Un-Tied Methodism: Recent Episodes
Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff- Host; Jay Rollins- Producer
Why do Methodists use Welch's grape juice for communion? What is with the cross and flame logo? Explore these questions and more as we examine the roots of the United Methodist Church (and it's predecessor denominations) to understand why the UMC is the way that it is...and where it might be going. Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff hosts this production of the General Commission on Archives and History of the UMC.
Today’s episode is from our archives, first released in February 2025, where we discuss the historical intertwining of religion and politics in America, particularly from a Methodist standpoint, as well as how Methodism impacted Revolutionary War-era Manhattan and Boston. It’s definitely on topic this month as the United States of America celebrates its 250th anniversary! The Rev. Stefanie Bennett, senior pastor at John Street United Methodist Church in Manhattan, and the Rev. Dr. Emily Nelms Chastain, a professor at SMU’s Perkins School of Theology, join Dr. Ashley Boggan for this episode of “Un-Tied Methodism.”
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
In a new video series titled “From Crown to Conferencing: Methodism and the New Republic,” we reflect on the roles Methodists have played leading up to and after the Declaration of Independence was signed. Learn more at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Crown-to-Conferencing.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
Join us as “Un-Tied Methodism” continues its yearlong series celebrating 70 years of women’s ordination in Methodism.Following the landmark 1956 decision granting women full clergy rights, the movement that led to the election of the first women bishops gained momentum. In this episode of “Un-Tied Methodism,” Dr. Ashley Boggan and the Rev. Dr. Emily Nelms Chastain discuss the leadership of Jean Audrey Powers and others, including the networks of women who persisted and strategized to help reshape The United Methodist Church and the wider landscape of women’s leadership in American Christianity.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Check out our new video series titled “From Crown to Conferencing: Methodism and the New Republic,” developed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the United States. In this free resource, we reflect on the roles Methodists have played leading up to and after the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
Join us as “Un-Tied Methodism” continues its yearlong series celebrating 70 years of women’s ordination in Methodism.On the 70th anniversary of day when General Conference voted to give women full ordination rights and full membership in annual conferences, Dr. Ashley Boggan and the Rev. Dr. Emily Nelms Chastain recount the details from the General Conference floor based on transcripts from that day’s Daily Christian Advocate. Recorded live on May 4, 2026, from Perkins School of Theology on the campus of SMU in Dallas, Texas.Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Check out our new video series titled “From Crown to Conferencing: Methodism and the New Republic,” developed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the United States. In this free resource, we reflect on the roles Methodists have played leading up to and after the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes Sally Vonner and Tara Barnes, leaders from United Women in Faith, who preview the upcoming Assembly 2026 and reflect on the vital lay ministries of deaconesses and home missioners. Plus, the Rev. Dr. Emily Nelms Chastain tells the story of M. Madeline Southard, whose fearless leadership helped change the future for women in ministry.To register for United Women in Faith’s Assembly 2026, go to UWFaith.org/Assembly.Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism. “Radicle Methodism’s” follow up course, “Rooted Methodism” is now available. Check it out at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Rooted-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
As our yearlong “Women in Methodism” series continues on “Un-Tied Methodism,” Dr. Ashley Boggan talks with historian Dr. Ellen Blue about the Methodist women, deaconesses, and mission leaders who fed the hungry, served immigrants, built institutions, shaped social work, and pushed the church toward change. Their work was often dismissed, their records were often lost, and their leadership was often resisted, but their witness helped turn the world upside down.Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.“Rooted Methodism,” the follow up to the popular “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots,” is now available. Check out this deep dive into the our denomination at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Rooted-Methodism.Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
Join us as “Un-Tied Methodism” continues its yearlong series celebrating 70 years of women’s ordination in Methodism.Long before women’s ordination was formally recognized, Dorothy Ripley was already preaching in bold and radical ways. She crossed the Atlantic Ocean 19 times, chastised President Thomas Jefferson for being an enslaver and was the first woman to speak before Congress.Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes Duke University’s Dr. Laceye Warner to explore the remarkable life of this 18th-century evangelist, a woman who navigated institutional resistance and cultural expectations to become known at the time of her death as “perhaps the most extraordinary woman in the world.”Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
Join us as “Un-Tied Methodism” begins a yearlong series celebrating 70 years of women’s ordination in Methodism. Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes historians Rev. Dr. Paul Chilcote and Rev. Dr. Donna Fowler-Marchant to look at the women who laid the groundwork long before ordination was possible.From Susanna Wesley’s overlooked theological brilliance to the bold preaching of Sarah Crosby, Mary Bosanquet Fletcher, and dozens of other women, this episode explores how women in early Methodism claimed their call—often in defiance of church structures, social respectability, and outright opposition.Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
From Navy chaplains and student gatherings to youth movements and global mission, the latest episode in our “Methodisms Around the World” series traces the surprising and resilient story of the Methodist movement in the Philippines. Guests Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut and Karen Prudente join host Dr. Ashley Boggan to explore how colonial history, acts of resistance, women’s leadership, and a deeply relational faith shaped a vibrant witness—one that continues to plant churches and form leaders around the world.Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
What happens when revival fires, social gospel movements, colonial history and Wesleyan spirituality collide on Canadian soil? Dr. Ashley Boggan is joined by Rev. Rob Shearer to explore the unique story of Methodism in Canada, its ecumenical evolution, and the surprising resurgence of Wesleyan passion among new generations.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
Discover how Methodism took root and flourished in the Democratic Republic of Congo—from early missionary efforts to strong local leadership shaping the church today. Dr. Ashley Boggan talks with the Rev. Dr. Betty Kazadi Musau and Pierre Omadjela about the people, places, and faith that continue to define Congolese Methodism.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
Discover the remarkable story of Methodism in Korea—from the impact of early missionaries, such as Mary Scranton and her groundbreaking work in women’s education, to the powerful role the church played in the fight for independence. In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Boggan and guests, the Rev. Dr. Hwa-Young Chong and Rev. Dr. Lee-Ellen Strawn, explore how Korean Methodists developed a distinct theological voice, the ongoing ties with The United Methodist Church, and the challenges the church faces today.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
From the “Un-Tied Methodism” archives, we re-share this 2023 podcast about Methodism in the African country of Zimbabwe. Dr. Ashley Boggan speaks with United Methodist leaders from the Zimbabwe West Annual Conference, Zimbabwe East Annual Conference and Africa University’s archivist and church historian to learn about the fascinating history of Mt. Makomwe, a Methodist mission started in 1905 that remains a pillar of Methodism throughout the region.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
In the second episode of a new podcast series that examines Methodism around the world, Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes Massimo di Gioacchino, noted historian, to discuss the story of how British and American Methodist missionaries planted a movement in Italy, shaping politics, education and social justice along the way.
