“The One Church Plan realizes that we don’t all believe the same thing about LGBT inclusion. … It tries to allow different people to exercise their own judgment in their own cultural context.” — The Rev. Tom Berlin, Commission on a Way Forward member.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Pastor: One Church Plan 'could unite diverse denomination'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Rev. Tom Berlin, lead pastor of Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon, Virginia, was a member of the Commission on a Way Forward and submitted the One Church Plan legislation to General Conference. Berlin spoke with UM News as part of “Seeing a Way Forward,” a video series featuring different perspectives of church leaders on the work of the Commission on a Way Forward.
Watch videos
Watch Seeing a Way Forward videos
Mexican church helping migrants in Tijuana, Apaxco
TIJUANA, Mexico (UMNS) — With help from nearly $135,000 in grants from the United Methodist Committee on Relief, members of the Methodist Church of Mexico are providing food and shelter for more than 6,000 migrants seeking U.S. asylum. The Rev. Gustavo Vasquez reports.
Read story
Zimbabwe church recommits to fighting AIDS epidemic
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — In Zimbabwe, The United Methodist Church has joined the Common Voice Initiative, which aims to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS through advocacy and action by leaders and followers of a broad range of religious traditions. Speaking at Inner-City United Methodist Church, advocates demanded that the world’s leaders act to ensure the epidemic is brought to an end. Priscilla Muzerengwa and Chenayi Kumuterera have the story.
Read story
No Daily Digest Dec. 5-7
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — There will be no Daily Digest Wednesday through Friday this week so United Methodist News Service staffers can attend a staff retreat. The next digest will be on Monday, Dec. 10.
PRESS RELEASES
The Council of Bishops
Christmas greetings from Council of Bishops
LAKELAND, Fla. — In a Christmas message to United Methodists on behalf of the Council of Bishops, Bishop Kenneth H. Carter Jr., council president, reflects on Isaiah 11. He urges churchgoers to be a sign of God's peaceable Kingdom.
Read message
United Methodist Publishing House
Church leaders gather, seek new ways to connect
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Church leaders are looking to the future after a three-day meeting at The United Methodist Publishing House to consider digital resources. More than 50 members of an advisory panel examined prototypes, offered feedback to presenters and met with product developers to talk about what content is most useful and needed by local churches.
Read press release
COMMENTARIES
Scripture and the One Church Plan
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Rev. James Howell, senior pastor of Myers Park United Methodist Church, supports the One Church Plan. And he says his reading of Scripture is the reason why.
Read blog
3 tell-tale signs it's time for a new vision
CASPER, Wyo. — The Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter, a United Methodist church consultant, reflects on three signs a church or denomination needs a new vision. She adds that she sees those signs at work in The United Methodist Church.
Read commentary
RECENT HEADLINES
Church extends support to deported man
Bishops urge peace talks on trip to war-torn region of Africa
EVENTS
Sundays, Dec. 9-Jan. 6
Prepare the Way: Worship Planning
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.