Mark Holland

Author: Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, Executive Director, Mainstream UMC Dear Friends, Here at Mainstream UMC we see a number of reasons for optimism as we head into Christmas this year.  A big thank you to all of you who have supported us and make this work possible.  Here are our top 6 reasons to be hopeful for our church: Reason for Optimism #1: Jesus the Messiah is born anew into … [Read more...] about 6 Reasons for Optimism for the UMC

Posted By: Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, Executive Director, Mainstream UMC Mainstream UMC is proud to team up with UMCNext, Reconciling Ministries Network, Uniting Methodists, Methodist Federation for Social Action, The Western Methodist Justice Movement, UM Scholars for an Inclusive Church, All Belong, Affirmation, and LYNC (Love Your Neighbor Coalition).  “ResistHarm” is a United Methodist … [Read more...] about The Resistance Has Gone Mainstream!

Posted by: Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, Executive Director, Mainstream UMC One of our favorite carols says the holidays are the “most wonderful time of the year.”  They are certainly the most amplified.  The first holiday with a newborn baby is more magical than ever.  The first holiday without a loved one is harder than ever.  Whatever we are experiencing in life, the holidays … [Read more...] about Giving Thanks While Grieving

We Need a Moratorium Author: Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, Executive Director, Mainstream UMC The anti-gay coalition in the UMC celebrated another big win this week as queer clergy member, Rev. Anna Blaedel was removed from ministry in Iowa.  This is exactly the outcome envisioned by the architects of a generation-long plan to forcibly remove LGBTQ clergy and their allies.  This is the … [Read more...] about Another Big Win for Anti-Gay Coalition

Posted By Mark Holland, Executive Director, Mainstream UMC Mainstream UMC Co-Founders, Rev. Dr. Nanette Roberts and Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, were able to bring our appeal for a moratorium on trials directly to our Bishops from the central conferences (those outside the US) on Friday November 1.  Fifteen of the central conference Bishops from Africa, Europe, and the Philippines gathered just … [Read more...] about Mainstream UMC Meets with Central Conference Bishops

Dear Friends, November 3-6, 2019 is the last meeting of the United Methodist Council of Bishops before the Traditional Plan takes effect January 1, 2020.  Mainstream UMC is asking for your help to ask the Bishops to call for a church-wide moratorium on harmful complaints, charges, and trials.  Please take these four actions: 1. Please click here to sign this letter to the bishops … [Read more...] about Urgent Action Needed: Sign Letter, and Call or Email Your Bishop Today!

Author: Rev. Dr. Mark R. Holland, Executive Director, Mainstream UMC This is the second in a series on the complaints and trials going on currently in the UMC and what is ahead when the Traditional Plan takes effect January 1, 2020.  The Traditional Plan’s goal is to evict bishops, clergy, and entire annual conferences from the UMC.  This series will explore how we actively resist … [Read more...] about Church Trials Part II: A Generation of Harm

September 30, 2019 Dear Friends, Just a quick reminder, tonight at midnight is the close of our matching grant!  Our fundraising efforts this month inspired a donor to make a $15,000 challenge grant.  For every dollar that we raise through September, the donor will match up to a total of $15,000.  This is a great opportunity for you to give a gift this month, knowing that it … [Read more...] about Midnight Tonight: Deadline for Matching Grant