| "As a young lad growing up in Louisiana, I noticed that all police cars had a sign that read: ‘To protect and to serve.’ I knew that sign did not mean me." – Retired Bishop Melvin G. Talbert. |  |
Civil Rights Act: Still relevant
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Before the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, long-distance travel meant sleeping in the car because hotels would not accept African Americans as guests, remembers retired United Methodist Bishop Melvin G. Talbert.
Retired pastor dies in self-immolation
DALLAS (UMNS) — A retired United Methodist pastor doused himself with gasoline and set himself on fire June 23 in a parking lot in Grand Saline, Texas, where he grew up. The Rev. Charles R. Moore died that night at Parkland Hospital in Dallas. Moore had been an activist against the death penalty and for gay rights in The United Methodist Church. Family members released notes he left behind, showing he saw his final act as a protest against social injustice, including racism.
Church mourns passing of Native American leader
WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. (UMNS) — United Methodists across the country are mourning the June 21 death of Zora “Susie” Aikman, an influential leader in the denomination’s Native American ministries. She was 69. An Eastern Band Cherokee, she was most proud of her work during the last 20 years with the descendants of the Sand Creek Massacre survivors. A memorial service is scheduled at 10 a.m. MT at Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church.
New WCC Central Committee meets
GENEVA (UMNS) — The first full meeting of the new Central Committee of the World Council of Churches started July 2 and continues through July 8. United Methodist representatives include retired Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, co-vice moderator. Swenson is also the ecumenical officer for the United Methodist Council of Bishops.
United Methodists on Central Committee
British Methodists to study same-sex marriage
BIRMINGHAM, England (UMNS) — The British Methodist Church has committed to a two-year period of listening, reflecting and discernment following the legalization of same-sex marriage in England, Wales and Scotland earlier this year.
Celebrating U.S. Independence Day at home
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Board of Discipleship shares ideas for family devotional time, songs, food and ways United Methodists can explore the history of the United States from a spiritual perspective.
Next digest on July 7
There will be no daily digest for July 4, U.S. Independence Day. UMNS wishes all a happy Fourth of July.
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