“As Africans, we have minds of our own. We have our own cultures and traditions, all of which are critical in helping us determine a suitable pathway in the light of this huge challenge that faces our denomination.” — Bishop John K. Yambasu in his address to the Africa Extended Cabinet.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Yambasu urges biblical faithfulness in sexuality debate
ACCRA, Ghana (UMNS) — The president of the Africa College of Bishops expressed hope for a “revived and transformed United Methodist Church … built on the strong foundations of biblical authenticity.” Bishop John K. Yambasu devoted part of his keynote address at the Africa Extended Cabinet meeting to the debate over how the church ministers with LGBTQ people. Barbara Dunlap-Berg has the story.
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Hungry bishop gets help from a stranger
DALLAS (UMNS) — Eurasia Area Bishop Eduard Khegay had his passport but forgot his wallet when he began his journey from Moscow to Dallas for a recent Council of Bishops meeting. His struggle to get snack food at LaGuardia Airport led to rescue by a fellow United Methodist clergyman. Sam Hodges reports.
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Secrets of John Wesley’s death mask
MADISON, N.J. (UMC.org) — Studying John Wesley’s death mask, made five hours after his death on March 2, 1791, turns the normal duties of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History into those resembling an episode of “CSI.” According to church historian Dale Patterson, the plaster mask shows the cause of Wesley’s death and that he needed braces. UMC.org has the gory details.
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World Council of Churches
Pope Francis to visit WCC headquarters
ROME (WCC) — Pope Francis will visit the World Council of Churches in Geneva in June, the Vatican and WCC announced March 2 at a joint press conference. “That the pope’s visit occurs on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the WCC is a recognition of those who have prayed and worked together for many years for the unity of the church,” said the Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, the ecumenical organization’s top executive.
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Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
Notes from the mission field
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — Bishop Peggy Johnson of the Philadelphia Area and the Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm, a district superintendent in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, were part of a team that visited the Democratic Republic of Congo in February to witness in action a partnership the Eastern Pennsylvania and Peninsula-Delaware conferences have formed with health ministries in Congo. Johnson and Taylor-Storm shared their experiences.
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COMMENTARIES
Northern Illinois Conference
1968 was year to remember for church, world
CHICAGO — The United Methodist Church is beginning to share retrospectives on the 1968 merger that created the current denomination, writes Chicago Area Bishop Sally Dyck. But Dyck adds that it’s important to remember that 1968 was a tumultuous, pivotal and significant year in U.S. history, too.
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RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
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, March 5-Monday, March 19
Online class: Serving kids of troubled homes
Monday, March 5-Friday, March 16
Online Lay Servant Ministries Class: Come to the Waters
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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