Learn more about William Burt’s Italian Papers Project, which is sponsored by GCAH, at the link.
“Metodisti in Italia,” the first complete history of Italian Methodismo, was released in 2024 by Claudiana S.R.L. Learn more at the link.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
As we launch a new podcast series that examines Methodism around the world, Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes two United Methodist scholars and historians to help us discover the rich and complex history of Methodism in Germany. From its Moravian influence and early missionary efforts to the rise of the deaconess movement and trials of the 20th century, Dr. Ulrike Shuler and Professor Michael Wetzel discuss key figures, present-day ministries, and how to learn more about the Wesleyan heritage that prevails in Germany.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
In this special “Un-Tied Methodism” episode recorded six weeks before his death, the Rev. Dr. Rick Huskey reflects on his journey from ministry to LGBTQ+ advocacy, defrocking, and—decades later—ordination and forgiveness. In a poignant conversation, Dr. Ashley Boggan preserves Huskey’s oral history, documenting the United Methodist pioneer’s legacy of courage, faith, and justice within the church he helped change.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
“Following Jesus is costly,” says The UMC’s (Ret.) Bishop Karen Oliveto. “And for me, that price was being closeted. And I was willing to pay that price.” Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes the denomination’s first openly gay bishop to “Un-Tied Methodism” as Bishop Oliveto shares her story of burden, scrutiny, oppression and how knowing that “Perfect love casts out all fear” propelled her along her ministry path.
Bishop Oliveto’s oral history is part of the 2025 Heritage Sunday resources in support of the theme, “Sacred Stories: LGBTQ+ United Methodist Ministries.” Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/HS2025theme.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
In this poignant 2025 Heritage Sunday-themed oral history episode of “Un-Tied Methodism,” (Ret.) Bishop Peggy Johnson and Rev. Mary Johnson join Dr. Ashley Boggan to share their experiences as a clergy couple, including their calls to ministry, career challenges, and Mary’s journey of discovering her transgender identity.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
Methodism has influenced – and been influenced by – issues such as reproductive justice, the concept of respectability politics and contemporary perceptions of womanhood. Dr. Ashley Boggan and guest Dr. Amy Laura Hall, Duke University professor and ordained elder in The UMC, take a deep dive into understanding why our 20th century history matters for 21st century decisions on these vital topics.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
Understanding the historical intertwining of religion and politics in America, particularly from a Methodist standpoint, helps us navigate contemporary situations. Discover how Methodism impacted Revolutionary War-era Manhattan and Boston when Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes the Rev. Stefanie Bennett and Rev. Emily Nelms Chastain as guests on “Un-Tied Methodism.”
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
After an historic eight-year gap, The UMC has a new Book of Discipline, one reflecting the actions from the Postponed 2020 General Conference held in 2024. In this lively conversation with Dr. Ashley Boggan and guest, Dr. Jonathan LeMaster-Smith, discover what’s new in the latest iteration, as well as take a deep dive into the history of this text that traces its beginnings to minutes from a Methodist conference convened by John Wesley in 1744.
Learn more about our guest, Dr. Jonathan LeMaster-Smith at his website.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
John Wesley had seven sisters and it’s “overdue that we explore their lives,” says Rev. Dr. Glen O’Brien, author, minister and professor of Christian history and thought at the University of Divinity in Melbourne, Australia. Join Dr. Ashley Boggan, host of “Un-Tied Methodism,” as she and O’Brien delve into the stories of the Wesley sisters, examining both their lives and contributions to Methodism, as well as the importance of understanding Christian history from a female perspective.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
In a history that is not widely known, the early African Methodist Episcopal Church and indigenous communities shared a relationship of both connection and resistance in the area now known as Oklahoma.
Dr. Ashley Boggan takes a look at the history with Dr. Christina Dickerson, professor and author of “Black Indians and Freedmen: The African Methodist Episcopal Church and Indigenous Americans, 1816-1916” on the current episode of “Un-Tied Methodism.”
Learn more and/or order Dickerson’s book at this link.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
Many United Methodists do not know the violent tragedies of our past, including the denomination’s responsibility and agency in the Sand Creek Massacre, the 1864 attack by the U.S. Army on the Cheyenne and Arapaho people in what is now Colorado. This is that story.
Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes guest, Dr. Gary L. Roberts, professor and author of “Massacre at Sand Creek: How Methodists Were Involved in an American Tragedy.”
Note: This episode is a repeat from October 2021.
To learn more and/or order Dr. Roberts’ book, go to this link.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
Join Dr. Ashley Boggan D., GCAH’s general secretary, and Dr. Philip Wingeier-Rayo, professor of Missiology, World Christianity and Methodist Studies at Wesley Theological Seminary, as they discuss the vibrant history of Methodism in Latin America. Learn about the courageous pioneers who brought their faith to a region dominated by Catholicism and how the legacy continues to thrive today.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
The Rev. Dr. Christopher P. Momany joins Dr. Ashley Boggan as a return guest on “Un-Tied Methodism” to discuss his new collaborative project titled “Awakening to Justice: Faithful Voices from the Abolitionist Past.” Inspired by the discovery of a 19th century abolitionist journal and the documentation of a ship used to enslave people, the book challenges us to confront our history in an effort to inspire fresh conversations about race and faith in the church
Learn more about and/or purchase “Awakening to Justice” and other titles by Momany at christopherpaulmomany.com.
Watch the “Awakening to Justice” documentary.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
The Rev. Dr. Christopher P. Momany, author of “Compelling Lives: Five Methodist Abolitionists and the Ideas that Inspired Them” joins Dr. Ashley Boggan D. as a guest on “Un-Tied Methodism” to discuss key Methodists whose opposition to slavery and witness for justice was grounded in the “higher law” of godly authority rather than human-made laws.
Learn more about and/or purchase Momany’s book at christopherpaulmomany.com.
Check out this video produced by the Michigan Conference of The UMC that features Momany’s study and outreach in support of “Compelling Lives.”
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
Hillary Rodham Clinton, a lifelong United Methodist, made a profession of faith at 10 years old, a faith that impacted her character and her politics, says Gary Scott Smith, biographer of the American politician, diplomat and former First Lady. Smith joins Dr. Ashley Boggan D. on “Un-Tied Methodism” to discuss “Do All the Good You Can: How Faith Shaped Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Politics.” Regardless of the role she was in, Smith shares, Clinton’s guiding passion was informed through a Methodist lens of what was right and just, primarily as she worked to improve the lives of women and children.
