEVERNA PARK, Md. (UM News)

The Rev. Dr. Tori Butler (right) speaks with the Rev. Martha Orphe who contracted sarcoidosis from breathing contaminated air while cleaning out dozens of churches after Hurricane Katrina. Zoom video courtesy of the Rev. Butler via YouTube.

Hollering for Change is the name of a series of commentaries by The Rev. Dr. Tori Butler for United Methodist News. Graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

In this episode of “Hollering for Change,” the Rev. Martha Orphe, a United Methodist clergywoman on incapacity leave from the Louisiana Conference, shares with Rev. Dr. Tori Butler how prioritizing her ministry over her wellbeing led to a serious health condition. Orphe contracted sarcoidosis from breathing contaminated air while cleaning out dozens of churches after Hurricane Katrina.

Read related report on the Black Clergywomen of The United Methodist Church caucus gathering in Washington July 31-Aug. 2, Attendees of Black clergywomen’s event encouraged to ‘Be You’

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Ask The UMC series provides insight into legislation that went into effect immediately after the 2024 General Conference and major changes that will go into effect beginning in January, 2025. Graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Part 3: Reinstating some clergy

The 2024 General Conference made provisions for clergy who had been removed or forced out because of their sexual identity or because they presided at a same-sex marriage or union ceremony to be reinstated. Learn about how this happened, how it works and the three clergy reinstated by annual conferences in 2024.

Church Leadership

The Rev. Jee Hae Song’s son Joshua, 5, dances at her 2023 ordination during the Upper New York Annual Conference in Syracuse, N.Y. Song presented legislation to the 2024 Upper New York Annual Conference to enact a parental leave policy for United Methodists of Upper New York. The legislation would guarantee 13 paid weeks of leave for clergy and church workers whose family are expanding by birth, adoption or foster placement. Photo courtesy of the Upper New York Conference.

Parental leave efforts gaining momentum

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Faith Sharing