“The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women respectfully requests inclusion to allow monitoring of the process going forward and we formally offer our services to assist in seeking a just resolution including the providing of mediation and healing resources.” — Statement from the agency’s board, asking for a role in the complaint process involving Bishop Minerva Carcaño, who has been suspended for over a year.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Agency seeks role in complaint against bishop
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — As the suspension of Bishop Minerva Carcaño crosses the one-year mark, the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women is asking to serve as a monitor in the church complaint process. Meanwhile, leaders in the Western Jurisdiction say the process is moving forward. Heather Hahn reports on where things stand.
Read story
Read Status and Role of Women press release
Global Ministries
UMCOR supports Ukrainian refugees in Moldova
ATLANTA — Ukrainian refugees who’ve fled across the border to Moldova are being assisted through a partnership between the United Methodist Committee on Relief and Church World Service. At the CWS refugee hub in Balti, refugees can pick up food and hygiene supplies, get medical or mental health support and connect to other services. Volunteers also are distributing warm clothes and blankets for the winter. Christie R. House has the story.
Read story
West Ohio Conference
Churches offer welcome to migrant workers
WORTHINGTON, Ohio — The Bridge of Hope Free Food Pantry supports migrant workers who work on farms in northeast Ohio. The food pantry is a ministry partner of Living in Faith Together, an ecumenical group of seven churches including Hayes Memorial United Methodist Church. Anne Garcia of Bridge of Hope says the organization will provide welcoming baskets to workers during Lent. The baskets will contain necessities such as coats, caps and gloves, as well as a Bible and invitation to worship. Amy Graham reports.
Read story
Pod Have Mercy
Pastor’s podcast features Bishop Muyombo
HOUSTON — The Rev. John Stephens of Chapelwood United Methodist Church invited North Katanga Area Bishop Mande Muyombo to be his guest for a second time on his “Pod Have Mercy” podcast. Muyombo, who is now chair of the denomination’s Connectional Table, discusses The United Methodist Church’s work in Congo and Tanzania and what comes next for the denomination.
Listen to podcast
No Daily Digest on March 16
There will be no Daily Digest on Thursday, March 16. The weekly edition of the Digest will resume on Friday, March 17.
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.
Wespath Benefits and Investments
Bank failures reinforce long-term investment plan
GLENVIEW, Ill. — The diversified investments of Wespath Benefits and Investments are shielding its clients from being impacted much by the two recent bank closures, say two Wespath executives. Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank were shut down after being hit with substantial withdrawals. While there are no absolute guarantees, Joe Halwax and Dave Zellner say this crisis is different than the 2008 events that caused massive losses. The current situation is a liquidity crisis, while 2008 was the result of poor lending practices.
Read commentary
RESOURCES
Greater New Jersey Conference
Webinar aims to help churches reduce food waste
NEPTUNE, N.J. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will present a free Zoom webinar addressing various aspects of environmental justice and stewardship at 6:30 p.m. U.S. Eastern time on March 21. Titled “Addressing Food Waste: How Faiths/Faith Organizations Can Connect Gardening Abundance with Vulnerable Communities’ Food Needs,” the webinar will focus on how houses of worship can help reduce food waste, increase access to fresh, healthier foods and improve the environment.
Learn more and register
RECENT HEADLINES
Church increases aid to displaced people in Congo
Commentary: The many meanings of connectionalism
EVENTS
Sunday, March 19
UMCOR Sunday
Tuesday, March 28
Unrelated Business Income Tax webinar: Protect Your Ministry
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.