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Daily Digest - May 11, 2021

"We cannot just sit on our hands and wait until after General Conference has acted." — Nordic and Baltic Area Bishop Christian Alsted.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Europeans make plans for separation
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (UM News) — United Methodists in Europe are beginning to make plans for what happens under a proposal to separate the denomination. Ultimately, the continent's four bishops expect the church's map to look very different. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story

South Carolina Conference
South Carolinians help eye care in Guatemala

QUETZALTENANGO, Guatemala — About 350 Guatemalan men and women can see more clearly now thanks to the efforts of a United Methodist medical mission there. Jessica Brodie writes about the "Cataract Camp" organized by a clinic supported by the South Carolina Conference.
Read story

Michigan Conference
Church serves African French speakers

LANSING, Mich. — A growing church in Birmingham, Michigan, caters to African immigrants who speak French. The French United Methodist Church of the African Diaspora meets at the Embury United Methodist Church building. John E. Harnish reports.
Read story

PRESS RELEASES

North Carolina Conference
Bishop Ward announces retirement

GARNER, N.C. — Bishop Hope Morgan Ward has announced her plans to retire Sept. 1. "Your welcome nine years ago to episcopal leadership here in North Carolina was a gift beyond measure," she wrote in her announcement. The bishop said she will continue to pray for the new episcopal leader who has "yet to be discerned."
Read announcement

World Council of Churches, Patriarchs and Heads of Jerusalem Churches
Jerusalem church leaders denounce violence

JERUSALEM — In a statement, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem expressed their profound concern over the recent violence in East Jerusalem. "These concerning developments, whether at the Al Aqsa Mosque or in Sheikh Jarrah, violate the sanctity of the people of Jerusalem and of Jerusalem as the City of Peace," the group said.
Read statement
The Associated Press: What's behind clashes in Jerusalem?

RESOURCES

United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy
Webinar examines 'clobber' passages

DENVER — The United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy, which advocates for LGBTQ equality, will hold a webinar examining six Bible verses often cited in condemning homosexuality. "Examining the 'Clobber' Passages: A Scriptural Way Forward for United Methodism" is set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. U.S. Mountain time May 20.
To learn more and register

Day1
Joy Moore to preach on 'Day1'

ATLANTA — The Rev. Joy J. Moore, a United Methodist elder who serves as professor of Biblical preaching, vice president for academic affairs and academic dean at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, is the featured preacher June 6 on "Day1" with host Peter Wallace, the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program. Formerly known as "The Protestant Hour," "Day1" has been broadcast every week for 76 years.
Read more

RECENT HEADLINES

Publishing House rebounds

Holocaust research leads to spiritual journey

EVENTS

Monday, May 24-Tuesday, May 25
Greater New Jersey Annual Conference

Friday, May 28-Saturday, May 29
Great Plains Annual Conference


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UM News Digest - May 7, 2025

Bishops work to put new vision into action; Church ‘gives sight’ to 250 in Guatemala; Helping Native American groups honor a hero

UM News Digest - May 5, 2025

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