“In Luke 4:18, Jesus began his earthly ministry by reading the words of the prophet Isaiah on a scroll in the synagogue, proclaiming to set the captives free.” — The Rev. Emanuel Cleaver III, senior pastor of St. James Church, which hosted the National Summit on Mass Incarceration and Social Justice.
|
| An African Libation service is performed in honor of the late Marcellus Williams during the final day of the biennial National Summit on Mass Incarceration and Social Justice on Oct. 5 in Kansas City, Mo. Photo by Jim Patterson, UM News. |
Summit spotlights mass incarceration, redemption
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (UM News) — Story after story of the heartaches caused by mass incarceration in the United States were leavened by tales of redemption — former inmates now thriving in the outside world. The National Summit on Mass Incarceration and Social Justice took place earlier this month at St. James Church. Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century organized the biennial event. Jim Patterson has the story.
|
|
|
|
Ask The UMC
Observing Reformation Sunday
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Reformation Sunday appears on the United Methodist Program Calendar every year on the last Sunday of October. The day is an observance of the anniversary of Martin Luther’s (alleged) posting of 95 theses for debate on the door of the church at the university in Wittenberg, Germany, on Oct. 31, 1517. The event is widely held to mark the launch of the Protestant Reformation. The Rev. Taylor Burton Edwards offers some history on Reformation Day and how United Methodists might observe the day based on their own heritage.
Read story
Texas Supreme Court
State supreme court takes up SMU case
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving a dispute between Southern Methodist University and The United Methodist Church’s South Central Jurisdictional Conference. The lawsuit is over SMU’s decision to change its governing language, declaring itself to be controlled by its board and not the jurisdiction. Last year, a Texas appeals court largely sided with the jurisdiction in the dispute.
See Texas Supreme Court notice
UM News: New ruling in conference dispute with SMU
Greater Northwest Area
Youth celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day
DES MOINES, Wash. — Youth from United Methodist churches spent Oct. 14, Indigenous Peoples Day, learning on the Yakama Reservation as part of the Students Learning About Missions program. This relationship-based trip goes beyond what is typically taught in textbooks by forming connections with people who hold histories that are often marginalized and haven’t been privileged in classrooms. The Rev. Drew Hogan has the story.
Read story
California-Nevada Conference
Californians reach out to Springfield, Ohio
CARMEL, Calif. — In the midst of an election season filled with divisiveness, one California-Nevada Conference church has found a way to provide support to a fellow United Methodist congregation in Ohio affected by anti-immigrant rhetoric. In consultation with Grace United Methodist Church in Springfield, members of Church of the Wayfarer in California have sent letters of encouragement to the Ohio church, which has an outreach ministry with Haitian immigrants. Hanna Widlund reports.
Read story
UM News: Church leaders stand with Haitian neighbors
Central and Southern Europe Conference
Church celebrates a day of joy in Albania
POGRADEC, Albania — The United Methodist Church in Albania last month celebrated an important milestone: the ordination of its third pastor. Although the church in Albania is still small, its dynamism is having a large impact. Bishop Stefan Zürcher has the story.
Read story
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Remembering chaplain killed in gangway collapse
SAPELO ISLAND, Ga. — United Methodists and law enforcement officers across the state of Georgia are mourning the death of the Rev. Charles Houston, who was among seven people killed when a ferry gangway collapsed Oct. 19. Houston, an ordained United Methodist pastor, was a Georgia Department of Public Safety chaplain who provided spiritual guidance to cadets in training. He was 77. Ashley Ahn has a remembrance.
Read story
Read Bishop Dease’s prayer |
|
|
|
|
|
United Women in Faith
Women’s organization reports accomplishments
NEW YORK — Retreats, podcasts and support for programs that empower women and transform communities are among the progress reported in this year’s annual report from United Women in Faith. The Inspire, Influence, Impact: 2023 Annual Report is available online.
Read report
Archives and History
Avitia honored posthumously
BOZEMAN, Mont. — The late Rev. Edgar Avitia Legarda was named the 2024 Distinguished Service Award winner by the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History. Avitia, who passed away last year, was the foremost authority on Methodist history in Mexico and the southwest U.S. The presentation was made during last month’s Historical Convocation.
Read press release
Animator, deacon earns trailblazer award |
|
|
|
|
|
Photo by Joey Butler, UM News.
|
|
Church restarts response to Sand Creek Massacre
|
|
| Photo by Luke Lucas, Alabama-West Florida Conference. |
|
Church exits influence clergy age trends
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
United Methodist News is sent by United Methodist Communications
810 12th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37203-4704
Email: [email protected]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
