"It’s hard to line up this law with our United Methodist teaching and practice. We have a social responsibility, even if it does cause friction within our churches… to speak out against it." — The Rev. Robert Forquay, senior pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Indianapolis.
Reaction continues on Indiana religious freedom law
INDIANAPOLIS (UMNS) — As Indiana Gov. Mike Pence held a press conference to announce plans for new legislation clarifying the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act, some United Methodists reflected on the law and intense national reaction it has generated. Many claim the law allows businesses to deny services to gays and lesbians. Linda Bloom has the story.
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Clark Atlanta University names new president
ATLANTA (UMNS) — Ronald A. Johnson has been named the fourth president of Clark Atlanta University, one of The United Methodist Church’s historically black colleges. Johnson, currently dean of Texas Southern University’s Jesse H. Jones School of Business, will assume his new role July 1. He succeeds Carlton E. Brown, who will retire June 30.
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#BringChange this World Malaria Day
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Be part of a world-changing moment in history by participating in World Malaria Day on April 25. Help The United Methodist Church reach its goal of $75 million to help end needless death and suffering from malaria.
Learn more
Volunteers needed for General Conference 2016
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles during the 2016 General Conference, The United Methodist Church’s top legislative assembly, which will meet in Portland, Oregon, from May 10 to 20, 2016. All volunteers are responsible for their own travel and expenses. Those interested can apply now through July 1, 2015.
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Apply now
The Importance of the Egg: Children and Easter
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMTV) — Experts from the age of 5 to 10, as well as the Rev. MaryJane Pierce Norton, explore the traditions of Easter in this UMTV video. Watch and listen to the discussion about hunting eggs, coloring eggs, and seeing the egg as a symbol of new life. (Don’t miss the outtakes.)
View video
Lent quiz: The agony in the garden
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — There are many quotes that originated in biblical accounts of Jesus' agony in the garden. See how many you recognize and pick the one that Jesus did not say.
Take today's quiz
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.
Sunday, April 5
Easter — Worship resources from United Methodist Discipleship Ministries and Cokesbury.com.
Thursday through Saturday, April 16-18
2015 Deacon Dialogue — The conference at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, 2121 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois, will focus on ministries of compassion and justice and will feature three keynote speakers: The Rev. Romal Tune, Deaconess E. Louise Williams and the Rev. Darryl Stephens. $150 for individuals. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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