Learn more about and/or purchase Smith’s book at University of Illinois Press.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.
On today’s special 50th episode of “Un-Tied Methodism,” streamed live from the postponed 2020 General Conference, Dr. Ashley Boggan D., host, welcomes Jan Lawrence, executive director of Reconciling Ministries Network. The two discuss RMN’s 40 years of witness, as well as what the LGBTQ+ caucus is doing to prepare for the next iteration of The United Methodist Church.
Learn more about Reconciling Ministries Network at RMNetwork.org.Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
In the next installment of our special General Conference series of “Un-Tied Methodism” episodes, we discuss regionalization. Few may realize that as soon as John Wesley’s Methodist movement expanded out of the U.K. to Ireland, Scotland, the Caribbean and North America, the conversation about regionalization began. More than 270 years later, a petition outlining an official regionalization plan for The UMC is headed to General Conference. Dr. Ashley Boggan D. welcomes guests the Rev. Dr. Betty Kazadi Musau, Dr. David Scott and the Rev. Dr. Israel Alvaran to discuss this important topic and why regionalization offers opportunities to rethink the church and consider possibilities for both The UMC and for the ecumenical church worldwide.
To learn more and/or purchase “Methodism and American Empire: Reflections on Decolonizing the Church,” edited by Dr. David William Scott and Filipe Fernandes R. Maia, visit Cokesbury.com.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
In the next installment of our special General Conference series, Dr. Ashley Boggan D. welcomes Dawn Wiggins Hare, the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women’s general secretary, and the Rev. Jane Ellen Nickell, an ordained elder in The UMC’s West Virginia Conference, to discuss the role of women through the years at the denomination’s quadrennial legislative gathering. The trio discusses how women have and have not been affirmed, the ongoing need for expansive language in legislation and how sexism remains in The UMC.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
When thinking about the earliest founders of Methodism, most likely a number of men come to mind: John Wesley, Charles Wesley, Francis Asbury, Philip Otterbein, to name a few. In addition to these men, however, are women who, in a spirit of “holy boldness,” were vital to the formation and spread of Methodism around the world. Host Dr. Ashley Boggan D., General Commission on Archives and History’s general secretary, welcomes the Rev. Dr. Donna Fowler-Marchant, in a special episode to commemorate Women’s History Month, to discuss a few of the fearless and faithful women who are key to our denomination’s spiritual DNA.
Fowler-Marchant is the author of “Mothers in Israel: Methodist Beginnings through the Eyes of Women.” Learn more and/or purchase a copy at Cokesbury.com.
When the Methodist Church was instituted in the U.S., it wasn’t an institution. It was a church on the move, says the Rev. Dr. Theon Johnson III, today’s guest on “Un-Tied Methodism.” Join Dr. Ashley Boggan D., general secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, and Johnson, pastor at Downs Memorial UMC in Oakland, Calif., for a thoughtful and lively conversation about The UMC’s history of faith in action and how we reclaim our role as a church on the move.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.
Just in time for Lent, Dr. Ashley Boggan D. is joined by the Rev. Dr. Steven Manskar to discuss his new book, “Lent & Easter with John & Charles Wesley.” Incorporating John Wesley’s sermons and Charles Wesley’s hymns, Manskar explains how, through the daily devotional guide, readers will prepare to reaffirm the baptismal covenant on Easter Sunday, all while better understanding the doctrinal standards of Wesley’s Methodism.
Learn more and/or purchase “Lent & Easter with John & Charles Wesley” at this link.
Learn more United Methodist history by visiting umhistoryhub.teachable.com.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/archivesandhistory.
The United Methodist Church has a legacy of social witness. Join Dr. Ashley Boggan D. with guests the Rev. Dr. Darryl Stephens and John Hill, interim chief executive of the The UMC’s General Board of Church and Society, to discuss the history of the Social Principles and the new Revised Social Principles coming before General Conference 2020 to be held in April 2024.
Learn more or purchase the Revised Social Principles at this link.
The Rev. Dr. Darryl Stephens is a noted author and speaker. To pre-order Stephens’ upcoming book, Reckoning Methodism: Mission and Division in the Public Church (Eugene, OR: Cascade, out in March 2024, go to this link.
Learn more United Methodist history by visiting umhistoryhub.teachable.com.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/archivesandhistory.
Dr. Ashley Boggan D., general secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, welcomes her guest, the Rev. Dr. Paul Chilcote, renowned Wesley scholar, to discuss his new book, “Multiplying Love: A Vision of United Methodist Life Together.” During the conversation, Chilcote asserts that in a world that is radically divided, we don’t need a bold witness, but, rather, a gracious witness that is centered on holiness connected to love and not law.
Learn more or purchase “Multipyling Love: A Vision of United Methodist Life Together” at Cokesbury.com.
Learn more United Methodist history by visiting umhistoryhub.teachable.com.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/archivesandhistory.
The historic Christmas Conference in 1784 is the official beginning of the Methodist Episcopal Church in America, but the seeds of Methodism were first planted in America almost two decades earlier in New York City. Dr. Ashley Boggan D. welcomes United Methodist pastor Stefanie Bennett, who shares the history that dates back to 1766 and resulted in the establishment of John Street UMC, the oldest Methodist U.S. congregation.
Learn more United Methodist history by visiting umhistoryhub.teachable.com.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/archivesandhistory.
Bishop David Wilson, the first Native American person elected to serve as as United Methodist bishop, joins Dr. Ashley Boggan D. to discuss the history of Methodism and indigenous nations, including the role the denomination played with mission schools and decolonizing Native Peoples.
To learn more about the books mentioned in today’s episode, visit these links:
“Massacre at Sand Creek” by Gary L. Roberts
“The First White Frost: Native Americans and United Methodism” by Homer Noley
“Capture These Indians for the Lord: Indians, Methodists and Oklahomans, 1844-1939” by Tash Smith
Learn more United Methodist history by visiting umhistoryhub.teachable.com.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/archivesandhistory.
In his newly-released graphic novel titled “Incompatible,” the Rev. Charlie Baber explores the history of events that led to The UMC’s current divide on the subject of LGBTQ+ inclusion. Dr. Ashley Boggan D. and Baber, a United Methodist pastor and creator of the Wesley Bros. animated characters, discuss the church’s current struggle and how the full inclusion of LBGTQ+ Christians is a faithful witness to the work of the Holy Spirit.
To learn more about today’s guest, go to CharlieBaber.com.
Learn more United Methodist history by visiting umhistoryhub.teachable.com.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/archivesandhistory.
