“We really can’t talk about women’s health without talking about reproductive health. Abortion is just one procedure available for one part of a women’s life cycle. It is tiny in comparison to the whole need of women’s health.” — Harriett Jane Olson, United Methodist Women.
“Our United Methodist Church has a carefully nuanced official position on the difficult issue of abortion. It is not as strong as some of us would like nor as clearly pro-choice as others would like.” — The Rev. Beth Ann Cook.
Oregon-Idaho takes up support for RCRC
SALEM, Ore. (UMNS) — After General Conference 2016 told two general agencies to end membership in the faith coalition that supports reproductive health and abortion, the Oregon-Idaho Conference voted to support that same group: the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
E-readers reach Kenya Methodist
MERU, Kenya (UMNS) — The E-Reader project to provide materials for theological education in Africa and the Philippines recently held a training and distributed e-readers at Kenya Methodist University. The project is a collaboration of United Methodist Discipleship Ministries and the denomination's Higher Education and Ministry agency.
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Adrian College gets a 'Walden'
ADRIAN, Mich. (UMNS) — United Methodist-affiliated Adrian College has been given a 119-acre property to use as a “living classroom.” The land, donated by Jim and Mary White, is called Walden West, after the Walden Pond in Massachusetts that Henry David Thoreau immortalized.
4 tips for healthy church politics
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Every congregation is a political system, writes David R. Brubaker. However, he argues that church politics do not need to be ugly. In a commentary for the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, the church consultant outlines four requirements for healthy church politics.
Registration now available for NEXT
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Registration is now available for “Imagine What’s Next,” scheduled for Nov. 4-6 in Atlanta. The event, sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, is designed to equip students with the skills needed to merge and connect their gifts with innovative discipleship. A $50 discount on registration is available through June 30.
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Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Thursday-Friday, July 21-22
Young Preachers Festival and Conference — Gathering will be at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, Kansas. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is helping to organize the event for seminarians, declared candidates for ministry and young clergy. It’s to cultivate their preaching skills. $79. Details
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