"I would say that while many of us hoped for a 2018 time frame, all of us understand that scheduling a meeting of that size takes time." — The Rev. Tom Berlin, on the Council of Bishops’ announcement that a special General Conference would likely be held in 2019.
Reactions vary to special General Conference date
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (UMNS) — The Council of Bishops’ announcement that 2019 is the earliest realistic time for a special General Conference brought a range of reactions, from support to frustration. The conference would address the work of the Commission on a Way Forward, created by the bishops to review church law related to homosexuality and examine ways to unify the church in a time of deep divisions. Sam Hodges and Kathy L. Gilbert have the story.
Bishops planning for 2019 General Conference
New York board responds to ruling on gay ordination
NEW YORK (UMNS) — The recent Judicial Council decision related to a New York Conference bishop’s ruling on gay ordination issues has prompted statements from the conference board of ordained ministry, the current bishop and advocacy groups. Linda Bloom and Vicki Brown report.
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Court to bishops: Rule on 'proper' questions of law
Commentary: A day of prayer at Standing Rock
NEAR STANDING ROCK RESERVATION, N.D. (UMNS) — More than 500 clergy and other people of faith gathered in a day of prayer and support for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe’s protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The Rev. Richenda Fairhurst, who was among United Methodist clergy at the event, writes in a commentary that one phrase from the gathering stuck with her: “You can pretend to care, but you can’t pretend to show up.”
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Food Network show to feature ministry café
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (UMNS) — The Table Café, a ministry of the United Methodist Church of the Promise, will be featured on chef Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” Nov. 18 on the Food Network. The Table addresses food insecurity and food justice issues and operates on a pay-what-you-can model. Cathy L. Bruce has the story for the Kentucky Conference.
Commentary: Voting as Christian discipleship
FREIBURG, Germany (UMNS) — Christians should constantly observe and critically judge the political actions and decisions of candidates, not base a vote on the friendly face, the stylish appearance or the confident self-assurance of the campaigner, writes Hans Martin Renno in Interpreter magazine’s fourth and final commentary on voting. Renno’s home country of Germany will hold national elections for chancellor and president in 2017.
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Church leaders attend Quadrennial Training
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Council on Finance and Administration recently concluded Quadrennial Training for Church Leadership. More than 300 church leaders, representing 53 of the 56 U.S. annual conferences, attended.
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, Nov. 15
Webinar "Healthy Families Series: (Emotional Health) Strengthening Families" — 2 p.m. CST. Role modeling and mentoring are important for developing strong families. Join staff from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries as they share how the church can support families in this holy work. Details
Thursday, Nov. 24
U.S. Thanksgiving — Whether you're going over the river and through the woods or to a community Thanksgiving service, United Methodist Discipleship Ministries offers devotional and worship resources to mark the day that celebrates gratitude to God. Details
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