The Rev. Beth Richardson, an early leader in what would become the Reconciling Ministries Network, tells her story of the beginning years of creating a space where LGBTQ+ United Methodists could feel safe and loved, be affirmed and find advocacy.
Today’s episode was livestreamed as part of the 2023 United Methodist Podcast-a-thon produced by United Methodist Communications.
To learn more about today’s guest, visit BethARichardson.com.
Learn more United Methodist history by visiting umhistoryhub.teachable.com.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/archivesandhistory.
In the new book, “Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm,” author and retired United Methodist pastor John Elford calls out the white American Methodist church for its involvement with White Supremacy since the 18th century to the present. In this podcast episode, Dr. Ashley Boggan D. and Elford discuss the denomination’s troubled history and also share how United Methodists today can take a stand for racial justice in our churches and communities.
Learn more about or order a copy of “Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm,” at JohnElford.com.
Learn more United Methodist history by visiting umhistoryhub.teachable.com.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/archivesandhistory.
How have Methodists approached education in the past? John Wesley was a highly educated Oxford don whose mother embedded the importance of universal education in him from a young age. How did universal access to education become a driving part of the Methodist mission, particularly in America? GUESTS: Dr. Linda Ryan is a graduate of […]
Nineteen years later, the Rev. Karen Dammann remains one of the few United Methodist clergy to be acquitted after being charged with violating church by openly coming out as a lesbian. Dammann and her clergy counsel, the Rev. Robert C. Ward, reflect on the events that led to the trial and the years since the […]
In the first “Un-Tied Methodism” international podcast, Dr. Ashley Boggan D. speaks with United Methodist leaders from the Zimbabwe West Annual Conference, Zimbabwe East Annual Conference and Africa University’s archivist and church historian to learn about the fascinating history of Mt. Makomwe, a Methodist mission started in 1905 that remains a pillar of Methodism throughout […]
Dr. Ashley Boggan D. discusses the history of The United Methodist Church in Hawaii with the Rev. Amy Wake, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church of Honolulu, who details the colonialism surrounding the arrival of Methodism to the islands and how the local church has persevered to maintain its culture across the decades. Learn […]
La Trinidad UMC , founded in 1876, is the longest serving Mexican American congregation in The UMC. Dr. Ashley Boggan D. talks with the Rev. John Feagins about how this historic church in San Antonio, Texas, redefined itself by rediscovering its rich cultural identity. Learn more United Methodist history by visiting umhistoryhub.teachable.com. Explore the United […]
Bishop Thomas Bickerton, president of the Council of Bishops, and David Worthington, director of Global Relationships at John Wesley’s New Room, discuss the importance of our local church histories with Dr. Ashley Boggan D. and share how our denomination’s future could be influenced by remembering our legacy.
Learn more about the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History by visiting ResourceUMC.org/archivesandhistory.
Dr. Ashley Boggan D., host of “Un-Tied Methodism” discusses the history of First United Methodist Church of Jackson, Tenn., with the Rev. Sky McCracken. In addition to being the city’s oldest church in continuous operation, the church has a rich Civil War-era history as the building that housed a hospital and stable for Union forces. In 1870, the church played a major role in organizing the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, now the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple can boast a number of distinctions, including oldest congregation in the Windy City and the tallest church building in the world. On this episode of “Un-Tied Methodism,” host Dr. Ashley Boggan D. talks with David Foster as he shares the story of the Chicago Temple, a downtown church that stayed put throughout a century of change.
Hear the story of Gulfside Assembly, where, 100 years ago, swampy Mississippi acreage was transformed into a retreat center that provided spiritual, educational and recreational facilities to Blacks who were denied access elsewhere because of segregation. Dr. Ashley Boggan D. chats with Cheryl Thompson, Gulfside Assembly’s executive director, about the renaissance happening at this historical landmark of The United Methodist Church.
In honor of Women’s History Month, Dr. Ashley Boggan D. welcomes Dr. Christopher Evans to discuss the remarkable and energetic Frances Willard. Willard, a cradle Methodist, was one of the most widely known people in America during her lifetime, leaving an indelible mark on not only Methodist history but U.S. history as an American educator, women’s suffragist and national president of Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. She is credited with being instrumental in the passage of the 18th and 19th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Dr. Ashley Boggan D., general secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, welcomes Bishop Ernest Lyght and Bishop Forrest Stith, to “Un-Tied Methodism” to discuss the years 1968-1972, a quadrennium filled with hopes, plans and disappointments for Black Methodists, and learn why United Methodism’s greatest challenges of cultural diversity and connectionalism are also the denomination’s greatest strengths.
“Do not imagine that you can avoid giving offense,” John Wesley tells the People called Methodists. This advice, along with four other nuggets of wisdom continues to serve as good words to us as we live out our lives and spread the love of God.
Dr. Ted A. Campbell, the Albert Cook Outler Professor of Wesley Studies at SMU Perkins School of Theology, joins Dr. Ashley Boggan D. on today’s episode.
St. Francis of Assisi is credited with presenting the first Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve in the early 1200s. Fast forward to the 21st century when Christmas pageants haven’t veered too far from the 13th century version with Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and a few animals.
Inspired by slam poetry, Rev. Katy Shedlock, United Methodist clergy, church planter and co-pastor at The Creator’s Table in Spokane, Washington, decided to change it up. In the “Deleted Scenes Christmas Pageant,” Shedlock puts the spotlight on Mary, filling in the unknown parts of the traditional story with an unconventional narrative that highlights Mary as a powerful, fierce teen woman.
St. Francis of Assisi is credited with presenting the first Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve in the early 1200s. Fast forward to the 21st century when Christmas pageants haven’t veered too far from the 13th century version with Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and a few animals.
Inspired by slam poetry, Rev. Katy Shedlock, United Methodist clergy, church planter and co-pastor at The Creator’s Table in Spokane, Washington, decided to change it up. In the “Deleted Scenes Christmas Pageant,” Shedlock puts the spotlight on Mary, filling in the unknown parts of the traditional story with an unconventional narrative that highlights Mary as a powerful, fierce teen woman.
Earlier in November, 13 new bishops were elected to serve The UMC across the U.S. Learn when bishops first became part of the denominational narrative, why Francis Asbury changed their title from general superintendent and more episcopal history when the Rev. Dr. Robert J. Williams, former general secretary of Archives & History, joins this episode of “Un-Tied Methodism.”
In this special episode of “Un-Tied Methodism,” we partner with United Methodist Communication’s “Get Your Spirit in Shape” podcast to talk about the importance of Charles Wesley. When it comes to John and Charles Wesley, oftentimes in Methodist history, John gets the focus. But what about Charles? What was he like? How did he contribute to Methodist history, Methodist theology and the legacy of Methodism as it has grown around the world?
