NEWS AND FEATURES
Court voids 2016 rule for bishops outside U.S.
ST. LOUIS (UMNS) — A United Methodist legislative action in 2016 that changed retirement requirements for central conference bishops was declared “null and void” by the Judicial Council during its special session before GC2019. The court also issued a decision on a 2018 bishop’s ruling on two clergy candidates in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. Linda Bloom reports.
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Deaconess movement flourishes in the Philippines
BACOLOR, Philippines (UMNS) — Called to ministries of love, justice and service, more than 400 Filipina deaconesses — and their counterparts around the world — teach, preach and reach out to the marginalized. Gladys Mangiduyos has the story.
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Florida Conference
Churches help reduce homeless rate by 70 percent
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A coalition of six United Methodist churches has made significant progress fighting homelessness in the Greater Daytona Beach area. A primary focus is stepping in to prevent homelessness before it occurs. Joey Johnston has the story.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Ways to follow what’s happening at GC2019
ST. LOUIS (UMC.org) — United Methodist Communications will be livestreaming proceedings at the special General Conference in English, French and American Sign Language. The stream at umc.org/live will include all open sessions when the lawmaking assembly meets Feb. 23-26. Visual learners also can view a chart that offers an overview of four main plans under consideration.
Watch the livestream
See chart on plans heading to GC2019
More resources on GC2019
Listen to audio about GC2019
PRESS RELEASES
Perkins School of Theology
Perkins continues Spanish-language theology program
DALLAS — Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University will offer a Spanish-language Master of Theology degree to a second cohort of students beginning in the fall.
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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.
Are United Methodists ignoring Wesley?
AUSTIN, Texas (UMNS) — Methodism founder John Wesley implored us to “do no harm.” The Rev. John Yeaman, a retired United Methodist pastor, feels the current debate over homosexuality ignores that rule.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Texas pastor helped revive Methodism in Russia
Providing early education in rural Zimbabwe
EVENTS
Saturday, Feb. 23-Tuesday, Feb. 26
United Methodist General Conference
Monday, March 4-Monday, April 22
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