NEWS AND FEATURES
Women grieve amendment failures, vow to work harder
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodists are reacting to the failure of two constitutional amendments that focused on equality in the church for women and girls. Leaders of the Commission on the Status and Role of Women are vowing to build support, while many opponents express concern about unintended consequences of some of the wording. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
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Judicial Council schedules oral hearing
EVANSTON, Ill. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church Judicial Council will hold an oral hearing to consider a request from the Council of Bishops for a declaratory decision of law about what legislation can come before next year’s special session of General Conference. The court set the one-hour oral hearing for 9 a.m. CDT May 22 in Evanston, Illinois. Linda Bloom and Vicki Brown have the story.
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Facing the Future 2018 envisions a multicultural church
NEWARK, N.J. (UMNS) — As the number of pastors serving congregations who don’t look like them grows, the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race aims to equip both clergy and congregants to overcome cultural obstacles. Joey Butler reports.
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United Methodists return home in Congo
KINDU, Congo (UMNS) — United Methodists who fled insecurity in the southern Maniema province are returning to their communities as the militia there begins to lay down arms. East Congo Area Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda urged everyone to assist the displaced, but also welcome the militia with love. Chadrack Tambwe Londe has the story.
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Global Ministries, World Council of Churches
Global Ministries, WCC decry Indonesia church bombings
ATLANTA — The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and the World Council of Churches have issued statements condemning the bombing of three churches in and around Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia on Sunday, May 13. The suicide bombings killed 11 and wounded 41. “We join in outrage with our ecumenical partners worldwide that the Indonesian Christian minority must endure such violence,” writes Thomas Kemper, Global Ministries’ top executive. The head of the WCC said the attack on people gathered for worship was “shocking.”
Read full Kemper statement
Read WCC statement
RESOURCES
Discipleship Ministries
New Youth Boom study guide available
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A four-part study based on the podcasts on The New Youth Boom can help church leaders and parents as they struggle with how to share the gospel of love and grace with Generation Z — those under 18. The guide can be used with adults, youth, or as a multigenerational experience.
Read press release
RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Thursday, May 24-Tuesday, May 29
Photography and spirituality tour in Rome, Italy
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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