“I think what is important that we all hear is that as The United Methodist Church, we are very diverse. And although we don’t all think alike, the promise and the principle that we stand on is that we love alike.” — Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone, at the conclusion of this year’s General Conference.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Historic assembly sets United Methodists on new path
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — General Conference brought big changes, particularly the removal of constraints on ministry with and by LGBTQ people. Now, The United Methodist Church faces the challenge of remaining a big-tent denomination that can evangelize in diverse communities and countries. Heather Hahn has an analysis on the assembly’s impact.
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See General Conference legislative recap
Holston Conference
Traditionalist pastor staying United Methodist
KINGSPORT, Tenn. — The Rev. Randy Frye, pastor of First Broad Street United Methodist Church, is a traditionalist who served as a Holston Conference delegate to the recent General Conference, which removed restrictions on full LGBTQ participation in the denomination. Frye praised the spirit of this General Conference, his sixth as a delegate. As for changes in The United Methodist Church, he told writer Annette Spence, “I can live into this new reality and help my church live into it, too.”
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Dakotas Conference
Bishop delivers commencement speech
LEAWOOD, Kan. — Dakotas-Minnesota Area Bishop Lanette Plambeck coined a new word, “vocate,” for her commencement address May 10 at Saint Paul School of Theology. “Vocate” combines “vocation” and “invocation,” and means “to allow that vocation and that invocation of God to rest on your lives,” Plambeck said. The bishop was presented the Saint Paul’s 2024 Distinguished Graduate Award at the ceremony. Dave Stucke has the story.
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The Daily Campus
Perkins’ alum Cecil Williams was ‘shining light’
DALLAS — Current faculty members and a former dean at Perkins School of Theology are recalling the impact of the Rev. Cecil Williams, who died last month at age 94. Williams was one of five Black students who integrated Perkins and Southern Methodist University in 1952. He went on to become longtime leader of San Francisco’s Glide Memorial Church, creating innovative ministries and championing inclusivity for LGBTQ persons. Tamara Lewis, a professor at Perkins, called Williams a “shining light.” Libby Dorin reports.
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Read SMU press release
WBAL-TV 11
Church calls on city to clear illegal dumping site
BALTIMORE — St. Matthew’s New Life United Methodist Church has asked Baltimore city officials to address issues of community safety, blight and illegal dumping. The church sits across the street from a lot that was once clear after rowhomes were torn down more than a decade ago. Today, it’s accumulating piles of debris and trash from illegal dumping. This summer, the church plans to host community programs, including an arts camp and a youth community/creation care program. Tommie Clark reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
Council of Bishops
Bishops clarify relationship with new denomination
WASHINGTON — While still holding a commitment to Christian unity, the Council of Bishops released a statement clarifying that at this point, The United Methodist Church has no official relationship with the Global Methodist Church. The new, theologically conservative denomination launched in 2022 and has mostly recruited its membership from the United Methodist fold. Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone, on behalf of the bishops, called upon the members of the Global Methodist Church “to formally recognize The United Methodist Church as an authentic and valid denomination and to cease all efforts to coerce members of The United Methodist Church to join their fellowship.”
Read statement
RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Peace with Justice Sunday is May 26
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodists will mark Peace with Justice Sunday on May 26 this year. Designated giving on this special Sunday supports peacebuilding ministries both at home and around the world. Fifty percent of Peace with Justice offerings remains in the annual conference where it is given; the other 50% supports ministry grants distributed by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. United Methodist Communications provides resources for the day.
See resources
RECENT HEADLINES
Bishop Minnick led with openness, grace
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EVENTS
Sunday, May 19-Monday, May 20
Northwest Texas Annual Conference
Tuesday, May 21-Thursday, May 23
Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference
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