Daily Digest - February 5, 2019

NEWS AND FEATURES

  
Court ruling prompts GC2019 plan revisions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Proponents of the Traditional Plan, the Modified Traditional Plan and the One Church Plan are recommending changes to address constitutional concerns raised by the denomination’s top court. Heather Hahn reports on the revisions, which to take effect, will have to be brought to the floor at the special General Conference. 
Read story 
Read GC2019 process for prioritizing plans

Liberian UMW wants to end violence against women
MARSHALL, Liberia (UMNS) — During its annual gathering, United Methodist Women in Liberia staged a peaceful demonstration against the growing wave of violence against women and girls. As part of its five-year strategic plan, the group aims to help survivors of abuse by providing safe homes, counseling, legal and medical services, education and other aid. E Julu Swen reports.
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Update: Seminary campus sale decision appealed
CLAREMONT, Calif. (UMNS) — The Claremont Colleges is appealing a judge’s recent ruling that would let United Methodist Claremont School of Theology sell its campus at fair market value. The seminary hopes to move to United Methodist-related Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. The judge gave The Claremont Colleges right of first refusal in buying the seminary’s campus, but the group believes earlier agreements should result in a price below fair market value. Sam Hodges updates the ongoing story.
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Religion News Service
‘Skatechurch’ lures skateboarders to church
TULSA, Okla. (RNS) — First United Methodist Church is attracting youngsters to Christ with an innovative ministry — skateboarding. For nearly 20 years, skateboarders have gathered in the downtown church’s gym to perform flat-ground tricks, grind on rails and jump over ramps. Many also attend a Sunday afternoon Bible study. Bobby Ross Jr. has the story. 
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PRESS RELEASES

Commission on the Status and Role of Women
Pirtle named director of leadership development
CHICAGO — The Rev. Pamela Pirtle has been named director of leadership development and accountability for the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women. Pirtle, who recently served as pastor of Gorham United Methodist Church, said she is passionate about social justice, education and inclusion. 
Read press release


RESOURCES 

Commission on General Conference
Registration deadline extended for GC2019 guests
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The early registration deadline for guests and observers to the 2019 special General Conference has been extended to 11:59 p.m. CST on Friday, Feb. 8. Advance registration is not required and guests and observers also may register on-site. 
To register 


COMMENTARIES

McClendon: One Church Plan and congregationalism
AIKEN, S.C. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church is headed toward congregationalism and rapid decline if each church can decide sexual ethics, writes the Rev. Tim McClendon.
Read commentary 
 
Using Bible to support views is hard, pastor says 
CUMMING, Ga. (UMNS) — A retired pastor feels it’s hard to cite Scripture to oppose modern views on homosexuality, when the Bible has been used to condone practices we now consider immoral. the Rev. James R. McCormick notes the Bible was used to condone slavery and segregation and to oppose ordination of women. 
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RECENT HEADLINES

Church’s trust clause: Critical amid struggle? 

Traditional plans keep status quo 


EVENTS

Monday, Feb. 11
Storylines Book Club