“I think the message for LGBTQ people and their allies in the church is one of hope.” — Jan Lawrence, executive director of Reconciling Ministries Network.
NEWS AND FEATURES
LGBTQ advocates see hope for church future
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodists at the Reconciling Ministries Network convocation expect a proposed denominational separation will reduce harm to LGBTQ church members and their allies. They also expressed a desire to remain in the denomination for the long haul. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
United Methodists respond to Zimbabwe hunger crisis
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Zimbabwe is facing acute food shortages caused by persistent droughts and economic turmoil. The United Nations’ World Food Program estimates that half the population is facing food insecurity. The church is responding to help affected United Methodists in rural and urban communities. Eveline Chikwanah and Kudzai Chingwe report.
Read story
United Methodist Communications
What to do about the coronavirus
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodists concerned about the coronavirus can take some precautions during church gatherings and mission work. Frequent hand-washing, keeping distance from people who are sneezing or coughing and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth are some of the suggestions.
Read story
South Georgia Conference
With father’s help, pastor walks where Jesus did
WARWICK, Ga. — As the Rev. Jonathan Fuller followed Jesus’ footsteps during a recent Holy Land pilgrimage, one person was always a step behind: his father, Robert Fuller. The pastor, who has a degenerative disease, said his father’s love made the pilgrimage possible. Kara Witherow has the story.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century
SBC21 names new national director
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Michael L. Bowie Jr., who currently serves in the North Texas Conference as senior pastor of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church in Dallas, has been named the new national executive director of Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century. Bowie will succeed the Rev. Fred Allen, who retired in December.
Read press release
General Council on Finance and Administration
Funds for General Conference, Episcopal Fund
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The finance agency board voted to recommend to the United Methodist General Conference that part of the Permanent Fund could be used to provide funding for General Conference-related expenses and any emergency needs of the Episcopal Fund. The General Council on Finance and Administration Board took the action during a meeting by conference call on Feb. 28.
Read press release
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 the UM News staff.
United Theological Seminary
Millard: ‘Trust God no matter what’
DAYTON, Ohio — For seminary students, learning how to submit to God’s call and wisdom for their lives is a pivotal part of their educational experience. Those anxious over the future of The United Methodist Church might want to do the same, writes the Rev. Kent Millard, United Theological Seminary president.
Read commentary
RECENT HEADLINES
Local church options under separation plans
Sierra Leone prison ministry advocates for inmates
EVENTS
Thursday, March 12
Webinar: 5 things to know about visiting someone with dementia
NEWS AND FEATURES
LGBTQ advocates see hope for church future
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodists at the Reconciling Ministries Network convocation expect a proposed denominational separation will reduce harm to LGBTQ church members and their allies. They also expressed a desire to remain in the denomination for the long haul. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
United Methodists respond to Zimbabwe hunger crisis
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Zimbabwe is facing acute food shortages caused by persistent droughts and economic turmoil. The United Nations’ World Food Program estimates that half the population is facing food insecurity. The church is responding to help affected United Methodists in rural and urban communities. Eveline Chikwanah and Kudzai Chingwe report.
Read story
United Methodist Communications
What to do about the coronavirus
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodists concerned about the coronavirus can take some precautions during church gatherings and mission work. Frequent hand-washing, keeping distance from people who are sneezing or coughing and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth are some of the suggestions.
Read story
South Georgia Conference
With father’s help, pastor walks where Jesus did
WARWICK, Ga. — As the Rev. Jonathan Fuller followed Jesus’ footsteps during a recent Holy Land pilgrimage, one person was always a step behind: his father, Robert Fuller. The pastor, who has a degenerative disease, said his father’s love made the pilgrimage possible. Kara Witherow has the story.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century
SBC21 names new national director
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Michael L. Bowie Jr., who currently serves in the North Texas Conference as senior pastor of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church in Dallas, has been named the new national executive director of Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century. Bowie will succeed the Rev. Fred Allen, who retired in December.
Read press release
General Council on Finance and Administration
Funds for General Conference, Episcopal Fund
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The finance agency board voted to recommend to the United Methodist General Conference that part of the Permanent Fund could be used to provide funding for General Conference-related expenses and any emergency needs of the Episcopal Fund. The General Council on Finance and Administration Board took the action during a meeting by conference call on Feb. 28.
Read press release
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 the UM News staff.
United Theological Seminary
Millard: ‘Trust God no matter what’
DAYTON, Ohio — For seminary students, learning how to submit to God’s call and wisdom for their lives is a pivotal part of their educational experience. Those anxious over the future of The United Methodist Church might want to do the same, writes the Rev. Kent Millard, United Theological Seminary president.
Read commentary
RECENT HEADLINES
Local church options under separation plans
Sierra Leone prison ministry advocates for inmates
EVENTS
Thursday, March 12
Webinar: 5 things to know about visiting someone with dementia
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.