“Jim was a staunch Methodist. … He was a dyed-in-the-wool Methodist, a real son of John Wesley.” — Dennis C. Dickerson of Vanderbilt University about the late Rev. James M. Lawson Jr.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Stories abound after the death of the Rev. James Lawson
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Stories of grace under pressure abound about the Rev. James M. Lawson Jr., who died June 9. The Civil Rights Movement leader and colleague of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. had so many achievements through his work on nonviolence that some tend to be overlooked, including his ecumenical work with The United Methodist Church. Jim Patterson has the story.
Read story
UM News: The Rev. James Lawson, civil rights pioneer, dies at 95
Read Council of Bishops statement
Holston Conference
Pastor sees outreach potential in old camp
FORT BLACKMORE, Va. — For the past three years, the Rev. Ricky Begley has been leading an effort to repair and update 76-acre Fort Blackmore Camp, a 100-year-old camp owned by the Holston Conference’s Appalachian District. Church disaffiliations in the district have added challenges, but encouragement and donations from the community keep Begley and others moving forward. Annette Spence has the story.
Read story
Florida Conference
Remembering pastor who died days after ordination
TAMPA, Fla. — People throughout the Florida Conference are mourning the Rev. Tanner White, who was ordained on June 8. Two days later, he died unexpectedly at the age of 36. He was pastor of Hillsborough United Methodist Church as well as a husband and father. Joe Henderson reports on his challenging path to ordination.
Read story
Illinois Great Rivers Conference
Bishop Beard to go on long-term disability
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Bishop Frank J. Beard is going on long-term disability due to his ongoing battle with glaucoma, which has resulted in him becoming legally blind. He has requested to be relieved from his episcopal duties effective Aug. 1. The Council of Bishops will select Beard’s replacement, which could be a retired bishop in the interim or an active bishop who would assume additional responsibilities. Paul Black reports.
Read story
New 2024 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2024 annual conference reports. New this week are the Hungary, Indiana, Minnesota, South Georgia and Upper New York conferences.
Read reports
Zimbabwe UMC TV
Ecumenical group affirms United Methodists
HARARE, Zimbabwe — The Rev. Wilfred Dimingo, general secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, met with United Methodist leaders in the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area to get clarity about what happened at the recent General Conference. In a briefing to Zimbabwe’s UMC TV Ebenezer, Dimingo said the ecumenical council stands with The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe. “The United Methodist Church is God’s church,” he said. “We need to put everything in the hands of God, and God is going to help this church to move forward.”
Watch video
Read post-GC letter from Bishop Nhiwatiwa (PDF)
PRESS RELEASES
Texas Methodist Foundation
Foundation awards $900,000 in grants
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Methodist Foundation has distributed $900,000 in grants to 40 churches and nonprofits across Texas and New Mexico during its spring 2024 grant cycle. Each grantee nourishes its community through innovative and impactful initiatives that uplift individuals and families.
Read press release
See grant recipients
United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy
Reconciling Ministries Network receives new award
HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — The United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy and Friends presented the inaugural Karen P. Oliveto and Robin Ridenour Award to the Reconciling Ministries Network, which for 40 years has advocated for the full inclusion of LGBTQ people in the life of The United Methodist Church. The group gave the award on June 8 during a celebration of Bishop Oliveto’s leadership of the Mountain Sky Conference since 2016. Nearly 400 United Methodists attended.
Read press release (PDF)
See photos of event
RECENT HEADLINES
Church revives itself with community engagement
Côte d’Ivoire Conference votes to leave denomination
EVENTS
Wednesday, June 19-Friday, June 21
Arkansas Annual Conference
Thursday, June 20-Sunday, June 23
Western North Carolina Annual Conference
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.