"When the war in Ukraine stops, religious leaders will have a special role for reconciliation." — United Methodist Bishop Eduard Khegay at a meeting of religious leaders in Oslo.
Religious leaders from Ukraine, Russia try peace effort
MOSCOW (UMNS) — World leaders aren’t the only ones trying to stop the fighting in eastern Ukraine. Representatives of church and religious organizations in Ukraine and Russia, including a United Methodist bishop, have gathered twice to pursue dialogue and strengthen the relationships between faith groups in the two countries. Linda Bloom reports.
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Sexuality panel displays church’s global variation
MAPUTO, Mozambique (UMNS) – A panel discussion offered a rare glimpse of the wide spectrum of thought on homosexuality among United Methodists from outside the United States. The Connectional Table held its third and final panel on human sexuality at its Mozambique meeting — this time with the focus on voices from United Methodists in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. Heather Hahn has the story.
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WHO reports ‘dramatic’ decrease in malaria deaths
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – The number of people dying from malaria has fallen dramatically since 2000 and malaria cases also are steadily declining, according to the World Health Organization’s “World Malaria Report 2014.” The use of insecticide-treated bed nets is one important reason for the drop, the report said. Between 2000 and 2013, access to bed nets increased substantially. Joey Butler reports.
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Methodist educators gather in South Korea
INCHEON, South Korea (UMNS) – More than 150 participants from 20 countries convened for an international conference of the Asia-Pacific Association of Methodist-related Educational Institutions. Nicole Burdakin reports for the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
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Filipino laywoman elected
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Friday, Feb. 13
Connectional Table's last panel on human sexuality, Wesleyan identity and the life of the church — This panel, starting on this date, is available for online streaming at umc.org/connectional-table-webcast. Online streaming was originally scheduled to begin Sunday, Feb. 15, but will be available by Friday night.
Sunday, Feb. 15
Transfiguration Sunday — Worship resources from United Methodist Discipleship Ministries.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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