"We can't afford to not respond to these situations (of sexual misconduct) in a way that encourages and ensures accountability and healing." — Becky Williams of the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women.
Less litter, more love: Zimbabwean church cleans up
MUROMBEDZI, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — More than 100 United Methodists embarked on a cleanup campaign June 6 in the sleepy rural center of Murombedzi. Volunteers spent three hours picking up litter, sweeping the road curbs and clearing an informal dumpsite created by residents on the outskirts of Murombedzi. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
Sexual misconduct: What every church member should know
CHICAGO (UMNS) — Pope Francis just ordered that Catholic bishops accused of mishandling cases of sexual abuse be tried by a special court. But as recent headlines show, problems of sexual misconduct and child abuse affect churches of all denominations, including The United Methodist Church. Joe Iovino of UMC.org reports how the denomination is working to prevent misconduct and addressing it when it does occur.
Follow action at annual conferences
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist conferences around the world have their annual gatherings throughout the year, but June is the height of annual conference season for many in the United States. United Methodist News Service is posting reports from the gatherings as we receive them at www.umc.org/ac2015.
Situation in South Sudan continues to raise alarm
GENEVA (WCC) — The executive committee of the World Council of Churches on June 8-13 discussed the alarming situation in South Sudan, where people continue to be killed, raped, displaced and tortured. The South Sudan Council of Churches gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, June 1-7 to reflect and propose a plan to achieve peace and reconciliation in South Sudan. Retired United Methodist Bishop Mary Ann Swenson is co-vice moderator of the WCC’s executive committee.
Statement from South Sudan Council of Churches
Letter to Congress: Support global relief work
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society is among more than two dozen signers of an interfaith open letter to Congress requesting robust funding allocations for international relief and development programs. Previous support has been important. U.S. investments in primary education, for example, have resulted in over 23 million children enrolled in USAID-supported primary and secondary schools in 2012 alone.
Church and Society interns in place
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The Ethnic Minority Young Adult Summer Internship program of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society is in full swing. This summer the program has 10 interns, ages 18 to 23. All are active in the denomination and have a passion for social justice. One is from the Philippines and one is from Ghana.
History quiz: When did UMCOR begin?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Committee on Relief helps many people all over the world. Do you know what year UMCOR began its work?
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, June 17
Window on Wesley Theological Seminary — 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT. Opportunity for prospective students to get to know the Wesley community in Washington and to experience a day in the life of a Wesley seminarian. Details.
Sunday-Friday, June 21-26
Music & Worship Arts Week 2015 at Lake Junaluska — Music & Worship Arts Week at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center is an event highlighting the arts, worship, education and renewal in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, presented by The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts. Designed for all worship leaders, musicians, artists, dancers, actors, and pastors, as well as children and youth. On-site registration is available in the Bethea Welcome Center from 3 to 8 p.m. EDT Sunday, June 21. Mention this listing to receive $30 off your registration. $354 adult; $199 children and youth. Details.
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