Rev. Paul T. Stallsworth

  This is my second, and last, Pastoral Reflection that centers on a declaration for life. Promise. In 1988, a small group of United Methodist pastors began discussing the possibility of writing a declaration addressed to The United Methodist Church on life and abortion. In... Read More →

    Let’s be honest. Congregations, as well as their pastors and priests, are hesitant, even unwilling, to address abortion either publicly or from the pulpit. We are afraid that we might make somebody in the local church mad. Nevertheless, faithful ministry involves... Read More →

  Dear Cardinals: Easter Season grace and peace to you and yours. With the help of God the Father, who displayed glorious power and good providence in raising His Son Jesus Christ from the dead, you can approach your duty of electing the next pope not with anxiety, not with... Read More →

  The mid-to-late fifties were a good time to grow up in Garden City, Kansas—a town of 10,000. My mother never lacked love, energy, dreams, and the most encouraging words. My father modeled a work ethic, held us accountable, and shared his wisdom, including how to be... Read More →

    Women in leadership roles are to some degree immune from public criticism. Often, those who find female leaders lacking tend to restrict their observations to private communication. Afraid of being labeled “sexist,” they pretty much silence their concerns. Sure,... Read More →

    A pastor who has been at it for a while knows that the main event every December is the Christmas Eve Service of Worship. In that service, Isaiah 9:2-7 is stirringly read; and Luke 2:1-20, on the birth of Jesus, joyfully declared. Then the Word is preached. And Holy... Read More →

  On September 12, 2024, United States Attorney General [AG] Merrick Garland addressed the closing session of the 85th Annual US Attorneys Conference at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC.  DOJ employees were invited to attend this event, held in the department’s... Read More →

  The following prayer was written by Rev. Timothy Whitaker (1948-2024), who served as bishop of The Florida Area of The United Methodist Church. In 2001, Bishop Whitaker published this prayer in The District Beam (newsletter, January/February) while he was the Norfolk (VA)... Read More →

    Most pastors and most priests seldom speak about abortion from the pulpit during the weekly worship service.  Why are pastors and priests so reluctant to talk about this matter in the sanctuary?  Fear.  We are afraid that if we address abortion a woman of whatever age... Read More →

    This pastoral reflection was outlined on May 31. Ninety years before that day, on May 31, 1934, The Barmen Declaration was adopted by the votes of more than one hundred Protestants—both clergy (pastors and professors) and laity who were assembled at a church in... Read More →