“There really is a desire to find a way forward, and I think that was reflected in our work this time.” — Council of Bishops President Bruce R. Ough, on the council’s just-completed Dallas meeting.
Photo by Sam Hodges, UMNS.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Bishops see progress in unity effort, focus on 2 plans
DALLAS (UMNS) — The Council of Bishops wrapped up a four-day, closed-door meeting here, as leaders reported movement and progress in their deliberations about how to prevent denominational schism over homosexuality, with a focus on two possible church futures.
Read story
Looking at where to put new African bishops
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church plans to have five new bishops in Africa starting in 2021. At a recent meeting here, denominational leaders outlined the criteria they are using to determine where to add the new episcopal areas. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
Western Pennsylvania Conference
Social media rumor targets pastor’s son
CARMICHAELS, Pa. — A rumor posted on social media just days after the mass school shooting in Parkland, Florida, accused the son of the local United Methodist pastor of planning to shoot up Carmichaels Middle-Senior High School. Both police and school authorities determined there was no truth to the rumor. The Rev. Dayton Mix and his wife, Gay, addressed the bullying of their son, who is an honor student, on their Facebook pages. Jackie Campbell reports.
Read story
South Carolina Conference
Church’s outreach saves town softball
SALLEY, S.C. — For as long as anybody can remember, softball has been more than a diversion in Salley — it’s been a way of life, an integral part of both of the town and its people. But the community’s softball field had fallen into disrepair over the years. Clinton United Methodist Church is changing that. Jessica Brodie has the story.
Read story
World Council of Churches
Concern for Syrian civilians
GENEVA (WCC) — The World Council of Churches has expressed its dismay at the dramatic escalation of military actions against civilians in the Eastern Ghouta section of Damascus, Syria, despite the unanimous adoption of an immediate humanitarian ceasefire on Feb. 24 by the U.N. Security Council.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
Wespath Benefits and Investments
Pension agency honored for supporting kids
GLENVIEW, Ill. — ChildServ, a nonprofit in Chicago dedicated to building better lives for children, honored Wespath Benefits and Investments for supporting at-risk children and families through its investment efforts and employees’ generosity.
Read press release
RECENT HEADLINES
Progress in making a global Discipline
United Methodist Irma recovery work continues
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.
Thursday, March 1-Sunday, March 4
Interfaith Peace Conference at Lake Junaluska
Monday, March 5-Friday, March 16
Online Lay Servant Ministries Class: Come to the Waters
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.