“I think at this moment I have a glimpse of the realm of God. And know I stand before you because of the work and prayers of so many, especially those saints who yearned to live for this day, who blazed a trail where there was none, but are no longer with us, and yet whose shoulders I stand on." — The Rev. Karen Oliveto, elected as the first openly gay United Methodist bishop.
Western elects openly gay United Methodist bishop
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (UMNS) — The Rev. Karen Oliveto, senior pastor of Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco, has been elected as the first openly lesbian United Methodist bishop by delegates at the Western Jurisdictional Conference. Oliveto was elected July 15 on the 17th ballot with 88 votes after the remaining two candidates withdrew from the election. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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South Central elects Farr, Nunn
WICHITA, Kan. (UMNS) — The South Central Jurisdictional Conference on July 15 elected the Rev. James “Jimmy” Nunn and the Rev. Robert "Bob" Farr as United Methodist bishops. Farr, from the Missour Conference, was elected on a record 35th ballot. Nunn, from the Northwest Texas Conference, was elected earlier in the day. The juridiction had elected the Rev. Ruben Saenz Jr., Rio Texas Conference, on July 14. David Burke reports.
Respond to attack in France, WCC urges
GENEVA (WCC) — “People of good will must respond” to brutal attacks like the shooting and mowing down of civilians enjoying Bastille Day festivities in Nice, France, declared the World Council of Churches. At least 84 people were killed in the horrific attack and many more injured. “This is a time for prayer, but also for action by faith organizations in partnership with state and secular agencies,” said Georges Lemopoulos, acting head of the WCC.
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Surviving an airport bombing, searching for hope
NEW YORK (UMNS) — Living through a terrorist attack naturally brings fear, but also can strengthen human bonds, as Thomas Kemper discovered when trapped with an Asian man in a lounge kitchen at the Istanbul Airport. “What we shared in those moments of fear gave me hope that an expanding sense of this humanity could lead toward a different, perhaps even peaceful world,” writes the top executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.
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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.
Monday, July 25-Sunday, Aug. 7
BeADisciple online course “Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts” — This Lay Servant Ministries course teaches participants about their spiritual gifts and they can help their congregations learn more about theirs. Participants will interact via online discussions, journals and videos throughout the two weeks. They are also expected to read the Discipleship Resources book, Each One a Minister, by William J. Carter, and Spirit Gifts, by Patricia Brown. Details
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