Daily Digest - December 1, 2017

"… in many annual conference regions, there are statistically significant differences in clergywomen and clergymen’s salary, housing allowance, parsonage and/or total compensation."— Study conducted for United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women.
 

NEWS AND FEATURES
 

Commission on the Status and Role of Women
Gender gap persists for United Methodist clergy

CHICAGO — Women are still under-represented as clergy in The United Methodist Church, although the percentage varies by region. And, overall, clergywomen receive almost $4,000 less in annual salary than clergymen, according to the second half of a study conducted by Magaela C. Bethune on behalf of the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women.
See salary study
See first half of the salary study

Native American Ministries
Celebrating Native American outreach, advocacy

ELIOT, Maine (UMNS) — The Northeastern Jurisdiction Native American Ministries Committee annual gathering exemplified the importance of relationships, while also acknowledging painful realities as The United Methodist Church continues to walk the path of repentance. Suzanne Wenonah Duchesne has the story.
Read story

PRESS RELEASES
 

Board of Higher Education and Ministry 
United Methodist student loans have low interest

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist students who need to borrow money can get interest rates from 3.75 percent to 5 percent through the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s Office of Loans and Scholarships. By comparison, the lowest federal student loan rate available is 4.45 percent. 
Read press release

Interfaith Healthcare Coalition
United Methodists join letter to oppose tax bill

WASHINGTON — A group of United Methodist bishops, agency staff and clergy joined more than 2,400 leaders of various faiths who signed a letter to the U.S. Senate opposing the Senate tax bill currently being considered for vote. “The United Methodist Church will continue to call for increased access to affordable, quality health care, no matter what vehicle is used to threaten it. To add measures that would dismantle health insurance for millions of people to pay for tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the wealthy is immoral,” said the Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society.
Read the full text of the letter

Commission on General Conference
Delegate count announced for GC2020

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The secretary of the General Conference announced Dec. 1 the number of delegates assigned to each annual conference for the 2020 General Conference has been calculated. Of the 862 delegates, about 56 percent will come from the U.S. and about 32 percent will come from Africa. The remaining delegates will come from the Philippines, Europe and Concordat churches.
Read press release 

COMMENTARIES
 

Many Voices, One Faith
'I have decided to follow Jesus' 

GENESEO, Ill. — The Rev. Chris Ritter has long admired the hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus,” inspired by the words of a Christian convert from India who was killed along with his family for professing his faith. Ritter explores the concept of sacrifice in the latest installment of “Many Voices, One Faith,” a forum for sharing theological perspectives on topics of interest in The United Methodist Church.
Read commentary  
Many Voices, One Faith home page

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.

Tuesday, Dec. 5
 

Webinar: Serving Children Beyond the Christmas Wish List

Thursday, Dec. 7

Appalachian Christmas at Lake Junaluska

Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].

See more United Methodist events