"The goal is to seek forgiveness, peace, reconciliation and healing. The healing aspect is probably the most difficult." — Bishop Mande Muyombo on United Methodist efforts toward peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bringing back peace in Congo
ATLANTA (UMNS) — Reconciliation between indigenous pygmy tribes and another ethnic group is part of a larger goal for a new United Methodist episcopal leader in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The denomination has been at the forefront of peace, reconciliation and development work in the African nation, said Bishop Mande Muyombo. Linda Bloom has the story.
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Bishop presents son with Master of Divinity
ATLANTA — When Joshua Swanson graduated from the United Methodist Candler School of Theology, he certainly expected his father to attend. But proud father, Mississippi Area Bishop James Swanson Sr., took an extra step, handing his son the diploma. The younger Swanson had his own surprise in store. Tamica Smith Jeuitt reports for the Mississippi Conference.
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Advocating to improve maternal health
WASHINGTON — The rising maternal death rate in the United States — up 27 percent between 2010 and 2014 — was among the topics explored recently as a group of United Methodist Women members gathered to be trained as advocates for maternal health. The training was in partnership with the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. Erik Alsgaard reports for UMW.
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Pray to end famine and reach 'the forgotten'
GENEVA (WCC) — Worsening global inequality is borne out as more people face famine now than any other time in modern history, says the national coordinator of the Association of Franciscan Families of India. The Global Day of Prayer to End Famine on May 21, adds the Rev. Nithiya Sagayam, is a way of getting in touch with what he describes as “the forgotten people.”
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Global Day of Prayer to End Famine website
United Methodist quiz: Mother edition
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — They rocked the cradle and shaped the church. Try this short quiz to test your knowledge about Methodist and biblical moms.
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LOOKING AHEAD
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.
Saturday, May 20
Dealing with Shame and Forgiveness: Spring No Whispers Conference — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Central, Christ Church, 4488 Poplar Ave., Memphis. The church will host a conversation on shame and redemption with the Rev. Phil Jamieson, president of the United Methodist Foundation for the Memphis and Tennessee annual conferences, and the Rev. Lenn Harris Milam, an ordained elder in the Memphis Conference who is a marriage and family therapist in private practice. Details
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