Category: Un-tied Methodism

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 D. hosts this production of the General Commission on Archives and History of the UMC.

Roots and Renewal: The Story of Methodism in the Congo

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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.

How Methodist missions shaped Korea’s faith, freedom and future

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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 archives: Methodism in Zimbabwe, a conference borne out of a mountain

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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.

How Methodism took root in Italy

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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.

From Moravians to Modern Ministry: Tracing Methodism in Germany

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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.

Love, loss and a calling restored: The Rev. Dr. Rick Huskey’s lifelong witness to grace

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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.

Coming out in faith: Bishop Karen Oliveto’s journey

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“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.

Love, Calling and Courage: A clergy couple’s journey of faith and identity

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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.

Reproductive Rights, Respectability Politics and Methodism

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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.

Methodism and American politics: An historical look at the interplay

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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.