Faith Facts

• Broad Cove Church in Maine has filed suit against the United Methodist Church New England Annual Conference, alleging attempts at wrongful property takeover.
• The church contends it is non-denominational and never voted to officially join the UMC.
• Broad Cove seeks a court injunction to prevent the conference from acquiring its property.

A congregation in Cushing, Maine, is fighting to protect its property and independence amid growing tension with the regional United Methodist Conference. The church asserts its right to remain non-denominational and claims the UMC is trying to impose exclusive affiliation and new bylaws upon it.

The dispute intensified when Michael Leonard, the pastor assigned by UMC in 2023, allegedly urged changes that challenged the church’s identity and governance. After the church voted to terminate Leonard’s employment, the UMC sent a letter claiming the property was held in a denominational trust.

“UMC seeks to expand its shrinking holdings by fiat, declaring that Broad Cove is a Methodist-only community and forcing its non-Methodist members either to submit or find other churches,” reads the lawsuit.

“The UMC demands that Broad Cove knuckle under to the UMC’s ‘Book of Discipline’, with the ultimate goal of seizing Broad Cove’s real and personal property.”

While Broad Cove seeks legal intervention, the UMC continues to list the church as a member congregation. The outcome could set a precedent for church property rights and faith community autonomy within mainline denominations.

As believers, standing for truth, honoring church autonomy, and stewarding what God has entrusted is central. Pray for wisdom and righteousness to prevail as this church family defends its freedom to serve Christ as a community grounded in faith.

Read the full story at Christian Post

Faith Facts

• Watchdog group StopAntisemitism declared Tucker Carlson as 2025 “Antisemite of the Year.”
• The group cited Carlson’s interviews and statements with controversial figures known for antisemitic views.
• Other finalists included Bryce Mitchell and Stew Peters, both involved in separate controversies.

This designation by StopAntisemitism has drawn attention to the responsibility that comes with public influence, especially on issues of faith and morality. Christians are called to reject all forms of hatred, standing firm in the truth and love taught by Scripture.

During the year, prominent personalities came under scrutiny for remarks related to the Holocaust and Israel, emphasizing the need for discernment in public discourse. Faith-based values urge believers to affirm the dignity of all people, in line with Biblical principles.

“He knew that Nick Fuentes is an evil troll and that building him up is an act of moral imbecility. And that is precisely what Tucker Carlson did.”

Let us remain steadfast in promoting truth and justice, reflecting Christ’s love in our engagement with the world. Stay vigilant and informed to uphold these foundational values in every conversation.

Read the full article at The Christian Post

Faith Facts

• Over 323,000 have signed a petition against changing Notre-Dame’s historic stained-glass windows.
• The original 19th-century windows survived the 2019 fire untouched.
• French President Macron seeks new windows depicting Pentecost by Claire Tabouret.

The heart of France’s Christian heritage, Notre-Dame Cathedral, faces controversy over replacing its untouched stained-glass windows. Many faithful believe preserving this legacy honors both God and history.

The proposed modern designs have drawn concern from those valuing tradition and stewardship of sacred spaces. Christian voices call for respect of the cathedral’s original craftsmanship as a testament of faith.

“The president of the republic has decided on his own, without any regard for the heritage law or Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, to replace the stained glass windows.”

Petitioners question why windows that survived disaster should be removed, insisting that the cathedral belongs to all people, not just those in authority.

Claire Tabouret, the proposed artist, expressed hope for open dialogue: “I want to give the public the chance to form their own opinion, because when there’s controversy, there are also a lot of rumours.”

As believers, let us pray that France’s iconic symbol of faith remains faithful to its sacred roots, protecting Christian artistry for generations to come.

Read the full story here