"We've been clear that we have a division of opinion on this issue, which we have aired openly, and are staying together quite well as a congregation embracing that disagreement." — The Rev. James Howell on the denomination's homosexuality debate.
Way Forward gets input on LGBTQ inclusion
CHICAGO (UMNS) — The Commission on a Way Forward, meeting today through July 21, asked various United Methodists to describe their preferences regarding the extent of the inclusion of LGBTQ people within the church. The feedback indicates the large task ahead. Heather Hahn reports.
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Bishops move 2018 meeting from Philippines
WASHINGTON — For security reasons, the United Methodist Council of Bishops has decided not to hold its 2018 May meeting in the Philippines, where a militant rebellion continues on the island of Mindanao. The change in venue from Manila was recommended by the Philippines Central Conference College of Bishops. The meeting will take place in the Chicago area instead.
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Assisting those fleeing siege in Philippines
Conferences address immigration issues
WASHINGTON — During the 2017 annual conference season, many across the connection worked to pass resolutions that uphold the rights and dignity of migrants. The United Methodist Board of Church and Society has a roundup of those actions.
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Interpreter to cease publication at year;s end
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist Communications announced that Interpreter magazine, the official program journal of The United Methodist Church, will cease publication after the November/December 2017 issue. The action comes in response to research regarding readers’ changing needs.
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Candler's first building under renovation
ATLANTA — Renovations are underway to the original building of the Candler School of Theology, part of Emory University. The building went into use in 1916, as one of the first two structures on the Emory campus. When renovations are completed in late 2018, the building will house the office of the university president. Candler is a United Methodist seminary, and Emory is a United Methodist-related university.
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Book addresses motivating black youth
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In “Raising Hope: Four Paths to Courageous Living for Black Youth,” Anne E. Streaty Wimberly and Sarah Frances Farmer provide methods to motivate African-American youth to make healthier choices and create positive outcomes. The book was published by the United Methodist 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 a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Monday, July 24-Sunday, Aug. 20
Timothy Circle Mentor Training — This four-week online course explores mentoring as a dynamic relationship between a mentor, a young person and the Holy Spirit — a relationship that has the power to produce great spiritual growth. Primarily intended for one-on-one mentoring relationships, the concepts covered in this class could be adapted for the small group context. The class is sponsored by The Foundation for Evangelism, the Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship and BeADisciple.com. Price: $45. Details
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