Guest: The Rev. Dr. Paul W. Chilcote is a retired United Methodist elder and professor of historical theology and Wesleyan studies who has taught on three continents. An award-winning author, he has published nearly thirty books, including “Praying in the Wesleyan Spirit, A Faith That Sings” and “Recapturing the Wesleys' Vision.” He is a Benedictine Oblate of Mount Angel Abbey in Saint Benedictine, Oregon. Chilcote most recently served as interim director of the Centre for Global Wesleyan at Cambridge University.
Hosts: Dr. Ashley Boggan D., General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. She earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She is the author of “Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights” (2020) and “Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality” (2018).
Crystal Caviness, manager, member content development for United Methodist Communications and communicator for General Commission on Archives and History. Caviness is host of “Get Your Spirit In Shape,” a podcast for members of The United Methodist Church.
The United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women marks its 50th anniversary on Sept. 15, celebrating a half century of advocating for the full inclusion of women in church life as well as helping to promote sexual ethics. General Secretary Dawn Wiggens Hare discusses the history of the organization, its impact, and where she envisions the organization going in the next 50 years.
Guest: Dawn Wiggins Hare currently serves as General Secretary of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, a position she has held since 2013. She is an attorney and was the first woman elected in the 35th judicial circuit as circuit judge in Monroeville, Alabama. She has also served as a delegate to the last four General Conferences.
Host: Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
How did Methodism come to India?
Guest: Dr. Glory Dharmaraj is President of The World Association for Christian Communication-North America. She is also the Retired Director of Mission Theology for United Methodist Women, now called United Women in Faith. She is the author of the denominational mission study on “India and Pakistan” in 2005-6, along with several other books on Christian mission as well as interfaith. She lives in New York with her husband Jacob Dharmaraj.
Host: Dr. Ashley Boggan D., General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff is a lay member of the Arkansas Annual Conference and the daughter of two ordained United Methodist ministers. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
How did Methodism come to Puerto Rico? What were the long-term ramifications of the original colonial aspects of mission? Guidance for the UMC in this moment?
GUEST:
Dr. Jorge Juan Rodriguez V is the son of two Puerto Rican migrants, grew up with his parents, grandmother, and uncle in a small affordable housing community in urban Connecticut. He holds degrees in biblical studies, social theory, liberation theology, and a Ph.D. in History from Union Theological Seminary where his work focuses on the intersections of religion and social movements. He currently teaches, consults, and serves as Associate Director for Strategic Programming at the Hispanic Summer Program—a nonprofit that creates year-round educational spaces for Latinx graduate students of religion.
HOST:
Dr. Ashley Boggan D., General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff is a lay member of the Arkansas Annual Conference and the daughter of two ordained United Methodist ministers. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
As of late, your social media and inbox may keep referencing a particular paragraph in the Book of Discipline, paragraph 2548.2. But what is this paragraph about? When did it originate and why? Is it useful to us today or not?
GUESTS:
Rev. Mark Salvacion senior pastor of Historic St. George’s UMC in Philadelphia and as of 2019, he was the founding Executive Director and Legal Policy Director of Justice For Our Neighbors of the Delaware Valley, which provides low-cost and pro bono immigration legal services to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in the Eastern Pennsylvania, Greater New Jersey and Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conferences.
Thomas Starnes, Chancellor of the Baltimore-Washington Conference since 2004. He’s served as litigation counsel for that Conference, and for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, in several lawsuits brought to enforce the Wesleyan “trust clause”.
Lawrence Hillis, PhD student at Drew University, candidate for ordination in the GNJ annual conference, and research consultant for GCAH. He specializes in the intersection of religion, politics, and economics, with a particular focus on violence against children.
HOST:
Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
In honor of Women’s History month, we’re speaking with Rev. Emily Nelms Chastain about how Methodist women have changed the trajectory of the denomination in a multitude of ways.
How has the United Methodist tradition evangelized to non-white persons via the Woman’s Home Missionary Society? GUEST:
Alex Parrish is the Methodist Librarian at Drew University. His is currently a PhD Candidate at Garrett Evangelical School of Theology where his research focuses on nineteenth- and early twentieth-century American Methodist missions.
HOST:
Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
CORRECTION:
Mr. Parrish misspoke during the recording of this epsiode and said there had not been any Caribou in Alaska prior to their being brought from Russia. However that is not the case. Caribou existerd in much smaller in numbersand had not been domesticated until that point.
The African American Methodist Heritage Center (AAMHC) has a mission: "To establish and provide for the maintenance of an African American Methodist Heritage Center, connected with a historically Black institution, that will preserve and protect artifacts and be accessible for research about African American people in Methodism." This month we discuss the history of this important institute, the present, as well as where they hope to be in 10 years! More on their website at https://aamhc-umc.org
GUESTS:
Carol Travis was baptized at Asbury UMC and is recorded as having delivered her first prayer at the age of 6 over 60 years ago. After a long career in corporate America, she retired to start another career in church administration, serving on the staff of diverse churches in urban and suburban settings She currently works in several ministry areas at Asbury UMC and at the Annual Conference level where she helps to advance the UMC 's dismantling racism agenda. She holds degrees from Trinity University and American University in Washington, DC. For 15 years, she was a board member of the African American Methodist Heritage Center and has been the Executive Assistant to the board since 2014.
HOST:
Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She earned an M.A. from the University of Chicago’s Divinity School, specializing in American Religious History. She has previously worked as staff at the General Commission on Archives and History (2012-2014) and the Connectional Table of The United Methodist Church (2014-2016). She was the Director of United Methodist Studies and Assistant Professor Christian History at Hood Theological Seminary (Salisbury, NC), an AME Zion Seminary, from 2017-2019 and was the Director of Women’s and Gender Studies and Assistant Professor of Religion at High Point University (High Point, NC) from 2019-2020. Dreff is a lay member of the Arkansas Annual Conference and the daughter of two ordained United Methodist ministers. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
Happy 2022! John Wesley often participated in Watch Night Services, also known as Covenant Services, on New Years Eve. Is this the Wesleyan form of New Year Resolutions? Is this tradition still around? How have different communities, particularly African American forms of Methodism, adopted and adapted the Watch Night Service? GUESTS:
Dr. Martin Wellings serves as Superintendent Minister of the Barnet & Queensbury Circuit, in London, UK. He chairs the Faith and Order Committee of the British Methodist Church and is a Past President of the World Methodist Historical Society. He has recently become editor of the online Dictionary of Methodism in Britain and Ireland (https://dmbi.online/ ).
