By Jessica Connor. Domestic violence has become a crisis in the Palmetto State, says the S.C. Attorney General's Office. South Carolina ranks ninth in the nation when it comes to women being killed by men, and more than 36,000 victims annually report a domestic violence incident to law enforcement agencies around the state.

By Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor. I must confess that things that make life easier are often appealing. Life just gets busy sometimes.

By Jessica Connor. I remember well where I was 10 years ago, on Sept. 11, 2001, the day terrorists launched a terrible, tragic attack on American soil. Living in South Florida at the time, I remember frantic calls to loved ones and huddling around a television set as we watched what we thought could be the end of the world.

By Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor. Recently, I have become more aware of the enormous impact of this Methodist movement begun by John Wesley.

By Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor. Have you been enjoying the wonderful peaches we have in South Carolina this summer?

By Jessica Connor. I sat there on the wet summer grass, cradling the 10-year-old girl on my lap as she roared in pain. “My arm! It hurts! Oh, it hurts!” she hollered, panting and shaking, before shivering her way into the fetal position as I tried my hardest to hold her right arm straight. All around me, concerned neighbors crouched, our eyes locking.

By Jessica Connor. Over and over again, sitting at the press table at Annual Conference, I heard pastor after pastor stand up and remind the body about the importance of faith in our walk as Christians.

By Jessica Connor. We’ve been seeing campaign literature lately from people who want to be elected as a General Conference delegate, and we applaud their willingness to go and serve this great United Methodist Church. It’s a huge responsibility, and one we know they don’t take lightly.

By Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor. The 2011 South Carolina Annual Conference marks the 40th session since our conference united in 1972. This is a significant milestone.

By Jessica Connor. On page 5 of this month’s Advocate, you’ll find point-counterpoint columns on one of the most divisive issues our United Methodist Church is facing today. Whether we’re talking about allowing a pastor to bar a gay parishioner from worship or allowing a gay clergy member to pastor a church, the millions of people comprising the UMC have strong and often polarized opinion about homosexuality.

By Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor. One of the things that I love most about our United Methodist Church is the connection. From the beginning, Methodists have realized that you can’t do it alone. Great things are accomplished for Jesus Christ when we work together.

By Jessica Connor. As we go to press on the April edition, Christians across the globe are preparing for the biggest celebration of the Church: the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.