“Even if the UMC splits, Africa will continue to be a United Methodist Church and we will continue to be an evangelical, missional and Bible-focused church that is both global and connectional.” — Bishop Mande Muyombo of the North Katanga Area.
NEWS AND FEATURES
New caucus supports African bishops, regionalization
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (UM News) – A new caucus, the United Methodist Africa Forum, met to affirm the unity of the church, upholding traditional views on human sexuality and reorganizing the denomination into regions. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
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Poem about caucus meetings by Bishop Hee-Soo Jung
Conflicting actions sought on bishop’s suspension
CHICAGO (UM News) — As the Council of Bishops meets this week, different groups are advocating for their hoped-for response to Bishop Minerva Carcaño’s suspension. Their advocacy comes after The United Methodist Church’s top court opened the door for the Council of Bishops to intercede in complaints against their bishop colleagues. Heather Hahn reports.
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Minnesota Conference
Bringing light to Ukraine
MINNEAPOLIS — Members of United Church of Two Harbors, which is associated with both The United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church, are getting solar light kits to Ukraine, where the war has resulted in many electric grids being destroyed. Dave Nonnemacher, a member of the church in Two Harbors, Minnesota, is working with church volunteers to assemble and deliver 30 of the $125 lights; he has taken 10 there already. Christa Meland has the story.
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UM News: United Methodists respond to invasion of Ukraine
Texas Conference
Texas pastor leads ‘Servolution Mainland’
LA MARQUE, Texas — The Rev. Ingrid Clark, pastor of First United Methodist Church of La Marque, is the driving force behind Servolution Mainland. It’s a campaign to have church members in Texas City, La Marque and Santa Fe, Texas, (all near Galveston Island but on the mainland) move out of their buildings and into the community for service projects. Ten churches, of various denominations, will be participating on Saturday, May 6. Lindsay Peyton reports.
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Daily Digest technical issues
Due to technical problems, readers may have been unable to open links from yesterday's Daily Digest. The external vendor reports that the issue has been resolved and all links should be working. You may also access digest stories through UM News’ online archive. Thank you for your patience.
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PRESS RELEASES
Gammon Theological Seminary
Methodist seminary expresses optimism for future
ATLANTA – Despite the Interdenominational Theological Center declaring financial exigency, Gammon Theological Seminary “remains financially solvent and envisions emerging more vital than before,” said the Rev. Candace M. Lewis, Gammon president and dean. Gammon, the denomination’s only historically Black theological institution, was founded 140 years ago and is the alma mater of more African-American bishops than any other seminary. The ITC houses five seminaries and an ecumenical fellowship.
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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 UM News staff.
Creating a Culture of Renewal
Does your church have laryngitis?
CASPER, Wyo. — Churches often confuse ethics with politics, writes the Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter. “Meanwhile, we have left ethics to the politicians,” she says. She offers suggestions for churches to reclaim their voice.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
May 3 puts spotlight on press freedom
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — World Press Freedom Day today offers an opportunity to support newsgathering, learn more about the work of United Methodist News and give thanks for the church’s storytellers.
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United Methodist Communications
'The Recap' rounds up latest news
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In the latest episode of "The Recap," visit United Methodists in Kyrgyzstan, see how ministries with young people are helping congregations thrive, and learn about an immersion experience into Native American culture and history in Oklahoma. Also, celebrate United Methodist environmental conservation ministries around the world. "The Recap," a video series from United Methodist Communications, provides a snapshot of stories from throughout the United Methodist connection.
Watch latest episode of "The Recap"
RECENT HEADLINES
Legal forum offers guidance for time of schism
Relationship restored with East Africa
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