“The change of language related to sanctions in the 2016 Book of Discipline is a serious departure from the Wesleyan principle that bases the Methodist Church on two key pillars: doctrine on the one hand and discipline on the other.” — The Rev. Isaac Bodjé, Côte d’Ivoire Conference secretary, reading a statement on behalf of the conference.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Côte d’Ivoire votes to leave denomination
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire (UM News) — Citing actions taken by the recent General Conference, the Côte d’Ivoire Conference has voted to leave The United Methodist Church. But the conference has not left yet and is still working on next steps. Heather Hahn reports, with a photo retrospective by Mike DuBose.
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UM News photos: The United Methodist Church in Côte d’Ivoire
Greater New Jersey Conference
Church adopts Fresh Expressions to ‘bear fruit’
MIDDLETOWN, N.J. — Fresh Expressions describes itself as a “Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement to cultivate communities of love and grace for people neglected by the church.” At Middletown United Methodist Church, it is a new, emerging outreach mission that is bearing fruit where it belongs: outside the church and in the community. John W. Coleman has the story.
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Dakotas Conference
Students find respite on campus
MITCHELL, N.D. — The Student Ministry Council provides an oasis for students at Dakota Wesleyan University. They gather every Sunday for a home-cooked meal, worship and planning. The council, which welcomes students from all walks of life, is led by the Revs. Taryn Ragels and Anthony Purcell. Camille Zachrison and Anna Mutzenberger report.
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PRESS RELEASES
United Women in Faith
Women’s agency denounces Biden immigration order
NEW YORK — Following the June 5 announcement of President Joe Biden’s executive order directing U.S. Customs and Border Protection to cut off asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border and deport them without processing asylum claims, United Women in Faith joined the United Methodist Immigration Law & Justice Network in denouncing the act. “We believe our country has a moral responsibility to ensure a fair process for asylum seekers and humane treatment of migrants,” the statement reads. “Today’s executive order is a complete dereliction of that sacred duty. As people of faith and as people of moral conscience, we demand better.”
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COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
Creating a Culture of Renewal
5 tips to keep the summer vibe welcoming
CASPER, Wyo. — Summer means things at church might loosen up a bit. Schedules aren’t quite so full, long-awaited vacations come to fruition and sometimes church attendance dips. But don’t throw away the welcome mat, writes the Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter.
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RESOURCES
Discipleship Ministries
Learn more about the sacraments
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Updated booklets explaining the sacraments are available now from Discipleship Ministries. Subjects of the Belong resources include baptism, Holy Communion and membership vows. Prices range from $3.99 to $7.99.
Learn more
Purchase
RECENT HEADLINES
Burundi United Methodist ministry encourages inclusion
Defrocked pastor reinstated after LGBTQ bans lifted
EVENTS
Friday, June 7-Sunday, June 9
New York Annual Conference
Sunday, June 9-Wednesday, June 12
South Carolina Annual Conference
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