Petitions: 'Incompatible' is unconstitutional
REDLANDS, Calif. (UMNS) — The Denmark and California-Pacific conferences have petitioned the denomination’s high court, asking for a decision on the constitutionality of church law and Social Principles language stating that the practice of homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian teaching.” Sam Hodges reports.
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South Congo bishop's fiancée dies
WASHINGTON — South Congo Area Bishop Kasap Owan Tshibang’s fiancée, Miriam Mwenya Tshibind, died June 22, in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, after a short illness.
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Louisiana fulfills $1 million pledge to AU
SHREVEPORT, La. — Two hurricanes, a flood and an oil spill didn’t stop the Louisiana Conference from fulfilling a 2005 pledge of $1 million to Africa University, the United Methodist university in Zimbabwe.
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Church hosts racial unity meal
DALLAS — An interracial group of business leaders, nonprofit leaders and clergy met recently for a meal and dialogue at Highland Park United Methodist Church. It’s part of an effort to unify Dallas across racial lines after the ambush of police officers last July 7. The Rev. Richie Butler of St. Paul United Methodist Church got Project Unity going. Cassandra Jaramillo of The Dallas Morning News reports.
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New United Methodist handbook available
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The new United Methodist Church Handbook for the next four years is available, providing a detailed overview of the denomination’s beliefs, mission, structure and history. The handbook is a free, go-to resource for anyone in search of information about the church and is helpful for leaders and new members.
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New name for church administrators' group
CHICAGO — The Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries is keeping the same initials but with a different name. The group now identifies as Professional Administrators of the United Methodist Connectional Structure with the goal of better reflecting the kind of work done by its members.
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Looking ahead
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.
Friday, June 30-Sunday, July 2
Listening for the Heartbeat of God — Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center, Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. This retreat will include four sessions with John Philip Newell, Taize worship and creative workshops. Newell is a poet, peacemaker and scholar from Edinburgh, Scotland, who has written more than 15 books and is a leading expert on Celtic Spirituality. Details
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