“Whether a child attending school, a grandmother buying groceries, or a politician attending a political rally, all deserve to go about their daily lives in safety. Our civil society and democracy depend on it.” — Western Pennsylvania Conference Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi.
Peacemaking urged after assassination attempt
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (UM News) — United Methodist bishops and pastors expressed grief and called for prayer following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. They also urged churchgoers to work to heal divisions both in the church and in the country. Heather Hahn reports.
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Bishop Moore-Koikoi responds
NEWS AND FEATURES
United Methodist Communications
Focus on common mission amid differences
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — On a new episode of the “Get Your Spirit in Shape” podcast, a lifelong United Methodist and career minister who describes himself as “conservative” discusses how he navigates differences within the denomination. The Rev. Randy Frye says he concentrates on the common mission to make disciples, a space that supports The United Methodist Church’s “big tent” distinction.
Listen to podcast
Western Jurisdiction
Delegates adopt Indigenous Ministries plan
SPOKANE, Wash. — The Western Jurisdictional Conference is reinforcing its commitment to Indigenous people and places after adopting an extensive, detailed plan from the Committee on Native American Ministries. The 10-year plan includes providing resources for Indigenous-focused churches and communities. Kristen Caldwell reports.
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North Central Jurisdiction
Funds approved to help with bishop reduction
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — North Central Jurisdictional Conference delegates approved adding $80,000 to the $40,000 allocated for the Episcopal Area Transition Fund. The purpose of this fund is to support bishops and episcopal areas related to the reduction of bishops that was approved at the 2024 General Conference. With two bishops retiring and one going on leave, the jurisdiction starting on Sept. 1 will have six bishops covering 10 conferences. Victoria Rebeck reports.
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See jurisdiction’s bishop assignments
UM News: Bishops in US receive assignments
Texas Conference
Youth serve in jurisdictional delegation
ROGERS, Ark. — Two youth were among the members of the Texas Conference delegation to the South Central Jurisdiction. Both Kate Erwin and Aiden Hoffmann are lifelong United Methodists and say they had a great experience participating in the gathering. Texas Conference staff have the story.
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RESOURCES
Church and Society
New study guide looks at racism through theological lens
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society has unveiled the first Pages for Progress Resource Guide on the book “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together” by Heather McGhee. The guide, structured into three 90-minute sessions for group learning, is free to download. Pages for Progress was established to create spaces for collective learning through shared reading and in-depth exploration of topics from a theological perspective, to become more effective advocates as people of faith.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Jurisdiction elects Kristin Stoneking as bishop
Sandra K. Olewine elected as bishop
EVENTS
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.
Monday, July 29-Wednesday, July 31
Black Clergy Women's Annual Meeting 2024
Sunday, Aug. 4-Wednesday, Aug. 7
School of Congregational Development: See/Create/Disciple