“All of the data that we collect from local churches in any conference, regardless of continent, we collect on the basis of trust.” — Scott Brewer, treasurer and director of administrative services with the Great Plains Conference.
How accurate are church membership numbers?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Church membership data plays a critical role in denominational decision-making, but the numbers come with uncertainty. Heather Hahn explains how church leaders gather the information and the role it plays.
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Immigration Task Force
Church members called to support those in peril
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The federal government is issuing fines of up to $500,000 to some immigrants living in sanctuary churches as they fight deportation. Currently, nine United Methodist congregations are serving as hosts. The United Methodist Immigration Task Force is urging all church members to support these persons by praying for them and sending postcards expressing support. The denomination’s Board of Church and Society, Board of Global Ministries and United Methodist Women have joined in this call.
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Zimbabwe church trains youth to avoid drugs
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — With support from the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, more than 70 United Methodist youth leaders in Zimbabwe have been trained to spearhead the fight against drug abuse under the Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
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The Oklahoman
Native Americans hold vigil at Fort Sill
LAWTON, Okla. – The Rev. David Wilson, superintendent of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, recently led a prayer vigil at Fort Sill’s Apache POW Cemetery. Wilson and other Native American United Methodists prayed for immigrant children who are expected to be housed at the fort. They noted a parallel with the historic internment of Apaches there. Carla Hinton reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist Women
Grants will address LGBTQ youth suicide
NEW YORK — United Methodist Women has awarded two $50,000 grants for work to thwart suicide among LGBTQ youth to The Trevor Project and the Tyler Clementi Foundation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10 and 24, resulting in approximately 4,600 lives lost each year. LGBTQ youth are three to six times more likely to attempt suicide than other youth.
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The Methodist Church in Britain
British church considers same-sex marriage
BIRMINGHAM, England — British Methodists passed a series of provisional resolutions related to proposals on marriage and relationships during the annual Methodist Conference, including the ability of same-sex couples to marry in Methodist churches. District synods will consider the proposals before a final vote in 2020.
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