Dr. Sharon Grant is an Associate Professor of the History of Christianity at Hood. She joined the faculty in 2016, and teaches the major required surveys on the History of Christianity and elective courses in the fields of American Religious History, Wesleyan and Methodist Studies, Black Church History and World Religions. As a former environmental scientist, her research interests have converged to integrate religious studies, theological inquiry and scientific content as the Founder and Director of the International Center of Faith, Science and History.
HOST:
Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She earned an M.A. from the University of Chicago’s Divinity School, specializing in American Religious History.
We hear so much about the Christmas Conference as a crucial piece of Methodist History, but what exactly happened there?
GUEST:
Rev. Bonnie McCubbin serves bi-vocationally as the Director of Museums & Pilgrimage/Conference Archivist for the Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church where she oversees 33 historic sites and as the pastor of Old Otterbein UMC (Baltimore, MD), the Mother Church of the United Brethren in Christ branch of our denomination. Her research interests includes Cokesbury College, the first Methodist College in the world and Baltimore Methodism; and her most recent publication was as a contributing author to When Kids Ask Hard Questions, volume 2, ed. McCleneghan & Jackson (Chalice Press. 2021).
HOST:
Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
What were indigenous boarding schools and how were Methodists involved?
GUEST:
Rev. Shirley Montoya is an ordained elder in the UMC serving in the Desert Southwest Annual Conference. She was raised in the valley of Shiprock, New Mexico and attended a Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school there. She currently lives on the Navajo reservation and serves her community as Project Manager for the Healing Circle Wellness Center in Shiprock, NM.
HOST:
Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
How has United Methodism’s racist actions against indigenous nations affected indigenous communities and congregations in 2021? We’ll learn from Ragghi Rain and Cynthia Wilks-Mosley about generational trauma and healing.
GUESTS:
Ragghi Rain is a layperson in the UMC who lives in Delaware on the land of the Nanticoke and Lenape. RagghiRain is a Descent of the Eastern Band of Tsalagi.
Cynthia Wilks-Mosley is a layperson in the UMC who attends St. John Fordville. She is a member of the Nanticoke Lenni Lenape Tribe of Indians.
HOST:
Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
Many United Methodists do not know the violent tragedies of our past, including our responsibility and agency in a massacre at Sand Creek. This is that story.
GUEST:
Dr. Gary Roberts is Emeritus Professor of History, Abraham Baldwin College, Tifton, Georgia, respected historian of the American West and the Sand Creek massacre in particular, has published on a variety of topics related to frontier violence and Sand Creek in particular. He has consulted with the National Park Service, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe of Oklahoma, the Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana, and the Rocky Mountain Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church concerning Sand Creek.
HOST:
Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She earned an M.A. from the University of Chicago’s Divinity School, specializing in American Religious History. She has previously worked as staff at the General Commission on Archives and History (2012-2014) and the Connectional Table of The United Methodist Church (2014-2016). She was the Director of United Methodist Studies and Assistant Professor Christian History at Hood Theological Seminary (Salisbury, NC), an AME Zion Seminary, from 2017-2019 and was the Director of Women’s and Gender Studies and Assistant Professor of Religion at High Point University (High Point, NC) from 2019-2020. Dreff is a lay member of the Arkansas Annual Conference and the daughter of two ordained United Methodist ministers. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
Francis Asbury was tasked with carrying out John Wesley’s vision of Methodism in the colonies and the United States. Part of this vision included a strong stance against the institution of slavery. How did Asbury respond to and embody this stance in a society that was increasingly racist and white supermacist?
GUESTS:
Dr. Gordon Melton is the Distinguished Professor of American religious History at Baylor University, Waco, Texas. He is the author of A Will to Choose: The origins of African American Methodist (2007)
Rev. Dr. Mark Tyler is the 52nd pastor of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia and is a native of Oakland, California. He’s also a documentary filmmaker, radio host, motorcyclist, an adjunct faculty member at Payne Theological Seminary and an affiliated faculty member of Methodist Theological Seminary.
HOST:
Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
John Wesley’s mission to Georgia included a mandate to convert indigenous nations. How did this trip shape his understanding of indigenous persons and what can United Methodists today learn from this encounter?
Guest:
Rev. Dr. Suzanne Wenonah Duchesne: Dr. Duchesne is a PhD graduate of Drew Theological School whose dissertation was entitled Beloved Speech: Language and Legacies of Methodist Women Leaders of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference with Antiracist/Decolonizing Strategies for Preaching. She is currently faculty at New Brunswick Theological Seminary in NJ.
Host:
Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She earned an M.A. from the University of Chicago’s Divinity School, specializing in American Religious History.
It’s no secret that John Wesley and Frances Asbury were quite dictatorial leaders who envisioned quite different futures for the peoples called Methodist….Or maybe it is? Hence, this podcast episode! Today, we’ll look at two (of the many) “founders” of Methodism, John Wesley and Francis Asbury. How did their different leadership styles create different types of Methodist movements? Was Wesley influential after the official formation of the MEC or did Asbury fully take over? What is their legacy in United Methodism today?
GUESTS:
Dr. Laceye Warner serves as the Associate Dean for Wesleyan Engagement at Duke Divinity School where she has taught Methodist Studies for over twenty years. Laceye lives in Abbott, TX with her husband, daughter, and many of God’s creatures.
Rev. Dr. Steven Manskar served as Director of Wesleyan Leadership with Discipleship Ministries from 1999 until 2018. He continues to direct the annual Wesley Pilgrimage in England. Steve lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, Gina.
HOST:
Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
Celebrating Asbury’s Voyage to the Americas 250 Years Ago As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Francis Asbury's crossing from England to America, we will feature a four-part series over the course of the month. More information can be found at here.
IN THIS EPISODE:
What is the Christmas Conference? Why is it important to American Methodism? And what are its positive and negative lasting impacts on the development of American Methodisms?
GUEST:
Dr. Russ Richey is a renowned Methodist historian. He’s held academic and administrative positions at Candler School of Theology, Drew Theological School, and Duke Divinity School. He is a well established author whose most recent work is forthcoming from New Room Books entitled, A Church’s Broken Heart: Mason-Dixon Methodism.
HOST:
Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She earned an M.A. from the University of Chicago’s Divinity School, specializing in American Religious History. She has previously worked as staff at the General Commission on Archives and History (2012-2014) and the Connectional Table of The United Methodist Church (2014-2016). She was the Director of United Methodist Studies and Assistant Professor Christian History at Hood Theological Seminary (Salisbury, NC), an AME Zion Seminary, from 2017-2019 and was the Director of Women’s and Gender Studies and Assistant Professor of Religion at High Point University (High Point, NC) from 2019-2020. Dreff is a lay member of the Arkansas Annual Conference and the daughter of two ordained United Methodist ministers. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
How have Methodists approached education in the past? John Wesley was a highly educated Oxford don whose mother embedded the importance of universal education in him from a young age. How did universal access to education become a driving part of the Methodist mission, particularly in America?
