“We felt compelled to respond in a way that would hold the bishops accountable for their words and yet let them know we have great hopes for working together on the many issues that they raised.” — The Rev. Steve Clunn, coordinator of Love Your Neighbor Coalition.
Coalition to Africa bishops: Let’s talk
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Love Your Neighbor Coalition responded to a letter from the Africa College of Bishops about the discussion of gay rights at the upcoming 2016 United Methodist General Conference. The coalition, which includes the five ethnic caucuses of the denomination as well as other official and unofficial organizations, said they hoped to work together. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
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Churches create ‘Humanitarian Corridors’
GENEVA (WCC) — The first of what will be 1,000 refugees from camps in Lebanon, Morocco and Ethiopia are arriving this month in Italy through a “Humanitarian Corridors” project organized by the Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy, the Sant’Egidio religious community and the Italian government. Italian churches — among them the Waldensian Church, which includes Methodists — have committed to provide housing, cultural orientation and language lessons for the refugees during their first months in Italy.
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James Taylor aids relief effort by clergy
DALLAS (UMNS) — Connections Band, a group of United Methodist clergy who do benefit concerts, will join the Allen (Texas) Philharmonic Symphony and Allen Symphony Chorus for a Feb. 12 show featuring James Taylor’s music. Taylor heard about the concert, which will raise money for the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s tornado relief fund, and donated a guitar signed by him for auction at the event.
Carolina pounds to victory in food drive
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UMNS) — The Panthers didn’t prevail on the Super Bowl field, but their Carolina United Methodist fans can claim victory in another arena. No one lost in this competition between the Rocky Mountain and Western North Carolina conferences to feed the hungry. Michael Rich reports for the Western North Carolina Conference, and the Rev. Brad Laurvick reports for the Mountain Sky Episcopal Area.
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Pre-General Conference videos online
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Videos from the pre-General Conference briefing are now available online. The briefings provide information for delegates preparing for The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking body when it meets May 10-20 in Portland.
Religion and Race offers Lenten study
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race has released the Lenten resource “Roll Down, Justice!” ─ a six-part series based on Scripture and social-justice hymns.
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.
Monday, Feb. 15
Randolph-Macon College Women's Studies Speakers Series: “A Jealous Mistress and an Abused Slave Girl” — 6 p.m. EST. United Methodist-related Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, will present Jennifer Fleischner, editor of “Harriet Jacobs: Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl Written by Herself,” in the Dollar Tree Community Room, Brock Commons. Fleischner will explore how Jacobs appealed to the moral sensibilities of northern women in her autobiography. Details
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