2 clergy face 24-hour suspensions for gay weddings
DES MOINES, Wash. (UMNS) – Two United Methodist pastors in the Pacific Northwest Annual (regional) Conference under complaint for officiating at same-sex unions in violation of church law will face not a trial but a 24-hour suspension without pay. The decision, approved by Greater Northwest Area Bishop Grant Hagiya, is an indication of just how varied responses can be across the church in the denomination’s deepening divide over human sexuality.
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United Methodists bridging global religious divide
WASHINGTON (UMNS) – Whether engaged in peace-building, social justice programs or interfaith dialogue, United Methodists around the world are increasingly open to those of other faith traditions, according to a survey of bishops from Africa, Europe and the Philippines.
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Violence in Central African Republic escalates
BANGUI, Central African Republic (UMNS) – Religion News Service reports that African religious leaders have appealed for an end to violence against Muslims in the Central African Republic as thousands flee to neighboring Chad and Cameroon. The BBC reported Feb. 12 that Amnesty International says militia attacks have led to a Muslim exodus of “historic proportion” as other aid groups fight a major food shortage.
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New Río Texas Conference OKs organizational plan
SAN ANTIONIO (UMNS) – The Río Grande and Southwest Texas annual (regional) conferences approved Feb. 8 by an overwhelming majority in both conferences what Bishop Jim Dorff called “the beginning organizational plan of the Río Texas Conference.” Members of the Unification Implementation Team have worked on the plan since 2012, when the South Central Jurisdictional Conference approved the two conferences pursuing unification.
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Archives and History reopens chief executive search
MADISON, N.J. (UMNS) – The United Methodist Commission on Archives and History has reopened the search for its new chief executive, the position of general secretary. Inquiries, nominations and applications should be emailed in confidence to GCAH@susumc.org no later than March 31.
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Wespath withdraws shareholder resolution
GLENVIEW, Ill. (UMNS) – The Wespath Investment Management division of the United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits has withdrawn a shareholder resolution asking Tyson Foods Inc. to report on the use of gestation crates in its animal supply chain. Wespath cited “responsiveness” by Tyson, including new guidelines for suppliers, as the reason for withdrawing the resolution.
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Doing community ministry when church is small
GLENVIEW, Ill.(UMNS) – Small churches can start very powerful community ministries, even though they face the challenges of scarce funds and people, writes church consultant Joy F. Skjegstad on the website of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.
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