“We know that, quite often, religious leaders are part of the problem, but they are also part of the solutions to promote peaceful and inclusive communities.” —
Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, World Council of Churches representative to the U.N.
Religious leaders as agents of peace
WASHINGTON (WCC) — A consultation on peace building in the Americas, sponsored by the World Council of Churches in cooperation with the Office for Genocide Prevention and the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, focused on the role of religious leaders in preventing incitements to violence and “atrocity crimes.”
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Podcast: 'Get your spirit in shape'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — “Get Your Spirit in Shape” is a free, 30-minute, monthly podcast from United Methodist Communications featuring conversations with leaders, authors and others who offer spiritual nutrition and exercises for our everyday lives. In the second episode, authors Jenny Youngman and Kara Oliver share ideas about how we can celebrate our faith as a family — even a busy family.
UMW has new resources on climate, sexuality
NEW YORK (UMNS) — New resources on climate justice and human sexuality are available from United Methodist Women to help people of faith engage in discussion on complex issues.
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Higher Ed and Ministry board re-elects top exec
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The directors of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry have re-elected the Rev. Kim Cape as the agency’s top executive, approved matching funds for a new scholarship and affirmed an internal publishing office.
Easter Vigil brings city the story of salvation
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The Rev. Kate Payton describes how the Metropolitan Church, a multisite United Methodist community, took its Easter Vigil on the road, making stops around Washington. “We came together to proclaim a story our whole city desperately needs,” she writes for the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.
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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.
Sunday, March 6
One Great Hour of Sharing — Offering on this Special Sunday supports the administrative costs of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the denomination’s disaster-response organization. United Methodist Communications is providing new resources for pastors and lay leaders to use in promoting One Great Hour of Sharing.
Get resources
Tuesday, March 8
Deadline to register for four online courses offered by United Methodist Communications — United Methodist Communications will offer the following courses March 9 to April 20: “Increase the Vitality of Your Church,” “Train Like a Pro," "Engage Your Church and Community Digitally” and “Take Your Church’s Hospitality to the Next Level.” Costs vary. Details
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