“These are good times. These are the times of salvation in Cuba.” — Bishop Ricardo Pereira, Methodist Church in Cuba.
For Methodists in Cuba, 'These are good times'
HAVANA (UMNS) — Like others in Cuba, Methodists struggled through the “special period” of economic hardship in the early 1990s and have grappled with government restrictions. But under Bishop Ricardo Pereira, the church has taken its place in Cuban society while rekindling relationships with U.S. United Methodists. Linda Bloom and Mike DuBose report in the last of a four-part series.
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Solidarity and service in Cuba
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2 big churches seek exit from denomination
TUPELO, Miss. (UMNS) — The most-attended church and another large congregation in the Mississippi Conference have taken first steps toward leaving the United Methodist connection. Church leaders cite the denomination’s homosexuality debate. Mississippi Conference Bishop James Swanson Sr., who leads the conferences, has hopes of the churches remaining. Heather Hahn reports.
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Indigenous people celebrated in Trondheim, Norway
TRONDHEIM, Norway (UMNS) — The Methodist Church in Trondheim was the scene of the 100-year celebration of the first Sami Congress. The Sami are indigenous to northern Norway. The recent gathering at the church was attended by indigenous people from around the world, including United Methodists. Karl Anders Ellingsen reports.
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Western bishops oppose pipeline
DES MOINES, Wash. (UMNS) — Bishops of The United Methodist Church’s Western Jurisdiction have written President Trump to express support for the Standing Rock Sioux Nation in its opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline. Trump signed an executive order Jan. 24 to advance the pipeline project.
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Islamic center fire prompts interfaith gathering
AUSTIN, Texas (UMNS) — Lake Travis United Methodist Church hosted an interfaith forum after a nearby Islamic center burned on Jan. 7. Authorities are still investigating the fire’s cause. The interfaith event drew about 300 people for prayer and community-building. The Rio Texas Conference reports.
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United Methodist 'coffee church' offers warm welcome
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — There’s always a pot of hot coffee at Boise, Idaho’s Cathedral of the Rockies First United Methodist Church, one of the fastest growing congregations in the U.S.
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LOOKING AHEAD
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Wednesday, Feb. 15
“The State of Congregational Song in the Church” webinar — Noon to 1 p.m. EST. This webinar, sponsored by Candler School of Theology, will explore how congregational song in the church helps contribute to Christian formation, and how it can teach theological principles. Registration is free and required. The event meeting URL will be available upon registering. Details
More United Methodist events
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