"It is great joy to see that people have understood the church’s call and are mobilizing to assist with food." — The Rev. Joseph Mulongo on violence in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Church acts as bridge between warring tribes in Congo
MANONO, Democratic Republic of Congo (UMNS) — United Methodists are sheltering displaced families and helping with peacebuilding after tribal conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo sent hundreds fleeing and left many dead. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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Lawson: Befriending Ray after King’s death
CLINTON, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis in 1968, during a trip he made at the urging of the Rev. James M. Lawson. At age 88, the United Methodist Lawson talks about what drove him years later to reach out to James Earl Ray, the man accused of killing his close friend.
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Lesbian bishop case on court’s April docket
NEWARK, N.J. (UMNS) — A petition regarding the standing of the denomination’s first openly lesbian bishop and several other petitions related to homosexuality and the clergy will be considered when the United Methodist Judicial Council meets April 25-28 at the Hilton Newark Penn Station Hotel. The deadline for briefs and requests for oral hearings is Feb. 13. Council meetings are not open to the public except for scheduled oral hearings.
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Grant to buy minibus for Flint response
FLINT, Mich. (UMNS) — A $14,500 grant from the Bishop’s Appeal for Flint will let Flint Asbury United Methodist Church buy a minibus to respond more effectively to the city’s ongoing water emergency. Kay DeMoss reports for the Michigan Area of The United Methodist Church.
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2 East Ohio churches close
BEALLSVILLE, Ohio (UMNS) — Two East Ohio Conference churches recently closed, causing sadness but also gratitude for their long service. “Courage and prayerful discernment” are needed in concluding that a ministry is no longer sustainable, said resident Bishop Tracy S. Malone. Rick Wolcott, conference communications director, reports.
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Correction
An item in the Jan. 12 Daily Digest incorrectly stated that The United Methodist Church has designated the first Sunday in February as Disability Awareness Sunday. The Book of Discipline states that Disability Awareness Sunday “shall be observed annually on a date to be determined by the annual conference.”
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Digest on break
The UMNS Daily Digest will take a break on Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The next daily digest will be on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
LOOKING AHEAD
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection.
Tuesday, Jan. 24
Webinar "Church Council: What’s My Role?" — 7 p.m. CST. United Methodist Discipleship Ministries offers this webinar to help church council or leadership teams discover important support resources for building and overseeing a comprehensive plan for ministry and discipleship. To register
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