“‘I’m exhausted. I’m very sad. As much as I expected things to end this way, it still hurts.’”
– Mary Ann Barclay, on the decision by the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Southwest Texas Annual (regional) Conference to remove her from the ordination process.
Board rejects lesbian candidate for ordination
KERRVILLE, TEXAS (UMNS) — Mary Ann Barclay got her long-delayed interview with the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Southwest Texas Annual (Regional) Conference. But the board voted to remove Barclay, a lesbian, from the ordination process. Church law prohibits the ordination of "self-avowed, practicing homosexuals," but Barclay said the reasons she was given for the board's Tuesday decision did not include her sexuality.
Faith leaders urge Congress to support smarter sentencing
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — United Methodists are among more than 720 faith leaders who have signed a letter to the U.S. Congress urging passage of the Smarter Sentencing Act to reduce mass incarceration. Wayne Rhodes of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society has the story.
Peace with Justice Sunday set June 15
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The offering taken during Peace with Justice Sunday on June 15 will allow The United Methodist Church to advocate through a broad spectrum of global programs. One of six churchwide special Sundays, the initiative has funded an Ohio-based group that brings people of different faiths together and a partnership in Liberia that cares for former child soldiers. Printed resources are available.
Read about resources and projects supported by the offering
New dean of chapel named at Emory University
ATLANTA (UMNS) — The Rev. Bridgette Young Ross will become the next dean of the chapel and spiritual life at United Methodist-related Emory University beginning July 1. For the past five years she has served as an executive at the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville, Tenn.
Nominations sought for evangelist award
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) — The Foundation for Evangelism is seeking nominations for the 2014 Distinguished Evangelist of the United Methodist Church Award. The deadline for nominations is June 4.
For information about the nomination process
Church turns parking lot woes into blessing
JACKSON, Tenn. (UMNS) — Instead of stopping traffic from cutting through its parking lot, Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Jackson installed a community prayer box for those passing through. The Jackson Sun shares the results.
Deaconess named seminary librarian
LANCASTER, Pa. (UMNS) — Lancaster Theological Seminary, an ecumenical school affiliated with the United Church of Christ, has appointed Myka Kennedy Stephens, a United Methodist deaconess, to become seminary librarian, beginning May 19. The seminary is approved by the University Senate to train United Methodist clergy.
United Methodist Men, Scouts package meals
WOODWORTH, La. (UMNS) — United Methodist Men meeting at the Wesley Center packaged 10,300 dehydrated meals for Stop Hunger Now. Boy Scouts attending a nearby camporee joined in the packaging process. Men also participated in a golf tournament, skeet shooting, worship and workshops. The Louisiana Conference has the story.
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