“We need to set examples that humankind can stand together. We need to build bridges.” — Thomas Kemper, a United Methodist mission leader, on escaping the terrorist attack at the Istanbul airport.
United Methodist leader safe after Istanbul attack
ISTANBUL, Turkey (UMNS) — Thomas Kemper, a United Methodist mission leader, was waiting in a lounge at Istanbul’s international airport when a terrorist attack began on June 28. Afterward, he spoke about his fear, but also experiencing a feeling of shared humanity and a call for solidarity. Linda Bloom reports.
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3 gay pastors nominated for United Methodist bishop
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Two openly gay pastors from the Western Jurisdiction and a third from the North Central Jurisdiction have been nominated for election as United Methodist bishops. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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Clergywoman comes out at Iowa Conference
DES MOINES, Iowa (UMNS) — The Rev. Anna Blaedel rose on a point of personal privilege to tell delegates at the Iowa Conference that she was “a self-avowed practicing homosexual.” Within hours of her speech, a complaint was filed against her. The Rev. Arthur McLanahan reports for the Iowa Conference.
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Watch video of Blaedel’s speech
Youth mission trip turns into flood relief
WHITE SULPHER SPRINGS, W.Va. (UMNS) — A youth mission trip to West Virginia changed direction after historic flooding in the state. Youth from Potomac United Methodist Church were supposed to work on a Habitat home. Instead, they helped at a Red Cross shelter. Erik Alsgaard has the story for the Baltimore-Washington Conference.
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Victory for Native Americans at Vanderbilt
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Krystal Tsosie recently received her Master in Public Health from Vanderbilt University. She was one of the very few Native American students at the university. She writes about how a United Methodist leader helped her and other Native American graduates celebrate their achievement in a way that honors their heritage.
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2016 annual conference reports
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist News Service is posting reports from all the annual conference sessions. New reports this week include Arkansas, Greater New Jersey, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Texas, Oklahoma, Peninsula-Delaware, Red Bird, South Carolina, Susquehana and Wisconsin.
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.
Tuesday, July 5
Deadline to register for four United Methodist Communications online courses to be offered July 6 – Aug. 17 — The courses are “Communicating Faith in the 21st Century;” “Moodle: Basic Training;” “Welcoming Ministry;” and “Your Church Website: Rethinking Your New Front Door.” Costs vary. Details
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