“We need to expand the ways that we can make decisions and be in conversation with each other.” — Judi Kenaston, chair of the Commission on General Conference.
“Frankly, I do not see an alternative process that would achieve the benefits that occur under Robert’s Rules of Order.” — The Rev. Keith Boyette, a General Conference reserve delegate.
GC2016: The debate about how to debate sexuality
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Organizers of General Conference are proposing a new way to consider contentious issues, including the church’s stance on homosexuality. The plan is getting significant pushback, including questions of whether it could withstand a challenge before the denomination’s top court. Heather Hahn reports.
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Church leads health celebration in Liberia
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church’s Ministry to the Aging led a group of caregiver organizations and advocates for the elderly in observing World Health Day by emphasizing care for diabetics. E. Julu Swen has the story.
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Flint grateful for church response to water crisis
FLINT, Mich. (UMNS) — The Crossroads District and the citizens of Flint are grateful to United Methodists from across the state and around the U.S. for their response to Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey’s appeal for aid for the stricken city. Church efforts have included money and volunteers. Kay DeMoss reports for the Michigan Area.
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Wiley continues ‘Great Debaters’ tradition
MARSHALL, Texas. (UMNS) — The Wiley College debate tradition continues with the historically black college claiming another national title this year. After “The Great Debaters,” a 2007 movie based on the story of Wiley’s 1930 victory in the first interracial debate, star Denzel Washington donated $1 million to restart its debate program. Wiley is one of 11 historically black colleges supported by the Black College Fund of The United Methodist Church.
Read Texas Conference story
Learn more about the Black College Fund
United Methodist Insurance elects leaders
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The board of United Methodist Insurance, the liability insurance company for United Methodist local churches, has elected two new leaders. The Rev. Stephen Hundley will be president and chief executive officer, and Mike Plesko will be chief operating officer, effective June 1.
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MTSO offers intensive summer courses
DELAWARE, Ohio (UMNS) — From denominational polity to food justice to the role of race in American Christianity, Methodist Theological School in Ohio offers short-term, intensive summer courses that provide continuing education for professionals in ministry and counseling.
Learn more
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Saturday, April 30
Regular registration deadline for Music & Worship Arts Week 2016 at Lake Junaluska — Music & Worship Arts Week (Sunday-Friday, June 19-24, at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center) is an event highlighting the arts, worship, education and renewal at Lake Junaluska, presented by The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts. Designed for all worship leaders, musicians, artists, dancers, actors and pastors, as well as children and youth. $344 adult; $179 children and youth. Beginning May 1, all registration rates increase by $30. Details
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