"It is not lawful for the college of bishops of any jurisdictional or central conference to consecrate a self-avowed practicing homosexual bishop." — United Methodist Judicial Council.
Consecration of gay bishop against church law
NEWARK, N.J. (UMNS) — The consecration of a gay bishop violates church law, the top court of The United Methodist Church has ruled. However, the bishop “remains in good standing,” the Judicial Council said in Decision 1341, until an administrative or judicial process is completed.
Linda Bloom reports.
Read story
Review all clergy qualifications, court says
NEWARK, N.J. (UMNS) — United Methodist boards of ordained ministry must look at all qualifications to determine whether a ministerial candidate is a fitting applicant — including adherence to the church’s position on homosexuality. Linda Bloom has the story.
Read story
Churches gather to learn more on immigration
CHICAGO — United Methodists heard personal stories from immigrants about the fears and challenges they face during an event sponsored by the Northern Illinois Conference Hispanic/Latinx Ministry Team and the National Hispanic/Latino Plan. Nearly 120 gathered at Our Saviour’s United Methodist Church in Schaumburg, Illinois. Anne Marie Gerhardt reports.
Read the story
McKibben, author and activist, discusses his faith
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Bill McKibben is an acclaimed author and leading environmental activist with a focus on climate change. He’s also a United Methodist and former Sunday school teacher. He shared with Religion News Service’s Lauren Markoe how faith informs his life and work.
Read interview
One of largest pipe organs in Indiana debuts
PLAINFIELD, Ind. — Plainfield United Methodist Church will publicly debut a new pipe organ on May 7. With more than 3,500 pipes in total, the new pipe organ is one of the largest instruments in Indiana.
Read story
Disability ministries manual available
WASHINGTON — A new, comprehensive manual that covers disability ministries in the local church is now available online. Written by the Rev. Leo Yates and the Baltimore-Washington Commission on Disability Concerns, the resource will connect United Methodists with answers about this essential ministry area.
See resource
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.
Wednesday, May 3-Sunday, May 7
Young People’s Gathering — La Maison de l’Esperance, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. A gathering of young people within the West Africa Central Conference hosted by The United Methodist Church in Côte d’Ivoire. The conference, sponsored by Discipleship Ministries and United Methodist Women, will explore the role of young people in the church in Africa, health issues concerning young people (including the effects of early marriage and pregnancy), entrepreneurship and environmental justice. Details
See more United Methodist events
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.