“I always, always, always stand on the side of justice, but I draw the circle wide enough for all of us to be there – and when I say all, I mean all.” — The Rev. LaTrelle Easterling, newly elected bishop of the Northeastern Jurisdiction.
North Central Jurisdiction elects final bishop
PEORIA, Ill. (UMNS) — The Rev. Laurie Haller of the West Michigan Conference was elected by the North Central Jurisdictional Conference on July 14. Haller was the fourth bishop elected by the jurisdiction, which completes the voting. Others elected by North Central delegates on July 13 were the Rev. Tracy Smith Malone (Northern Illinois), the Rev. Frank Beard (Indiana) and the Rev. David Bard (Minnesota).
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Second bishop elected in Northeast
LANCASTER, Pa. (UMNS) — The Rev. LaTrelle Easterling was elected bishop July 14 by the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference, on the 17th ballot. Earlier, the conference elected the Rev. Cynthia Moore-Koikoi. Both new bishops are African-Americans. Easterling’s election completes the voting for this jurisdiction. Beth DiCocco reports.
South Central Jurisdiction elects bishop
WICHITA, Kan. (UMNS) — The Rev. Ruben Saenz Jr. has been elected a bishop by the South Central Jurisdictional Conference. Saenz, elected July 14, comes from the Rio Texas Conference, where he has been director of connectional ministries. The South Central Jurisdiction has two more bishops to elect. David Burke has the story.
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Resolution recommends letting regional bodies
adapt Discipline
LANCASTER, Pa. (UMNS) — The Northeastern Jurisdiction approved a restructuring resolution recommending the bishops’ study commission on sexuality include a plan to allow regional bodies — such as jurisdictions — to decide for themselves to adapt the Book of Discipline within their own ministry context. Erik Alsgaard and Maidstone Mulenga write about that resolution and others that aimed to show disagreement with church law on sexuality issues.
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Bishops address racism, gun violence
LANCASTER, Pa. (UMNS) — Bishops in the Northeastern Jurisdiction have released a statement calling on United Methodists to advocate against racism and gun violence. Bishop Jonathan Holston of the South Carolina Conference read his own statement, calling for prayer and reconciliation, at the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference.
Read Northeastern Jurisdiction bishops’ statement
Read Bishop Holston’s statement
Southeastern United Methodists hold vigil
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) — In a faithful response to recent tragedies in the United States, bishops of the Southeastern Jurisdiction held a Hope and Unity Prayer Vigil the night before the official opening of jurisdictional conference. Madeline Pillow of the Virginia Conference reports.
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Inspired by Wesley Pilgrimage
OXFORD, England (UMC.ORG) — Writer Joe Iovino is following in the footsteps of John and Charles Wesley on a “Wesley Pilgrimage in England.” The United Methodist trip is sponsored by Discipleship Ministries, the Commission on Archives and History, and the Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
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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.
Wednesday-Friday, July 27-29
“Reimagining Incarceration and Re-entry” Conference — St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, at 5501 Main St., Houston, will host the conference about how communities can help individuals reintegrate after their release from prison. ProjectCURATE in partnership with Houston:revision is spearheading the conference. Details
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