“We plead for a quality and character of debate that is rooted in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, mindful of Wesley’s three simple rules and that demonstrates that the people called Methodists choose to grapple with controversial issues in ways that edify and build up the body of Christ.” – Bishop Reuben Job and Neil Alexander, commenting on the new book, “Finding Our Way: Love and Law in the United Methodist Church.”
Same-gender debate rekindles schism talk
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – The latest talk of “an amicable split” along progressive and conservative lines is not something new for The United Methodist Church. The denomination has a long history of disagreements. Still, much has been happening related to church unity and the struggle over church teaching on homosexuality. Here is a survey of recent developments.
Bishops seek to help church ‘find way’ on homosexuality
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – Eight United Methodist bishops from across the theological spectrum recently released a book on the homosexuality debate. The book from the United Methodist Publishing House’s Abingdon Press, “Finding Our Way: Love and Law in The United Methodist Church,” seeks to provide “more clarity about the challenges and choices facing us,” the book’s editors say.
Wesleyan conference to reconnect leaders with baptismal living
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – Lay and clergy leaders will explore baptismal living and disciple-making in the Wesleyan tradition through prayer, Scripture, worship and interactive experiences at the 2014 Wesleyan Leadership Conference Oct. 23-25 at the United Methodist Board of Discipleship in Nashville.
Take time to laugh, pastor suggests
MACON, Ga. (UMNS) – After watching Jimmy Fallon for two weeks on the Tonight Show, the Rev. Ben Gosden, associate pastor of Mulberry Street United Methodist Church in Macon, suggests United Methodists should set disagreements aside and find time to “laugh, be silly and love.”
Korean UMC website launched
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – The United Methodist Church has a new website highlighting Korean ministries and resources. KoreanUMC.org went live this week as the portal for Korean-language resources and content in the church. Designed by United Methodist Communications, it will aggregate resources from around the denomination and provide original content.
Correction to remembrance of Bishop Roy C. Clark
An obituary published May 28 reported the wrong number of years Clark was married to his second wife, Marion, who passed away in 2010. It was eighteen. The obituary also had the incorrect number of survivors. He is survived by a daughter, Lynn Blanton Clark, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
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