"I know my sister is in heaven because she trusted in the sacrifice of Jesus for her salvation.” – Jane L. Bonner, president of the Pennsylvania Evangelical Connection, speaking of her late sister, who was gay.
Sister believes in Jesus’ love for lesbian sibling
MOUNT WASHINGTON, Pa. (UMNS) – Jane L. Bonner, president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Evangelical Connection and a strong advocate for The United Methodist Church’s position that “homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching,” firmly believes that her late sister, Amy Lamb, who was a professional photographer and filmmaker, is in heaven right now. But, Bonner is also certain God did not want a gay lifestyle for her sister.
Out of jail but concerns over deportation remain
WASHINGTON (UMNS) – They are out of jail, but for 32 protesters, including two United Methodist bishops, who were arrested in front of the White House Feb. 17, concerns remain. They want Obama administration deportation policies to change.
Faith leaders arrested in immigration pray-in
WASHINGTON (UMNS) – United Methodist faith leaders, including two bishops, undocumented immigrants and labor leaders, were arrested on Feb. 17, Presidents Day, as they knelt and prayed for President Obama to stop deportations that are separating families across the globe.
Bishop denounces Kansas bill on gays
WICHITA, Kan. (UMNS) – In a letter addressed to Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, United Methodist Bishop Scott Jones of Great Plains Annual (regional) Conference suggests that state House Bill 2453 be killed, as to not legitimize discrimination against gay and lesbian individuals.The bill seeks to allow public or private employees to refuse service based on religious views about marriage.
Statement to clergy on denomination’s debate
Clark Atlanta selected for entrepreneurship effort
ATLANTA (UMNS) – United Methodist-related Clark Atlanta University has been selected to join the inaugural cohort for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Innovation and Entrepreneurship Collaborative. Funded by The Lemelson Foundation, the cohort of 15 HBCUs will participate in a multi-year collaboration to foster innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship on their respective campuses.
Short life of pastor filled with service
BAY MINETTE, Ala. (UMNS) – Carrie Chandler Reece found her relationship with God and her purpose in life as a United Methodist pastor. In her 36 years on earth, she never wavered from her mission to help others. Al.com tells the story of the woman that “the Lord chose to take…home to be with him” on Dec. 26.
He’s trying to bring a younger face to church
KOKOMO, Ind. (UMNS) – In the year since Anthony Schuh, 25, moved from Wisconsin, he has been actively trying to engage more young people in his church and others. The Kokomo Tribune tells the story of this young man who started a chapter of the Epworth League and who says, “You’ve got to be swimming in a direction. You can’t just tread water. The nature of the church is that it has to grow.”
Student journalist sues Otterbein
WESTERVILLE, Ohio (UMNS) – A student journalist at United Methodist-affiliated Otterbein University has filed suit against the school, seeking to open records of arrests by campus police. “It’s an issue of transparency for us,” said Anna Schiffbauer, news editor of Otterbein360.com, a student-run news website.
Women’s History Month resources available
CHICAGO (UMNS) – Inclusive/expansive-language prayers, calls to worship and liturgies that can be used in March (Women’s History Month) are available now through the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women. All the worship elements are Revised Common Lectionary-based.
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