Daily Digest - March 23, 2020

NEWS AND FEATURES

Group looking at new General Conference dates

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — General Conference organizers met in a teleconference to explore rescheduling the lawmaking assembly in 2021 after the coronavirus-compelled delay. Heather Hahn reports.
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Read press release
Church leaders postpone GC2020

BMCR looks at separation plans, leadership views
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (UM News) — Much of the annual meeting of the African American caucus of The United Methodist Church focused on major changes being proposed to the now-delayed General Conference, as well as the views of black church leaders. During its 53rd annual meeting, Black Methodists for Church Renewal endorsed the protocol plan for amicable separation of the church. John W. Coleman reports. 
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Read BMCR press release

LiCAS.news
Filipino United Methodists help frontline workers

MANILA, Philippines — Ramuel Derige, a Filipino United Methodist who works in Dubai, posted an appeal to friends on Facebook to help provide personal protective equipment to hospitals in the fight against the coronavirus. In over 12 hours, he was able to raise about $3,500. Derige and his friends, all members of The United Methodist Church, were able to buy 1,000 N95 masks for distribution at six hospitals in the Philippines. Mark Saludes has the story.
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Florida Conference
Hurricane Irma recovery winds down

VALRICO, Fla. — A loving United Methodist community came together two years ago to help communities ravaged by Hurricane Irma. Now, those rebuilding efforts are ending as finances dry up and volunteers scatter to other areas of need. Yvette C. Hammett reports.
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PRESS RELEASES

Religion and Race 
Commission denounces ‘Chinese Virus’ language

WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race called President Trump’s description of the coronavirus as the “Chinese Virus” racist and xenophobic. “Not only does this unapologetic use of xenophobia and racial terror create physical, emotional and economic harm to persons of Asian descent, it amplified President Trump’s individual racism with the institutional power of the United States government,” the commission statement said. The commission offers five ways for Christians to respond when they hear or witness racism. 
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RECENT HEADLINES

In GC2020 delay, leaders see needed pause



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