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Daily Digest - January 20, 2022

“We want to be a premier, world-class, innovative university that's United Methodist-related unashamedly.”James Salley, president and chief executive officer of Africa University (Tennessee) Inc.


NEWS AND FEATURES

James Salley on growing tomorrow’s African leaders

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — James Salley, who has been with Africa University in Zimbabwe since it was in the embryonic stage, reflects on the history and future of the United Methodist-related institution. Jim Patterson has the story.
Read story
UM News: COVID-19 alters dreams at Africa University

South Georgia Conference
Advent challenge leads to more time for service

THOMASVILLE, Ga. — For the past 14 years, Thomasville First United Methodist Church’s members have taken up the challenge to spend less during the Christmas season and put the money saved toward a mission project. This year, members committed to service projects instead. So far, members have logged more than 1,000 service hours. Kara Witherow reports. 
Read story

Council of Bishops
Executive committee endorses vaccine statement

WASHINGTON — The Council of Bishops executive committee issued a statement supporting colleagues’ criticism of the Wesleyan Covenant Association’s plan to help certain General Conference delegates access COVID-19 vaccines. “We stand with our Central Conference colleagues and urge all to read their letter and hear the concerns,” the bishops said. UM News has updated its story on the situation with this and other voices.
Read press release
UM News: Bishops, others denounce WCA’s vaccine plan 

Global Ministries
Asylum seekers face long road

NEW YORK — Justice for asylum seekers requires patience, says attorney Alexis Duecker, who works with the New York Justice for Our Neighbors office. The number of cases is so large that hearings are sometimes pushed back a year or more without notice, and COVID-19 has made the backlog balloon. However, more trial dates are being set, and one case was successfully concluded, she reports. Christie R. House has the story.
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Perkins School of Theology
Book honors Perkins professor

DALLAS — A book of essays written in honor of the Rev. Alyce McKenzie, Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship at Perkins School of Theology, has been published. It’s called “Shouting Above the Noisy Crowd: Biblical Wisdom and the Urgency of Preaching.” The Rev. Charles Aaron and the Rev. Jaime Clark-Soles, Perkins colleagues of McKenzie, edited the volume.
Read story


PRESS RELEASES

Church and Society, World Council of Churches
Symposium looks at addressing systemic racism

NEW YORK — The eighth annual Symposium on the Role of Religion and Faith-Based Organizations in International Affairs will focus on “Mobilizing Moral Influence and Governance to End the Systemic Injustices of Racism, the Legacy of Colonialism and Slavery.” The online symposium is scheduled for 8 a.m. U.S. Eastern time Jan. 25. The United Methodist Board of Church and Society and the World Council of Churches are among the event’s promoters.
Read press release 
To register


RESOURCES

Society of St. Andrew 
Lenten devotions available for order

BIG ISLAND, Va. — The Society of St. Andrew, a feeding ministry and United Methodist partner, is offering free devotionals for the season of Lent. This year’s theme is “The Cup of Salvation.” The deadline to order print materials is Feb. 14. The daily devotionals will start Ash Wednesday, March 2, and conclude on Easter, April 17. 
To learn more and order


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