“I would send you all to Romans 14-15, with Paul’s agonized reflections on how to deal with powerful differences in Christian community.” — The Rev. David P. Gushee, on which Bible passage he would recommend to United Methodists during this period of disaffiliations.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Ethicist speaks to disaffiliation struggle
ATLANTA (UM News) — How might a non-Methodist Christian ethicist respond to some of the ethical questions arising from the disaffiliation struggle underway in The United Methodist Church? To find out, UM News’ Sam Hodges contacted the Rev. David P. Gushee, a Baptist and the Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University. Gushee is the author of books on Christian ethics, as well as past president of the American Academy of Religion and Society of Christian Ethics.
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South Carolina Conference
Pastor, parishioner part of kidney donor chain
NORWAY, S.C. — A United Methodist pastor and a member of one of his churches were part of an eight-person living donor chain that enabled four people to get a lifesaving kidney transplant recently. Jessica Brodie has the story.
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Central Conference of Central and Southern Europe
United Methodists in Ukraine create refuge
ZURICH, Switzerland — With assistance from the United Methodist Committee on Relief, The United Methodist Church in Ukraine will create a refuge for internally displaced people. Urs Schweizer reports on this and ongoing denominational relief work related to the war in Ukraine.
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PRESS RELEASES
United Theological Seminary
Swanson named United’s bishop-in-residence
DAYTON, Ohio — Retired United Methodist Bishop James Swanson, most recently episcopal leader of the Mississippi Conference, has been named bishop-in-residence at United Theological Seminary. Following his retirement from nearly 20 years as a bishop, Swanson is now helping students prepare for ministry. Former Bishop J. Michael Lowry continues to serve on the seminary’s board and will serve as bishop-emeritus-at-large at the seminary.
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Higher Education and Ministry
Scholarship night bolsters HBCU students
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A business management major at Philander Smith College was awarded a $500 scholarship from the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry while attending a virtual information session. Student DeCarlos Nora said he had no previous knowledge of the scholarships offered by Higher Education and Ministry. He said it was his connection to religious life on campus that led to him attending the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Scholarship Night.
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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.
Western North Carolina Conference
Lenten lessons that will linger
CASHIERS, N.C. — Members of Cashiers United Methodist Church devoted their Lenten season to the idea of walking a mile in someone else's shoes. Melissa Reed writes that the journey, which included Scripture readings, other books and movie showings, has led her to hear anew Christ’s call to “love your neighbor.”
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RECENT HEADLINES
Global Ministries meetings focus on mission in Africa
Missionary remembered as a light for vulnerable children
EVENTS
Thursday, May 4
Webinar: Courageous Conversations on Disaffiliation
Monday, May 8-Friday, May 19
Campus Ministry: Empowering Congregations to Support Students
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