“I think theological diversity is one of the strengths of our denomination. I love that about our church. It helps us to understand the greatness of God and the wideness of God’s mercy. ” — The Rev. Karen Oliveto, one of 111 clergy who came out in a public letter.
111 clergy, clergy candidates come out as gay
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — On the eve of the 2016 General Conference, 111 United Methodist clergy and clergy candidates have come out as LGBTQ religious leaders. Among the signers are delegates at the denomination’s top lawmaking assembly. Heather Hahn reports.
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GC2016: African delegates poised to be a force
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — African delegates say they enter General Conference 2016 better prepared than at past legislative gatherings, and determined to gain more clout and resources for their continent’s part of The United Methodist Church. Most African delegates met for two days of briefings and strategy just before General Conference convened here. Sam Hodges reports.
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How the church is responding to AIDS
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Delegates and church leaders attending the 2016 General Conference gathered to discuss the realities of the fights against HIV and AIDS. The event, sponsored by the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund, highlighted new AIDS research and trends and examined how churches are responding. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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Church celebrates Congo dissident’s release
KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo (UMNS) — A political dissident who led a prison revival is now free in his native Democratic Republic of Congo after 16 months behind bars — the past four in a military prison. Vano Kalembe Kiboko — a United Methodist lay evangelist, businessman and former congressman in Congo — was detained on what the watchdog group Human Rights Watch called “trumped-up charges.” Heather Hahn and Linda Bloom report.
2016 GC to consider three sites for Heritage Landmarks
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Gulfside Assembly, Pearl River United Methodist Church and The United Methodist Building are nominees for Heritage Landmarks. They represent more than 350 years of Methodist ministry. Maggie Hillery reports.
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Global Ministries reorganizes
NEW YORK (UMNS) — Global Ministries announced that in addition to moving its headquarters to Atlanta and opening regional office, the agency has been restructured to ensure greater effectiveness. Mary Andreolli reports.
Read press release
Man takes evangelism on the road to GC2016
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Inspired by the example of a famed Methodist evangelist, Randy Neal traveled from Crossville, Tennessee to Portland, Oregon, by bus. His hope was to meet people and share Jesus. Heather Hahn reports on some of his experiences along the way.
Martyred pastor posthumously receives degree
WASHINGTON — The widow of the Rev. Clementa Pinckney accepted his posthumously awarded Doctorate of Ministry degree at United Methodist Wesley Theological Seminary’s commencement May 9 at the Washington National Cathedral. Pinckney was a doctoral student at the time he and eight of his church members were murdered at the historic Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. WCBD News 2 in South Carolina has the story.
Read UMNS coverage of Pinckney’s memorial service
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.
Tuesday, May 10 to Friday, May 20
2016 General Conference ─ The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking body begins with opening worship at the Oregon Convention Center. Details
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