“There are significant differences in how we’re approaching being United Methodists.” — Chuck Niedringhaus, who oversees research for United Methodist Communications.
NEWS AND FEATURES
What do United Methodists really believe?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church is a big tent theologically, and people with conservative or traditional religious beliefs make up the largest group under that spreading canvas. Those are two key findings from a new United Methodist Communications survey of United Methodists in the U.S. Sam Hodges reports.
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Missionary pilot continues lifesaving work
JOHANNESBURG (UMNS) — Rukang Chikomb, a missionary serving through the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, talks about the joys and challenges he faces in his work with The United Methodist Church’s Wings of the Morning aviation ministry in Congo. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
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Missionaries share joys of serving in Africa
Greater New Jersey Conference
Program encourages youth to effect social change
PATERSON, N.J. — Young people learn to identify a community need and construct a solution through the United Methodist “A Future with Hope” program. Financed by a $10,000 grant from the state, young people learn how to build coalitions, sharpen a message and construct a 45-second “elevator pitch.” Josh Kinney has the story.
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Board of Global Ministries
Baby by baby: Helping in Central Congo
KANANGA, Congo — Denise Mondji shuttles between three remote United Methodist clinics as she oversees the progress of the Central Congo’s Maternal, Newborn and Child Health program, focusing on the very young. The clinics are part of the Abundant Health Initiative of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Christie House has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Council of Bishops
Bishops agree to covenant for GC2019
WASHINGTON — United Methodist bishops are preparing to preside over the special General Conference set for Feb. 23-26 in St. Louis. In a letter released Feb. 12, Council of Bishops President Bishop Kenneth H. Carter Jr. noted that the bishops will be bound by a covenant of presiding. The letter was written in collaboration with the Commission on the General Conference.
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Read letter
Read covenant
COMMENTARIES
United Methodist News Service includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about the plans for the future of the church and other issues in the denomination. The commentaries reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UMNS staff.
Commentary: Grace is not up for a vote
SAN FRANCISCO (UMNS) — A Filipino LGBTQ clergyman writes about his fears concerning General Conference 2019. The Rev. Israel Alvaran reflects on how he and other gay United Methodists serve faithfully in every conference of the global connection. This is the last of three commentaries about life as an LGBTQ United Methodist.
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RECENT HEADLINES
United Methodists respond to migrants at the border
Church helps rebuild Congo water source
EVENTS
Wednesday, Feb. 13-Tuesday, Feb. 19
Online congregational leadership class: Wesleyan theology
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