“Our presence here in Latin America is an embodiment of our commitment to be engaged in mission from everywhere to everywhere.” — Bishop Hope Morgan Ward on United Methodist Global Ministries, Upper Room Latin American office.
Mission agency, Upper Room open first regional office
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (UMNS) — The opening of the Latin American office of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and the Upper Room will strengthen the church’s work throughout the region, leaders said. Tim Tanton reports.
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Church works to end gun violence
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — A United Methodist proposal to end gun violence cites Micah’s “prophetic dream” of turning weapons into plows and offers practical suggestions. The proposal coming from the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the denomination’s social action agency, will be considered by delegates at the 2016 General Conference. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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Student occupation continues at Duke
DURHAM, N.C. (UMNS) — Students demanding higher wages for Duke University employees have shut down the building that houses the president’s office for more than a week. The students at the United Methodist-related university said they won’t move until the administration agrees to negotiate. The administration said no negotiations until the students leave. Kathy L. Gilbert and Heather Hahn have the story.
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Violence against Filipino farmers condemned
KIDAPWAN, Philippines (UMNS) — United Methodists around the world condemned the violence against farmers and Lumads, calling on authorities to honor the church as a place of sanctuary and stop harassing a United Methodist bishop. Gladys Mangiduyos and Kathy L. Gilbert report.
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Methodists meet with Pope Francis
ROME — Pope Francis said that Catholics and Methodists have much to learn from one another as they work together in loving service to the world, Vatican Radio reports. The Pope met April 7 with leaders of the World Methodist Council, the Methodist Council of Europe and the Methodist Church in Britain. A new ecumenical office also was dedicated at the Methodist Church at Ponte Sant’Angelo in Rome.
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Vatican Radio interview with Irish Methodist lay leader
Videos enrich Native American Ministries Sunday
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Inspirational videos and other resources for celebrating Native American Ministries Sunday, April 10, are available from United Methodist Communications. Ten videos — each just 19 seconds long — include music and a quote. The special offering supports urban ministries with Native Americans, scholarships for Native Americans attending United Methodist seminaries and conference Native American ministries.
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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-Monday, April 10-11
Thrive: Ministry in the New Millennium — Hilton Garden Inn, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Methodist Theological School in Ohio and the Western Pennsylvania Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry are sponsoring this conference, which offers pastors and church leaders new perspectives and tangible ways to enhance 21st century ministry. Keynote speaker is Joel Comiskey, a cell church coach and consultant. Details and registration.
Monday, April 11
Deadline to register for Wesley Heritage Tour — On July 12-20, The Rev. Mark and Lisa Johnsen of South Dakota are leading an Educational Opportunities tour of England with a focus on the ministry of John Wesley. Costs vary. Details
More upcoming United Methodist events
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