“The church’s mission of justice and reconciliation finds its roots in the Holy Scriptures. The role of the church can be understood as a place where the love of God is experienced by humankind.” – Isaac Kaberia Kubai of Kenya Methodist University
Methodists urge peacemaking through education
HIROSHIMA, Japan (UMNS) – Against a backdrop of gleaming, 21st-century buildings, Methodist scholars from around the globe are recalling the world’s first atomic bombing, which decimated Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, and sharing ways to prevent the tragedy of war.
Educating a new generation of peacemakers
HIROSHIMA, Japan (UMNS) – About 70 college students from around the world are here this week to discuss topics of peace, reconciliation and human rights.
Churchgoers protest electric chair’s return
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – United Methodists and other Christians gathered at the Tennessee capitol to protest the death penalty generally and ask state leaders to reconsider a new law that allows electrocution when lethal injection is unavailable. The vigil followed an open letter that Nashville Area Bishop William T. McAlilly sent to Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam.
Methodism growing in Cambodia
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (UMNS) – Representatives from around the world gathered May 1-3 to talk about the growing Methodist mission in Cambodia. The United Methodist Church is one of five denominations working in the Southeast Asian nation, which is still recovering from the 1977-79 genocide. Neill Caldwell of the Virginia Annual (regional) Conference has the story.
Church extends reach with Church and Society grant
FLORIDA CITY, Fla. (UMNS) – Branches United Methodist Church, a congregation known for outreach, survived a literal trial by fire and keeps on growing. The congregation is among 14 ministries in the U.S. and abroad to receive a Peace with Justice grant from the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. Susan Green of the Florida Annual (regional) Conference has the story.
Learn more about Peace with Justice Sunday
Foundation to study effectiveness of confirmation programs
PRINCETON, N.J. (UMNS) – The Lilly Endowment will be studying confirmation and equivalent practices in the United Methodist Church and four additional denominations. Housed at Princeton Theological Seminary, the study will examine how effective these youth programs are in strengthening discipleship. Other denominations to be studied are the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Presbyterian Church (USA).
History of Hymns: ‘Weary of All Trumpeting’
DALLAS (UMNS) – It is likely that many readers have never had the opportunity to sing “Weary of All Trumpeting.” The musical setting may require extra effort to learn, but this hymn rings authentically in a post-9/11 world, writes C. Michael Hawn, distinguished professor of church music and director at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology. The United Methodist Board of Discipleship shares his column each week.
Ask him anything about Godzilla
CONWAY, Ark. (UMNS) – The incoming president of United Methodist-related Hendrix College happens to be an authority on Godzilla, as well as an economic policy expert. William Tsutsui comes to Hendrix from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he's been dean of the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. KERA in Dallas has the story.
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