Our Mission

Brief History by
Rev. Dr. Kirk VanGilder

The Rev. Dr. Kirk VanGilder, the UMCD History and Archivist has shared a brief video of UMCD. Click here or on the image to see the video.

UMCD Membership

Learn more about the UMCD Membership

Rev. Dr. Sandi Johnson shares a brief video about the UMCD membership. Click here or on the image to see a short video about the UMCD membership.

Click here to become a member.

Full Members

UMCD Members are typically Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, and hearing United Methodists, including sign language interpreters, who have or are currently participating in Deaf ministries. UMCD members are full members with both voice and voting privileges. Annual membership cost is $25.

Affiliate Members

Affiliate Members are individuals from other denominations, (non-United Methodist) caucuses, and/or organizations (such as members of ELM) that wish to support the work and advocacy of UMCD. Affiliate members are full members with no voice or voting privileges. Annual membership cost is $25.

Supporting Members

Supporting Members are United Methodists who ARE NOT actively participating in a Deaf Ministry. Supporting members can be members of a United Methodist church (such as hearing persons) or a United Methodist caucus who wish to support the work and advocacy of UMCD. Supporting members are full members with voice only (no voting privileges). Annual membership cost is $25.

Church Membership

Church Membership is for individual United Methodist churches or ministries who wish to be a member in order to support Deaf ministries and the work and advocacy of UMCD. Church members are full members with no voice or voting privileges. Annual membership cost is $25.

UMCD has been in existence since 1981, though there were Deaf and hard of hearing United Methodists who gathered in regions. Following the 1968 merger of The United Methodist Church, racial-ethnic caucuses were recognized as caucuses. This and the merger of The UMC influenced the Deaf caucus to become official by obtaining its 501(c)3 status and to be incorporated. With the thanks of Global Ministries and the assistance from the General Commission on Finance and Administration, UMCD became a caucus. Though UMCD is not officially recognized by The UMC, its existence and influence is recognized through the advocacy efforts of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee, a partner of Global Ministries to support Deaf ministries within the denomination.

Accessibility

Accessibility

Increase Font SizeDecrease Font SizeLight contrastHigh contrastHighlight LinksReset Settings