Daily Digest - December 6, 2019

NEWS AND FEATURES

Jurisdictional conference sues SMU

DALLAS (UM News) — The South Central Jurisdictional Conference of The United Methodist Church is suing Southern Methodist University, claiming the school’s board improperly moved to sever ties with the conference and denomination. SMU said it “cherishes” its relationship with the denomination but updated governance documents recently to make clear that its own board controls the school. Sam Hodges reports.
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Doctors’ strike taxes United Methodist hospitals 
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — With hundreds of doctors on strike at government hospitals and a deepening economic crisis, patients are flocking to United Methodist hospitals for care. The influx of patients is taking its toll on the doctors and nurses who are still working and has resulted in critical shortages in medication, beds and equipment. Kudzai Chingwe reports.
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Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
Pastor offers mercy far from the border
 
WARRINGTON, Pa. — The Rev. Lillian “Luky” Cotto, pastor of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, is far from the southwest border, but she is on the front lines of assisting Central American migrants and refugees seeking asylum and legal residency. John W. Coleman has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
Hospital boosts employee education

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, a United Methodist-related hospital system, has formed a new partnership with the University of Memphis to provide its employees an opportunity “to flexibly and affordably earn higher education degrees and certificates that can propel their careers forward.” The partnership is part of the health system’s promise earlier this year to help with employee advancement. 
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Hospital changes debt-collection policies

Global Ministries
Plan launches search for new director

ATLANTA — A search for a new national director for the National Plan for Hispanic-Latino Ministry Committee will be undertaken to replace the Rev. Franciso Cañas, who is stepping down on June 30. Cañas has led the committee that seeks to strengthen Hispanic-Latino churches for 13 years.
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Resist Harm
Coalition launches effort to resist Traditional Plan

SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. — A coalition of United Methodist groups has launched an effort called #ResistHarm to provide solidarity with LGBTQ church members and oppose the Traditional Plan, which will take effect in the U.S. on Jan. 1. The effort includes prayers, rallies and clergy support with information on ResistHarm.com.
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RECENT HEADLINES

Summit leads United Methodists to heart of border woes


United Methodist pens first book at 104 years old


EVENTS 

Saturday, Dec. 14

Lake Junaluska Singers Christmas Concert

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