UMR Communications



www.reporterinteractive.org 

Basic History
UMR Communications began in 1847 with the publication of The Texas Christian and Brenham Advertiser as a private venture by Reverend Robert B. Wells. In 1848 the newspaper came under the auspices of the United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Reporter, the major source of communication among Texas Methodists, evolved from these humble newspaper beginnings. Today, The United Methodist Reporter is recognized as a source of international religion news and a national forum for United Methodist opinion about faith issues. 

UMR began offering communication education and training in 1981 with the founding of the Institute for Church Communications. The ecumenical weekly, The National Christian Reporter, was also created that year to serve the needs of other denominations. The United Methodist Review, begun in 1984, offers a biweekly option. 

Reporter Interactive, begun in February 1996, is an electronic periodical, containing the best material from The United Methodist Reporter and The National Christian Reporter. The United Methodist WorldWide News supplement for independent was first offered in 1996.

Lumicon, introduced in the fall of 2000, creates a center for the purpose of equipping churches to minister effectively. The site seeks to provide media and worship resources for ministries serving the emerging digital culture

Basic Beliefs
UMR's mission is to provide news, information, publishing, education and other communication services to and for the church. UMR believes in being a good corporate citizen of the world. "Our Parish" as John Wesley defined it. The Holy Scriptures and the United Methodist Social Principles guide their actions.

Leadership
Publisher/CEO – Ronald P. Patterson

Basic Facts
As technology has advanced, UMR Communications has become a multi-faceted religious communications enterprise. At the heart of UMR Communications are the church newspaper editions mailed to church members’ homes. Other services include customized editions; design and production of brochures, catalogs, and other promotional materials; web page design; bound volume printing, and digital resources.

Location
UMR Communications
2400 Lone Star Drive
Dallas, TX 75212
Phone (214) 630-6495
Fax (214) 630-0079