“Hopefully, it invites reflection and sparks conversation that takes seriously the experiences of LGBTQIA+ persons as collaborators in the future of the church, instead of as ‘objects’ of debate.” — The Rev. Jay Williams, lead writer of a statement championing legislation heading to the 2019 General Conference.
NEWS AND FEATURES
New group pushes Simple Plan as way forward
ST. LOUIS (UMNS) — A new group, Methodists for the Simple Plan, promotes legislation it says will allow full participation of LGBTQ individuals in the life of the denomination. The plan is one of several alternative proposals headed to General Conference 2019. Heather Hahn reports.
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Read press release on special 2019 GC petition process
Helping trauma survivors heal in the Congo
KINDU, Congo (UMNS) — Eastern Congo Area Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda believes clergywomen play a key role in counseling the faithful in communities recovering from war. The conference, with support from the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, recently provided training for female pastors to help them lead and evangelize in conflict settings. Judith Osongo Yanga has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Council of Bishops
Bishop calls for prayers, actions after Florida shooting
WASHINGTON — Bishop Ken Carter, president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops and resident bishop of the Florida Area, issued a statement after the Aug. 26 mass shooting in Jacksonville that left three dead, including the shooter. It was the “third public mass shooting in as many years in Florida,” the statement noted.
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Higher Education and Ministry
Agency sets up ‘LEaD Hub’ in Britain
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — An agreement between the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry and Wesley House, Cambridge, establishes the agency’s newest Global Hub for Leadership, Education and Development in Britain. The partnership, effective this month, came as The United Methodist Church and The Methodist Church in Britain marked the 50th anniversary of their concordat agreement.
Read press release
UMNS: Reflecting on a shared Methodist heritage
European theological schools advance leadership, connection
World Council of Churches
Norwegian United Methodists host WCC celebration
OSLO — Representatives of The United Methodist Church, Christian Council of Norway and the Church of Norway, as well as the World Council of Churches, gathered Aug. 26 at the International Methodist Church to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the WCC’s founding. One of those present was the Rev. Peder Borgen, a retired United Methodist pastor who was a delegate to the Amsterdam assembly in 1948.
Read press release
Letter from Global Ministries on 70th anniversary
Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center
Retreat center plans choir weekend
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — Lake Junaluska invites church choirs to come together Oct. 19-21 for Choir Music Weekend to broaden their musical repertoires, learn new vocal skills and enjoy time for recreation and fellowship. During the weekend, experienced choral leaders will teach eight different anthems and lead workshops along a variety of topics.
To register
RECENT HEADLINES
Faithful help rebuild in eastern Congo
United Methodists in Honduras struggle with migration, deportation
EVENTS
Tuesday, Sept. 4
Tuesdays in the Chapel
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