"Having an educated clergy and trained theologians is of paramount importance to the church." — Bishop John G. Innis on plans to start a graduate school of theology in Liberia.
Liberian church to start graduate school of theology
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) — The United Methodist University plans to launch its graduate school of theology in March with the goal of ensuring clergy in Liberia have a place to earn a Master of Divinity degree. Julu Swen reports.
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Mass incarceration focus of Ecumenical Advocacy Days
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Working for change in a prison system that incarcerates millions is the focus of the 13th Annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice April 17-20, which will culminate in a congressional lobby day.
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Commentary: Leaving the funeral for the church
SEATTLE (UMNS) — Gloomy predictions of The United Methodist Church’s demise will not save the church, writes Patrick Scriven of the Pacific Northwest Conference. He suggests ways of telling a more positive story about the church.
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Hendrix gets grant to keep aspiring clergy engaged
CONWAY, Ark. (UMNS) — United Methodist-related Hendrix College has received a five-year, $500,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment to help develop a new Institute for Clergy and Civic Engagement. Brandon Riddle of the Log Cabin Democrat has the story.
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Pacific School of Religion names first Latino president
BERKELEY, Calif. (UMNS) — The Rev. David Vásquez-Levy, a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will become the first Lutheran and first Latino to serve as president of Pacific School of Religion. The school has formal relationships with the United Church of Christ, The United Methodist Church, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
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Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Saturday, Jan. 31
Priority deadline to apply to be a Global Mission Fellow — The two-year United Methodist Board of Global Ministries mission service program for young adults ages 20-30, is now accepting applications. The priority date for submission is Jan. 31 and the final application deadline is March 31. Details.
Lenten resources
Imagine No Malaria — The United Methodist effort offers free resources for Lent, the time of year when Christians strive to give up indifference and often take on something new. The resources include graphics, worship materials and videos suitable for use in a church, small group or Sunday school setting. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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