"Dr. King’s vision hasn’t come to completion. It’s still an issue in most of our communities. The issue of classism, which King also addressed, is rampant in Missouri. It is, too, for The United Methodist Church; we’re very much a middle-class, white denomination that is struggling how to reach across class lines."— Missouri Area Bishop Bob Farr on fighting racism.
Photo by Kathy L. GIlbert, UMNS
NEWS AND FEATURES
United Methodists stand, act to end racism
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — United Methodists joined their hearts, feet and faith on the 50th anniversary of the death of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., as people around the world pledged anew to combat the sin of racism. Erik Alsgaard reports and Kathy L. Gilbert has photos.
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United Methodists pledge to fight racism
Boston University School of Theology
King recalled by fellow Boston U. grads
BOSTON — The most famous graduate of United Methodist Boston University School of Theology was the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., assassinated 50 years ago on April 4. The school asked for memories of King by three alumni who knew him, the Revs. William “Bobby” McClain, Gil Caldwell and David Briddell.
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Ask the UMC
When is Easter over? What comes next?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (InfoServ) — For Christians, Easter is not just one day, but rather a season of 50 days. The original purpose of the Easter season was to continue the formation of new Christians in the faith. InfoServ, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has more in the latest installment of Ask the UMC.
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Ask the UMC
Houston Chronicle
Schools founded by embattled pastor closing
HOUSTON — For lack of funding, one charter school founded by a prominent, embattled United Methodist pastor has closed and a second will close after the school year. The Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, who leads 18,000-member Windsor Village United Methodist Church, started the schools and is still listed as their vice president. He recently was indicted on federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering. Shelby Webb reports.
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Read UMNS coverage of Caldwell’s indictment
Associated Press, Mississippi Conference
Pastor charged with statutory rape
VICKSBURG, Miss. — The Rev. Troy Anthony Piccaluga, pastor of two United Methodist churches in the Vicksburg area, has been charged with statutory rape and sexual battery. He’s accused of having had sex with girls between the ages of 14 and 16, the Associated Press reports. Bishop James E. Swanson Sr. issued a statement about the arrest.
Read bishop’s statement
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World Council of Churches
Church leaders committed to hope in South Sudan
In an Easter message, South Sudanese church leaders said the church stays committed to hope and refuses “to yield to fear or indifference” even though the end of a bitter conflict seems elusive once again.
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RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
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.
Monday, April 9-Friday, April 20
Online class: Guidance and counseling approach to helping others
Monday, April 9-Monday, April 23
Online class: How to build and provide an online course
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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