“The university is putting in place measures to ensure that the student learning experience is not compromised but rather enhanced through this mode of learning.” — Stephene Chikozho, Africa University director of advancement and public affairs, on the move to online classes for the fall semester.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Africa University shifts fall semester online
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Africa University’s fall semester classes will be conducted online with more than 870 freshmen beginning their academic life via the internet. Despite the move to distance learning, the United Methodist university celebrated a new student union, dormitory and expanded dining hall, funded by a gift from Dallas’ Highland Park United Methodist Church. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
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Michigan Conference
Personal 5K raises $9,135
LANSING, Mich. — Fellowship events that raised funds for Michigan ministries couldn't be held as usual after the annual conference session moved online due to COVID-19. Undeterred, United Methodists still held a 5K ride, walk or run that raised $9,135 so far for the Michigan Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. More than 200 people in six states took part, completing the 5K on their own. Kay DeMoss reports.
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World Council of Churches
Methodists in Fiji work to prevent gender violence
ATLANTA — Domestic violence in Fiji is almost twice the global average, affecting nearly two out of every three women ages 18-64. As the majority Christian religion, the Methodist Church in Fiji is uniquely positioned to encourage cultural shifts in attitude that can decrease and prevent violence against women. The Thursdays in Black movement against gender-based violence is part of the effort.
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Learn more about Thursdays in Black
New 2020 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2020 annual conference reports. Michigan is new this week.
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PRESS RELEASES
Religion and Race
Anti-racism town halls scheduled for August
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Two new interactive town hall discussions are planned as part of the "Dismantling Racism: Pressing on to Freedom" initiative's series on anti-racism. The sessions explore old and new ways to organize for racial justice in church and community. "Through these two panels, we will hear different perspectives that remind us of the work that has moved us to today's reality, as well as where we still need to go," said Erin Hawkins, top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race. The first discussion, at noon Central time on Aug. 19, will feature the Rev. James Lawson, Bishop Joel N. Martinez, Sue Thrasher and Clara Ester.
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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 the UM News staff.
Shifting Margins
Retired bishop revisits first churches he served
CHAPIN, S.C. — Retired Bishop Kenneth Carder has begun to revisit the churches and communities where he and his late wife, Linda, served early in their life together. He writes about his recent trip back to Watauga, Tennessee. He was a student pastor there six decades ago, with a beginning annual salary of $600.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Meharry faces off with COVID-19
Commentary: Korean peninsula and ‘Amazing Grace with Peace’
EVENTS
Monday, Aug. 10-Saturday, Sept. 26
Online class: Spreading God’s Word and Love
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