Court hears arguments over gay bishop
NEWARK, N.J. (UMNS) — Was last July’s election of a gay bishop by United Methodists in the denomination’s U.S. Western Jurisdiction a violation of church law or a legal elevation of a clergy member in good standing? Representatives of both positions argued their case before the United Methodist Judicial Council during an April 25 oral hearing. Linda Bloom reports.
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Spectators pray, sing at Judicial Council
NEWARK, N.J. (UMNS) — About 200 people prayed and sang before a Judicial Council hearing on whether a gay bishop can be elected and consecrated in The United Methodist Church. Those attending included Bishop Karen Oliveto, the first openly gay bishop in the denomination. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
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Bishops set date for special 2019 General Conference
ST. LOUIS (UMNS) — The Council of Bishops announced the call to a special General Conference on Feb. 23-26, 2019, in St. Louis. The special meeting will be limited to dealing with a bishops’ report based on recommendations related to fostering church unity amid deep differences around homosexuality. Heather Hahn reports.
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Tennessee wildfire recovery speeds up
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — Two big events are happening this week that will press fast-forward on the partnership to build 25 homes for low-income survivors of last year’s wildfires in eastern Tennessee. Annette Spence has the story for the Holston Conference’s The Call.
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5 ways United Methodists have fought malaria
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — April 25 is World Malaria Day, an international observance dedicated to malaria awareness. Since 2010, The United Methodist Church, through its Imagine No Malaria initiative, has focused on reducing malaria deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Crystal Caviness and Ashley Gish report on five ways the church has helped fight malaria.
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Global Ministries names new fundraising director
ATLANTA — The Rev. Russell Pierce, an experienced nonprofit leader and strategist, joined the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries as its new director of The Advance and fundraising on April 10. Pierce was previously senior director of funds development with Church World Service.
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LOOKING AHEAD
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Saturday, April 29
Leadership Training for the Missional Congregation — 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Central, First United Methodist Church of Mendota, 100 East Sixth St., Mendota, Illinois. This event is a half-day workshop for pastors and congregational leaders who want to learn more about what it takes to be a congregation focused on God’s mission. The Rev. Rick Rouse will share the vital signs of a missional church and ways to help congregations reclaim their vocation as a mission outpost and training center for today’s disciples. Details
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