"We're still fighting these same kinds of battles about race and us versus them. … What is the church's role in all of this? What is our role as followers of Christ?" — United Methodist Kellie D. Brown, author of a book about the Holocaust.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Holocaust research leads to spiritual journey
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (UM News) — Telling the stories of Jewish musicians who tried to bring hope to Nazi Germany concentration camps and ghettos has led musician Kellie D. Brown in a new direction: She's training for the ministry. Jim Patterson reports, with photos by Mike DuBose.
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Judicial Council releases more decisions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — New rulings released May 5 by The United Methodist Church's top court include five decisions related to the Greater New Jersey Conference. Working through pandemic restrictions, the Judicial Council has been deliberating on an extended docket via multiple Zoom meetings. Linda Bloom reports.
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UM News: Court won't rule in advance on protocol legislation
Oregon-Idaho Conference
Church property returned to Nez Perce
WALLOWA, Ore. — In a ceremony of friendship and repentance, the Oregon-Idaho Conference returned Wallowa United Methodist Church to the Nez Perce people. The Nez Perce, also known as Nimíipuu, are exploring multiple uses for the property, which sits on their ancestral land. Kristen Caldwell has the story.
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The Lima News
Pastor does his last blessing of the bikes
LIMA, Ohio — A diverse group of motorcyclists and their families came together as one for the annual Blessing of the Bikes on May 2 at Shawnee United Methodist Church. This year's bike event is special for the Rev. Bryan Bucher, as it will be his last one at the church. He will take on a new appointment this summer at Westwood United Methodist Church in Cincinnati. Sam Shriver has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist Communications
Agency report showcases power of communication
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Communications spent its 80th anniversary year providing resources for church leaders as they grappled with the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and racial injustice. The agency's 2020 annual report highlights that work.
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Read annual report
Claremont School of Theology
Seminary carries on after court decision
CLAREMONT, Calif. — The California Supreme Court has declined to review an appellate court decision unfavorable to Claremont School of Theology in its effort to get fair market value for its property, should it sell to neighbor Claremont Colleges. The United Methodist seminary's president, the Rev. Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan, called the development "disappointing." But he noted record enrollment numbers and said the seminary would continue to offer "transforming theological education" both in Claremont and at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon.
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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 the UM News staff.
United Methodist Communications
Connecting with your body: A spiritual practice
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A stroke and brain surgery 15 years ago left Whitney Simpson with chronic physical pain and a discouraged spirit. A doctor's suggestion that she practice yoga changed everything. Now, the United Methodist deaconess and spiritual director encourages others to embrace practices like breath work, yoga and contemplative prayer to care for the whole self.
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RESOURCES
West Ohio Conference
Leadership clinic to feature Episcopal bishop
WORTHINGTON, Ohio — Bishop Michael Curry will speak May 18 during Bishop Gregory Palmer's leadership clinic. Curry, the presiding bishop in The Episcopal Church, will speak on "Leadership and the Dangerous Liberation of Love." The cost is $20 for West Ohio leaders, $40 for others.
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