The Work of Black Methodists for Church Renewal

As one of five ethnic caucuses in The United Methodist Church, Black Methodists for Church Renewal[1] (BMCR) is on a mission to raise up prophetic and spiritual leaders who will be advocates for the unique needs of Black people in The United Methodist Church.  BMCR envisions a renewed, transformed, unified body of Christ on a mission in the world.  As such, BMCR calls both itself and the entire United Methodist Church to repentance, to rebuild God’s Church as a community of faith, to declare the traditions and stories of the Bible and Black culture, to reclaim the black community, and to liberate all people from racism and injustice everywhere.

The legacy gifted by forebearers in the faith, as named in The Findings of Black Methodists for Church Renewal[2], challenges us to be an agitating conscience, to encourage and involve Black Methodists in the struggle for economic and social justice, and to keep before the church the crucial issues facing Black Methodists by initiating action and supporting church agencies that address the needs of Black people.  The following items reflect some of the many areas of BMCR’s work:

• General Conference 2024
  • BMCR has submitted a petition to review, address, and/or update sunsetting resolutions related to Black Methodists for Church Renewal.[3]
  • BMCR has submitted a resolution for the commemoration of the Juneteenth National Holiday within the United States of America as a Day of Reflection, Celebration, and Advocacy.[4]
• Webinars
  • BMCR has hosted webinars for General Conference delegates, clergy, and lay members of local churches to identify key issues, share best practices, and develop actionable strategies as we move towards General Conference in 2024.
• Africa University[5]
  • BMCR remains committed to supporting Africa University by reaffirming the dynamic work of this missional project of The United Methodist Church.  In a resolution submitted during the 2023 General BMCR Meeting held in Pittsburgh, PA, BMCR calls upon the 2024 General Conference to make Africa University a priority by funding the institution at the 2016 levels through World Service Special Gifts.
• Voting Rights Toolkit
  • In partnership with the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, BMCR has developed a toolkit to be shared with local congregations.  Available in January 2024, this toolkit will be divided into the following four parts:
    • Civic Education
    • Voter Preparation
    • Voter Engagement
    • Post-Election Engagement
• Mass Incarceration/School to Prison Pipeline Toolkit
  • BMCR has partnered with the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, Strengthening the Black Church for the 21^st Century (SBC21), and the United Women in Faith to develop a toolkit focused on addressing mass incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline.
• Lay Leadership Development
  • BMCR has partnered with the Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center at United Theological Seminary (Dayton, OH) to develop a Laity Leadership Institute.  Launched in 2023, this institute features online courses designed to equip laity for local church ministry. 
    • Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center - United Theological Seminary
      • united.edu/innovation-center/
    • Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center and Black Methodists for Church Renewal introduce Laity Leadership Institution - United Theological Seminary
• March on Washington (60^th Anniversary)
  • BMCR, in partnership with the National Action Network, was a partner for the 60^th Anniversary of the March on Washington.
    • BMCR - 60th Anniversary of the March On Washington
    • March on Washington 60th Anniversary | NAACP
    • Thousands converge on National Mall to mark the March on Washington’s 60th anniversary | AP News

Helping our church become a more inclusive expression of Christ’s love is our goal.  You are invited to join the movement.  Membership includes not only African Americans but Black United Methodists from the Caribbean, South and North America, and Africa as well as individuals from other ethnic groups.  To learn more about BMCR’s history, vision, values, and commitments, visit www.bmcrumc.org.

[1] www.bmcrumc.org

[2] Please see the Findings of Black Methodist for Church Renewal document

[3] Please see the GC 2024 petition to review.

[4] Please see the Resolution:  Commemoration of Juneteenth National Holiday as a Day of Reflection, Celebration, and Advocacy.

[5] Please see the 56^th General BMCR AU Resolution.