“I respectfully, sadly and through the power of the Holy Spirit leave this New England Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.” — The Rev. Donald “Skip” Smith after the conference vote on a resolution not to conform with the denomination’s official stance on homosexuality.
“It is up to us to resist homophobia and injustice and be proud of who we are and act.”
— The Rev. Will Green, sponsor of the resolution.
New England Conference won’t conform with official sexuality stance
MANCHESTER, N.H. (UMNS) — Dramatically taking on the denomination’s official stance on homosexuality, the New England Conference approved a resolution of non-conformity that says the conference won’t comply with any Discipline provisions that “discriminate against LGBTQIA persons.” Sam Hodges and Beth DiCocco report.
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Two conferences call for full inclusion of LGBTQ
PHOENIX, Arizona (UMNS) — The Desert Southwest Conference, after its bishop gave an impassioned impromptu speech about full inclusion, voted for a nondiscrimination resolution that says the conference will not participate in or conduct judicial procedures related to the denomination’s prohibitions against LGBTQ persons. The California-Pacific Conference also asked for a halt to judicial proceedings. Vicki Brown has the story.
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U.S. Northeast keeps bishops — for now
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — The 2016 General Conference opted to keep the same number of U.S. bishops, but that’s so United Methodist leaders can take a hard look at remaking the denomination’s map. That means the Northeastern Jurisdiction is not losing a bishop. Heather Hahn reports.
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Tears, prayers at conference vigil for Orlando victims
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (UMNS) —Tears, prayers and a show of unity in the face of heartbreaking sadness marked the Florida Conference’s prayer vigil for the victims of the June 12 massacre that killed 49 and injured 53 others at a gay nightclub in downtown Orlando. Suzanne McGovern has the story.
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N.Y. conference learns about prison horrors
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (UMNS) — What do you think it would feel like to be in total isolation for 23 hours of each day for days and years on end? To be strip-searched every morning? A former prisoner gave a first-hand account of life behind bars to attendees at the New York Conference Church and Society dinner. Sheila Peiffer reports for the conference.
Two new academic publishing imprints
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Foundery Books and New Room Books are the two new academic imprints of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s publishing 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.
Friday, July 15
Deadline for School of Congregational Development 2016 — Wednesday-Saturday, Aug. 17-20. The workshops for United Methodist clergy and lay leaders will be in Evanston, Illinois, outside Chicago. United Methodist Discipleship Ministries and Global Ministries sponsor the gathering. $425. Details
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