“To function under the assumption that the Central Conferences are completely beholden to the U.S. church is a de facto admission of a neo-colonial posture.” — Statement from California-Nevada Cabinet.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Cal-Nevada says no to withholding funds, disaffiliation
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The California-Nevada Conference Cabinet has released a statement that disaffiliation of the Western Jurisdiction from The United Methodist Church is not the answer. They said withholding apportionments is an expression of white privilege that could lead to lives being lost. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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Zimbabwe United Methodists focus on sports, recreation
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Although most people realize that regular exercise is essential to good health, many are reluctant to take the necessary, often life-changing steps. That’s why Zimbabwe Episcopal Area Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa and his cabinet launched a program that focuses on sports and recreation. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.
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Connecticut Post
Church vandalized, LGBTQ support cited
MILFORD, Conn. — A Tennessee man is charged with a hate crime after a Connecticut United Methodist church was vandalized. Charles Yarbrough of Nashville is also charged with burglary and criminal mischief. Police said Yarbrough said he felt the pastor, and the church as a whole, were supporting and pushing the LGBT agenda. Mary Taylor Memorial Church has made a point of proclaiming that it welcomes members of the gay community. Jill Dion has the story.
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Michigan Conference
Historic church celebrates anniversary
DEXTER, Mich. — Parishioners at the 187-year-old Dexter United Methodist Church are celebrating a more modest but still significant anniversary. It’s been 25 years since they moved to a former Boy Scout camp on the edge of the Huron River. Kay DeMoss has the story.
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Memphis Commercial Appeal
Hospital suspends lawsuits against former patients
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, which is affiliated with The United Methodist Church, announced that for now, it is suspending legal actions against former patients who still owe medical bills. After an investigation by MLK50-ProPublica and National Public Radio found the health system was suing its own low-wage employees, a spokesperson said Methodist Le Bonheur over the next 30 days would evaluate its financial assistance policies and procedures. Micaela Watts reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
Commission on General Conference
GC2020 petitions submissions process opens
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodists can now submit petitions for consideration by the 2020 General Conference to the petitions secretary. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 18.
Read press release
To submit a petition
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.
Wesley reminds us: Grace is available to all
DURHAM, N.C. (UM News) — Seminary professor Laceye C. Warner writes that John Wesley’s instructions to modern Methodists would be the same as Methodists of his day: Extend God’s love and grace to others. She shared her views with “Many Voices, One Faith,” a forum about theological perspectives on topics of interest in The United Methodist Church.
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Read more “Many Voices, One Faith”
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