"Fundamentalism today is really related to a fairly rigid understanding of Scripture … I would distinguish that from evangelicalism." — The Rev. Thomas Lambrecht, a leader of the group Good News.
What does it mean to be evangelical?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Plenty of United Methodists of varied theological perspectives claim the name evangelical. No less than John Wesley himself applied the term to the Methodist movement he founded. Heather Hahn reports on the difference between evangelicals and fundamentalists.
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2 United Methodists among 10 mysterious deaths
GREENVILLE, Liberia (UMNS) — Two United Methodists are among 10 who died after eating food at a funeral; a third remains in critical condition. Health officials have ruled out Ebola. Julu Swen reports.
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Moderators to church: Focus on commission's work
WASHINGTON — The Commission on a Way Forward will continue its work after the Judicial Council decision related to the election of the first gay bishop, the moderators said. Bishops David Yemba, Sandra Steiner Ball and Ken Carter said the “outcome of the decision is not the focus of our mandate.”
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Bishop gives overview of United Methodist struggles
LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Conference Bishop Ken Carter, a moderator on the Commission on a Way Forward, has written a blog post titled “How We Got to Where We Are: A Brief Overview of United Methodism in 2017.” He gives background on the denomination’s continuing struggles over Christian faith and LGBTQ inclusivity.
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Deaf church celebrating 35 years
PASADENA, Md. — One of only two Deaf churches in the United Methodist denomination is celebrating 35 years as a church. Magothy United Methodist Church of the Deaf began as a missional congregation. The Rev. Leo Yates Jr., a provisional deacon appointed to the church, writes about how this church serves both Deaf and hearing people.
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Former BU dean dies
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — The Rev. Richard D. Nesmith, former dean and professor of Christian Social Ethics at the Boston University School of Theology from 1977 to 1988, died March 1. Nesmith, a United Methodist clergyman who was a full-time professor from 1988 until his retirement in 2001, died at a facility near his home in Framingham.
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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.
Thursday, May 4
"Sonshine and Sunshine: Sunday School in the Summer" — 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern. Elizabeth Christie, a United Methodist Christian educator, will discuss ways to keep children’s faith formation programs relevant and exciting through the summer months. The discussion will include ways to structure programs for a changeable group of children and staff. Practical Resources for Churches, an ecumenical group, provides the free webinar. Details
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