“While I am saddened that the full clergy session did not affirm the BOOM’s recommendation, I appreciate the BOOM’s openness and transparency related to my candidacy.” — Tara “T.C.” Morrow on the clergy vote against commissioning her as a deacon.
Clergy vote not to commission gay deacon
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Clergy members of the Baltimore-Washington Conference did not approve a married lesbian for commissioning as a deacon. Tara “T.C.” Morrow did not get the two-thirds vote of clergy meeting in executive session on June 1. The conference Board of Ordained Ministry had recommended Morrow for commissioning. Erik Alsgaard reports.
Read conference story
Liberia no longer on deathwatch for Ebola
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) — Liberia is well prepared to deal with any Ebola breakouts due to quick response and use of a test vaccine, said the head of the Liberia Ebola Response Team and deputy minister for public health. Julu Swen reports.
Read story and post a comment
Commentary: Real hope for the church
MOBILE, Ala. (UMNS) — In the days after the 2016 General Conference, the Rev. Jeremy Steele writes that he has “a great hope for The United Methodist Church which, I am told, is an odd sentiment to have at this moment.” Steele, soon to be ordained an elder in the Alabama-West Florida Conference, explains the reasons for his hope.
Read commentary
Dakota alliance focuses on wellness
MITCHELL, S.D. (UMNS) — United Methodist-related Dakota Wesleyan University and Avera Queen of Peace Hospital are joining forces to promote wellness for both the 900-student campus and the city of 15,500. Bishop Bruce Ough hailed the partnership and a new sports and wellness complex as part of an ecumenical endeavor that benefits the entire community. Donald E. Messer, former president of Dakota Wesleyan, reports.
Read story
South Carolina church gets families into ‘bridge homes’
SIMPSONVILLE, S.C. (UMNS) — Advent United Methodist Church has bought a third transitional bridge home, designed to be a respite for families in transition from emergency shelters to a permanent home. Jessica Brodie of the South Carolina Advocate reports on the ministry.
Read story
Inside a solitary confinement cell
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (UMNS) — To raise awareness of humane alternatives to solitary confinement, a full-size replica of a jail cell will be on display June 8-10 at the Hofstra University Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. Sponsored by the United Methodist New York Conference and the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, the exhibit also will include people who were formerly incarcerated in solitary confinement, on hand to tell their stories and answer questions.
Read more
Online course on preventing sexual misconduct
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The Lewis Center for Church Leadership at United Methodist Wesley Theological Seminary offers an online course on preventing clergy sexual misconduct. “Keeping Our Sacred Trust” looks at the dynamics and vulnerabilities that can lead to misconduct. The course costs $49.
Learn more
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.
Saturday-Sunday, June 10-11
Royal School of Church Music concert — Girls from all over the country will come together this summer at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Houston for the Royal School of Church Music Gulf Coast Course for Girls. St. Paul’s will host a compline service at 9:15 p.m. CDT June 10 and 11:05 a.m. CDT June 11. Details
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.