Daily Digest - January 31, 2020

NEWS AND FEATURES

Plans for late-arriving GC2020 legislation 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The group that organizes General Conference held a special meeting to discuss the process for receiving legislation — such as the protocol — after the usual petition deadline. The group also received an update on challenges to delegates getting required visas. Heather Hahn reports.
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German church proposes way to preserve connection

FULDA, Germany (UM News) — A roundtable appointed to find a way forward for The United Methodist Church in Germany has proposed deleting all Book of Discipline passages about ordination of LGBTQ clergy and blessing of same-sex marriages. The group also suggested creating an association for those who hold to current bans. Klaus Ulrich Ruof reports. 
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The Methodist Church in Britain
British church leaders urge peace post-Brexit

LONDON — British church leaders, including Methodists, noted their nation’s Jan. 31 departure from the European Union with a call that all act with humility, kindness and respect. “The deeply held convictions that fueled the Brexit debate will not simply go away, but our Christian faith urges us to be people of peace and reconciliation,” a statement said. Another letter assured churches in Europe that partnerships would continue.
Read statements


PRESS RELEASES

Central Texas Conference
Bishop Lowry to take seminary post

DAYTON, Ohio — Central Texas Conference Bishop Mike Lowry will become bishop-in-residence at United Theological Seminary this fall. Lowry, who will retire as bishop in September, will be the first to hold that position at the United Methodist seminary in Dayton. He currently serves on United’s board of trustees.
Read press release
 

RESOURCES

Foundation for Evangelism
Study guide offers ‘deep dive’ into evangelism

LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — A new group study guide has been released for “The E Word” webinar, which launched in November 2019. Written by the Rev. Heather Lear, the guide provides a way for small groups and congregations to dive deep into what evangelism means and learn how to better tell the Gospel story to their community. 
Read press release


RECENT HEADLINES

Foretaste of what's on the table at GC2020


Top court sets its pre-General Conference docket


EVENTS

Wednesday, Feb. 12

Explore Calling: A Guide to Helping Others Answer the Call

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