Theological Reflection

Mary’s Song is an expression of maternal love

The Magnificat begins as a lullaby and becomes a hymn of praise and protest. Will we join in Mary's Song this Advent?

By Aleta Payne Senior editor, Faith & Leadership

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12 book recommendations from our staff

Faith & Leadership staff asked friends and colleagues to recommend books they read in the past year. Here is a list of highlights.

Recovering a Spirit-led experience in the Wesleyan tradition

A Methodist pastor reflects on the legacy of John Wesley and on listening for the Spirit when it speaks.

By Justin Coleman Senior pastor, University United Methodist Church

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Compassion as a sacred source for spiritual leadership

We must be present and undistracted in order to practice compassion. The result can be transformative.

By Aizaiah Yong Executive Director, Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research

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Listening with our bodies for God’s voice

In a culture that often views decisions made with the head as most reliable, what insights might our bodies provide in the process of discerning God’s will?

By Katie Bracy Communications Specialist

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Working collectively to stop the harm done to migrants

Being willing to pivot and to co-create solutions are two ways a church has learned to support migrants, writes a United Methodist pastor in Washington, D.C.

By Stephanie Vader Senior pastor, Capitol Hill United Methodist Church, Washington, D.C.

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Joining our voices with 17 centuries of saints through the Nicene Creed

Reciting the Nicene Creed each week provides connection with those around us and those who have gone before, writes the director of communications for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Emily Lund Director of Communications, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

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What makes someone a saint?

In this excerpt from “A Beautiful Year,” her new book of meditations, a renowned public theologian writes about All Saints’ Day.

By Diana Butler Bass Theologian and author

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A priest whose life has been shaped by suicide offers a book to help others

“Suicide and the Communion of Saints” offers theological and practical resources to help individuals and communities deal with suicide and its aftermath.

Sounding the alarm against empire

Faced with the mass mobilization of federal forces in Washington, D.C., a United Methodist Church pastor writes about how she and others are offering protection and hope.