Native Peoples

Bjørn-Gunnar Andersen. Photo courtesy of the author.

Looking back at church’s long history with the Sámi people

On Feb. 6-9, 1917, the Methodist Church in Trondheim, Norway, hosted the first Sámi assembly.

The Rev. Jon Erik Bråthen (left) enjoys chatting with everyone he meets. Based at Porsangmoen near Lakselv in Finnmark, Norway, Bråthen is a military chaplain whose “congregants” include Sámi-speaking peoples who practice semi-nomadic reindeer herding. Photo courtesy of Emil Skartveit.

Military chaplain protects, promotes Sámi rights

In Norway, the Rev. Jon Erik Bråthen reaches out to Sámi-speaking peoples, whose best-known means of livelihood is semi-nomadic reindeer herding.

Human Rights

The Itchy Dog Singers opened a peaceful rally with a drum circle at the state Capitol in Harrisburg on May 1. Members of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania gathered to remind legislators that it is time to give them legal status as a recognized tribe. Photo courtesy of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.

United Methodists join rally to recognize indigenous tribe

On May 1, members of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania gathered for a peaceful rally on the steps of the state Capitol in Harrisburg. They were there to ask legislators to give them legal status as a recognized tribe.

Local Church

Nina Gorman (right) hugs the Rev. Murray Crookes in the kitchen at Every Nation United Methodist Church in Anchorage, Alaska, where Crookes and his family host a weekly fellowship meal and Bible study. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Alaskan church reaches out to Native community

Every Nation United Methodist Church in Anchorage was designed to support and minister to Alaska Natives.

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