Daily Digest - April 17, 2023

“The people in the Great Plains Conference are so ready to move past disaffiliations. There's so much ministry and mission that needs to be done.” Bishop David Wilson


NEWS AND FEATURES

Bishop Wilson shares priorities, hopes for future

OKLAHOMA CITY (UM News) — While acknowledging the significance of being the denomination's first Native American bishop, David Wilson is clear he intends to be an effective leader for all United Methodists under his purview. Wilson sat down for an interview with UM News to talk about his priorities and hopes for the future of The United Methodist Church. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story
UM News: South Central elects Wilson as denomination’s first Native American bishop

World Council of Churches
Ecumenical group calls for ceasefire in Sudan

GENEVA — The World Council of Churches, which includes The United Methodist Church, is calling for an immediate ceasefire as violence continues between the Sudanese army and a paramilitary group in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum. The violence has killed at least 100 people and injured 1,100 more. Many people — including staff of the Sudan Council of Churches — have been trapped in their workplaces because of the fighting. 
Read statement 
Holston Conference: Pastor aims to help Sudanese join denomination

Kentucky Conference
Churches respond to Louisville violence

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Prayer vigils held at three Louisville-area United Methodist churches in response to a deadly shooting spree April 10 at a bank drew about 150 people. The city also is reeling from another mass shooting in a Louisville park that left two people dead and four injured. Alan Wild reports.
Read story 

Upper New York Conference
Guided meditation on post-resurrection Jesus

LIVERPOOL, N.Y. — In the Upper New York Conference’s newest podcast series, “Spiritual Practices,” Director of Spiritual Vitality the Rev. Nancy Dibelius leads a guided meditation based on John 21:1-19 — the story of Jesus as he meets the disciples in the Sea of Galilee after his resurrection.
Listen to podcast

Indiana Conference
Tornado recovery plan coming

CARMEL, Ind. — Plans to help Indiana recover from 23 tornadoes that hit the state March 31 to April 1 are being formulated by federal, state and church officials. Five people died and 1,000 structures were damaged. The Indiana Conference has an update on relief efforts and a list of immediate needs.
Read update
To donate


COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff. 

Connected in Christ
Front row seat for a disaffiliation vote

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Rev. Michael Roberts is director of the Arkansas Conference’s ReStart Initiative. In that role, he supports people who want to remain United Methodist after their local church has chosen to leave the denomination. He reflects on his recent experience attending a church conference where disaffiliation won in a close vote.
Read blog post


RECENT HEADLINES

Bishop makes historic visit to Madagascar


Churches call for peace treaty in Korea


EVENTS

Monday, April 24-Friday, May 5

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