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To the Editor:

Regarding the many rumors that have recently been reported in the news media and circulated on social media about the United Methodist Church, I would like to offer that these rumors are not true facts. I am Rev. Barbara Brewi, current pastor of the Mount Zion United Methodist Church, located in Straughn, Alabama.

Neither United Methodist theology, doctrine or the book of discipline have changed since 2016. In fact, in 2019 those rules were strengthened at a called meeting of the world-wide United Methodist Church. While requirements for ordination of clergy and marriage remain extremely strict and do not include practicing homosexual behavior, the United Methodist Church remains open to all persons. We acknowledge that there has been disobedience around the rule book by some in other parts of the United States; however, we in the Alabama-West Florida Conference and at Mount Zion UMC, have remained true to Christian values, rules and beliefs.

My desire in writing this article is to clarify that there is still a United Methodist Church serving Covington County, Alabama. While some churches have disaffiliated to other Methodist denominations, Mount Zion remains a UMC congregation. We are continuing to worship God in wonderful ways, through music, prayer and written Word.

Mount Zion plans to support our local foster care families through EMBRACE, the United Methodist Children’s Home; strengthen Christian values for families in the Straughn community; offer Christian fellowship for the Straughn School community; and offer a generous outpouring of love and the grace of Jesus Christ to all in the north end areas of Covington County.

If you have additional questions about the United Methodist Church, answers can be found at www.umc. org. Sunday services at Mount Zion UM are held weekly at 11:00 a.m., with Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 a.m. More information about all that is happening at Mount Zion United Methodist Church can also be found at www.mtzionstraughn.com.

Rev. Barbara Brewi
Straughn, Alabama