GUESTS:
Dr. Linda Ryan is a graduate of the Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church History and author of John Wesley and the Education of Children: Gender, Class and Piety
Dr. Marco Robinson is an Assistant Professor of History at Prairie View A&M University and Assistant Director of the Ruth J Simmons Center for Race and Justice in Prairie View, Texas.
Dr Audrey McCluskey is professor emeritus of African American and African Diasporar Studies at Indiana University Bloomington. She is the author of many books including A Forgotten Sisterhood: Pioneering Black Women Educators and Activists in the Jim Crow South
HOST:
Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She earned an M.A. from the University of Chicago’s Divinity School, specializing in American Religious History. She has previously worked as staff at the General Commission on Archives and History (2012-2014) and the Connectional Table of The United Methodist Church (2014-2016). She was the Director of United Methodist Studies and Assistant Professor Christian History at Hood Theological Seminary (Salisbury, NC), an AME Zion Seminary, from 2017-2019 and was the Director of Women’s and Gender Studies and Assistant Professor of Religion at High Point University (High Point, NC) from 2019-2020. Dreff is a lay member of the Arkansas Annual Conference and the daughter of two ordained United Methodist ministers. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
This episode features an interview with Dr. Dee E Andrews about her book, The Methodists in Revolutionary America. Dr. Andrews will provides an overview of the spirit of revolution (and its many forms) within early American Methodism. In this interview, the various revolutions within Methodism (gender, race, social upheavals) parallel the idea of revolution within the American Revolutionary era.
Dr. Dee E. Andrews is a professor emerita of history at California State University, East Bay. She is the author of Methodists and Revolutionary America, 1760-1800.
Host: Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She earned an M.A. from the University of Chicago’s Divinity School, specializing in American Religious History. She has previously worked as staff at the General Commission on Archives and History (2012-2014) and the Connectional Table of The United Methodist Church (2014-2016). She was the Director of United Methodist Studies and Assistant Professor Christian History at Hood Theological Seminary (Salisbury, NC), an AME Zion Seminary, from 2017-2019 and was the Director of Women’s and Gender Studies and Assistant Professor of Religion at High Point University (High Point, NC) from 2019-2020. Dreff is a lay member of the Arkansas Annual Conference and the daughter of two ordained United Methodist ministers. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
In Part 1 of this episode, Ashley quizzes Rev. Jeremy Smith and Tara Barnes on their knowledge of Welch's Grape Juice and its connection with the Methodist Church.
In Part 2, Ashley discusses The Poisoned Chalice with Dr. Jennifer Woodruff Tait who literally wrote the book on Grape juice and Methodism.
GUESTS:
Tara Barnes is the editor for response magazine, the official magazine of United Methodist Women. United Methodist Women is the largest faith-based denominational organization for women in the United States focused on ensuring women and children can live thriving lives around the world.
Rev. Jeremy Smith is an ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church, Jeremy joined First Church Seattle as Pastor in July 2017. Originally from Oklahoma, Jeremy graduated from
Oklahoma City University with a BA in Religion, and Boston University School of Theology with a Masters of Divinity. Along with being a pastor, Jeremy is best known for social media
advocacy and his technology and faith blog Hacking Christianity.
Dr. Jennifer Woodruff Tait is the managing editor of Christian History magazine, the author of The Poisoned Chalice: Eucharistic Grape Juice and Common-Sense Realism in Victorian Methodism, and a priest in the Episcopal Church.
HOST:
Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She earned an M.A. from the University of Chicago’s Divinity School,
specializing in American Religious History. She has previously worked as staff at the General Commission on Archives and History (2012-2014) and the Connectional Table of The United
Methodist Church (2014-2016). She was the Director of United Methodist Studies and Assistant Professor Christian History at Hood Theological Seminary (Salisbury, NC), an AME Zion Seminary, from 2017-2019 and was the Director of Women’s and Gender Studies and Assistant Professor of Religion at High Point University (High Point, NC) from 2019-2020. Dreff is a lay
member of the Arkansas Annual Conference and the daughter of two ordained United Methodist ministers. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020)
and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
A local church discovers their past is intertwined with the KKK. How did they handle it? Our guests today share with Ashley on the steps they took to confront this racist history.
GUESTS:
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar currently serves as the Bishop of the New England Annual Conference of the UMC. He was elected to the episcopacy at the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference in July 2004. He earned a M.Th. degree from Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, and an M.Phil. and a Ph.D. from Drew University.
Rev. Megan Stowe is the District Superintendent of the Commonwealth West district in the New England Annual Conference of the UMC which includes churches in Central and Western parts of Massachusetts. Rev. Stowe earned a Master of Divinity at Boston University School of Theology and has served as ordained clergy in the Troy, Upper New York, and New England Annual Conferences.
Rev. Pat Thompson is a semi-retired elder in the New England Annual Conference (NEAC) of The United Methodist Church, currently serving as 1/4 Coordinating Pastor (in charge of administration) and local church historian for the Wolcott United Methodist church in Wolcott,
Vermont. She is also the Historian for the NEAC and served as Editor of Historian’s Digest, the newsletter for the Historical Society of the UMC. In 2006 she received the GCAH DistinguishedService Award, in part, for her publication of Courageous Past, Bold Future:
The Journey Toward Full Clergy Rights for Women in The United Methodist Church.
Host:
Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She earned an M.A. from the University of Chicago’s Divinity School, specializing in American Religious History. She has previously worked as staff at the General Commission on Archives and History (2012-2014) and the Connectional Table of The United Methodist Church (2014-2016). She was the Director of United Methodist Studies and Assistant Professor Christian History at Hood Theological Seminary (Salisbury, NC), an AME Zion Seminary, from 2017-2019 and was the Director of Women’s and Gender Studies and Assistant Professor of Religion at High Point University (High Point, NC) from 2019-2020. Dreff is a lay member of the Arkansas Annual Conference and the daughter of two ordained United Methodist ministers. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
Guests:
Bishop Mande Muyombo is the Resident Bishop of the North Katanga Area in the Congo Central Conference of The United Methodist Church. Muyombo was an executive of the
General Board of Global Ministries when he was elected on the fourth ballot during the Congo Central Conference in 2017. He is the first graduate of Africa University to be elected bishop
and the youngest episcopal leader in the central conference. Bishop Muyombo holds a Bachelor’s (Department of Theology) and master’s Degree (IPLG) from Africa University as well
as master’s Degree in Theology and Doctor of Ministry from Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, USA. After working as President of Kamina Methodist University, he served as the
Executive Secretary for Africa at the General Board of Global Ministries and was subsequently promoted to Assistant General Secretary in the Missions and Evangelism Department.
