Bishop Chamness, calm leader, dead at 78
HUNTSVILLE, Texas (UMNS) — Bishop Ben R. Chamness, the rare bishop who oversaw conferences in two jurisdictions, brought a calming presence to complex decisions. He helped the United Methodist pension agency decide on big changes and served as host of a General Conference. Heather Hahn has this remembrance.
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Ask The UMC
How do United Methodists understand Epiphany?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Epiphany is the day Christians remember the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus, bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. An even more ancient Christian celebration than Christmas, Epiphany originally focused on the nativity, God’s incarnation in the birth of Jesus Christ and Christ’s baptism. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has more on Epiphany, Three Kings Day, Twelfth Night and other celebrations.
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United Methodists fight human trafficking
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — According to a United Nations report, human trafficking has become the world’s fastest-growing global crime. The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe is responding by raising awareness and becoming a secure haven for survivors. Priscilla Muzerengwa reports.
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World Council of Churches
Challenges for a Syrian Christian peacemaker
WINDSOR, England — Seventy-five percent of Syria’s population is “in urgent need of support,” says the Very Rev. Alexi Chehadeh of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East in Damascus. In an interview with the WCC’s Marianne Ejdersten, the Syrian peacemaker discussed the main challenges to his humanitarian aid and development work and the need for assistance from the international ecumenical community in raising awareness.
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California-Pacific Conference, CBS News 8
Pastor arrested on suspicion of child molestation
ESCONDIDO, Calif. — The Rev. John R. McFarland, pastor of Orangethorpe United Methodist Church, has been suspended from all clergy duties and from his local church after being arrested on suspicion of child molestation, said Bishop Grant J. Hagiya, episcopal leader of the United Methodist California-Pacific Conference. The pastor was arrested Dec. 18 at his Fullerton home. “The United Methodist Church unequivocally opposes abuse or misconduct of any kind, especially against children. For that reason, we are engaged in this matter as a top priority and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement,” Hagiya said.
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