Rev. Edlen Cowley has served as an ordained clergyperson in the North Texas Conference (NTC) of the United Methodist Church since the year 2000. He was ordained a deacon in the
year 2000 and an elder in 2003. After earning a degree in Government and Politics from The University of Texas at Dallas in 1993, he entered Perkins School of Theology at Southern
Methodist University where he earned his Masters of Divinity degree in the fall of 1999. Edlen has served in many diverse ministry settings; he was an Assistant/Associate Pastor at St. Luke “Community” UMC, East Dallas (1994-2002), and an Associate/Campus Pastor St Andrew UMC, Plano (2006-2014). He has started two new churches in the (NTC); Since 2014, Edlen has served as Senior Pastor of Fellowship UMC in Trophy Club. Edlen currently serves as the Chair of the Journey Toward Racial Justice (JTRJ) of the (NTC), and President of the African-American Clergy Fellowship (AACF). He is a former member of the Executive Committee of the (NTC) Black Methodists for Church Renewal (as Membership Chair). He also served on the (NTC) Black Church Initiative Leadership Team.
Adrienne Possenti is a laywoman from the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference. She retired in 2014 after a twenty five year career with the Vineland, NJ Board of Education. She’s been a member of First UMC in Vineland, NJ for thirty-five years and serves as the local church historian of her congregation, served on her district’s commission on archives and history for the
UMC, and was president of her UMW chapter . She is a proud animal rights activist and co-founder of the 501c3 nonprofit, Free All Captive Elephants.
Questions in this Episode:
Rev. Cowley, will you tell us a bit about the piece you wrote last
summer and why you wrote it?
Adrienne, after reading Rev. Cowley’s story last summer, you wrote to UMNS with a response. Can you tell us your understanding of the cross and flame?
Bishop, the cross and flame as a logo has great meaning for the central conferences. Can you tell us a bit about the logo in your context?
Current conversations regarding the logo in your local contexts? Is the logo and its interpretation being discussed?
If you were to re-design a logo for the UMC in 2021 what would it look like? In other words, what characteristics about the UMC are important enough or unique enough to be captured in a symbol?
Host Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff- General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological
School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She earned an M.A. from the University of Chicago’s Divinity School,
specializing in American Religious History. She has previously worked as staff at the General Commission on Archives and History (2012-2014) and the Connectional Table of The United
Methodist Church (2014-2016). She was the Director of United Methodist Studies and Assistant Professor Christian History at Hood Theological Seminary (Salisbury, NC), an AME Zion
Seminary, from 2017-2019 and was the Director of Women’s and Gender Studies and Assistant Professor of Religion at High Point University (High Point, NC) from 2019-2020. Dreff is a lay
member of the Arkansas Annual Conference and the daughter of two ordained United Methodist ministers. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020)
and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
GUESTS:
Carol Travis was baptized at Asbury UMC and is recorded as having delivered her first prayer at the age of 6 over 60 years ago. After a long career in corporate America, she retired to start another career in church administration, serving on the staff of diverse churches in urban and suburban settings She currently works in several ministry areas at Asbury UMC and at the Annual Conference level where she helps to advance the UMC 's dismantling racism agenda. She holds degrees from Trinity University and American University in Washington, DC. For 15 years, she was a board member of the African American Methodist Heritage Center and has been the Executive Assistant to the board since 2014.
Rev. Will Green is an Elder in Full Connection with the Northern Illinois Annual Conference currently in his fifth year of cross-conference ministry in the Baltimore Washington Annual Conference. He currently serves at Foundry United Methodist Church as an Associate Pastor and the Director of Discipleship, where he provides oversight and vision for the adult education and spiritual formation, lay leadership development, and assist the Senior Pastor with worship development and coordination.
Dr. Kumea Shorter-Gooden is a Washington, DC native and Clinical/Community Psychologist who has been active in the AME Zion Church for 40 years - in Chicago, Southern California, and in DC. I joined John Wesley AME Zion Church four years ago and has vast experience in consulting for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Discussion Questions In This Episode:
What is the historic relationship between your three DC congregations? Carol, Dr. Shorter-Gooden, Rev. Green
Is the history of white racism unique to your congregations within Methodist history?
Can you tell us a bit about your efforts to be in relationship with each other now? Why and how did these efforts begin?
What’s next for your congregations?
Rev. Mills of Asbury UMC has said that she hopes the relationship between these three congregations can “be a model for other churches — and the world — in crossing the divide of race.” What advice might you have for other congregations?
Asbury UMC and Metropolitan AME were victims of a hate crime back in December of 2020 when Black Lives Matter signs were ripped from the walls and burned in the streets. This is not the first time that Black Methodists have been the victims of a hate crime perpetuated by white mobs. In the past how have Methodists responded to instances such as this and what can future Methodists emphasize about our roots in the future to respond to racist acts?
Host: Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She earned an M.A. from the University of Chicago’s Divinity School, specializing in American Religious History. She has previously worked as staff at the General Commission on Archives and History (2012-2014) and the Connectional Table of The United Methodist Church (2014-2016). She was the Director of United Methodist Studies and Assistant Professor Christian History at Hood Theological Seminary (Salisbury, NC), an AME Zion Seminary, from 2017-2019 and was the Director of Women’s and Gender Studies and Assistant Professor of Religion at High Point University (High Point, NC) from 2019-2020. Dreff is a lay member of the Arkansas Annual Conference and the daughter of two ordained United Methodist ministers. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women's Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).
In this premiere episode, Ashley chats with Rev. Dr. Erin Beasley and Rev. Dr. Taylor Tenyer about the roots of racism in the United Methodist Church exploring the following:
How was racism built into the Methodist system in the past within the US (Rev. Dr. Beasley) and globally (Rev. Dr. Tenyer)? How does it still exist in our current denominational structure(s)? What’s the difference between racism and colonialism?
Are there prideful moments in our past when it comes to race both in a US context and globally?
John Wesley might be considered an anti-racist in his time given his staunch stance against slavery, his willingness to call out the comfortable lifestyle of white British elite, and his overt inclusion of marginalized persons. How does 21st century United Methodism reclaim this? Are we? John Wesley also called for spreading scriptural holiness across the lands -- how do we do this in a non-colonial way?