“For the Security Council to ask all armed groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces, to put an immediate end to hostilities should allow humanitarian workers to work freely and to access all areas to fight Ebola for the good of all.” — Eastern Congo Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda on a resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Ebola outbreak rages on in eastern Congo
BENI, Congo (UMNS) — As the Ebola outbreak continues to rage in the Kivu and Ituri provinces in eastern Congo, The United Methodist Church has ramped up its efforts to educate local communities about hygiene measures to prevent the spread of disease and combat the epidemic. Philippe Kituka Lolonga and Chadrack Tambwe Londe report.
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Filipinos call for justice at All Saints’ Day gathering
MANILA, Philippines (UMNS) — In observance of All Saints’ Day, United Methodists in the Philippines hosted an ecumenical prayer gathering to call for justice for victims of drug-related killings. Gladys Mangiduyos has the story.
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Holston Conference
Virginia man moves from jailhouse to the pulpit
HILLSVILLE, Va. (UMNS) — Michael Dolinger has been a child with boundless potential, a drug dealer and a homecoming king. Recently, he took on a new role as a preacher at Out of the Box United Methodist Church, where he learned to leave addiction behind and embrace a better way of life. Annette Spence reports.
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South Carolina Conference
Church hosts school for children with disabilities
SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — Children with mild autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other challenges have a unique place to learn academics as well as music and art therapy, physical education and drama. Charis Academy, on the second floor of Stallsville United Methodist Church, is hosted by the church rent-free. Laura Camby McCaskill has the story.
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Norwegians build bridge with Zimbabwe United Methodists
NYANGA, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — More than 8,000 miles separate United Methodists in Flekkefjord, Norway, from those in Nyanga, Zimbabwe, but a recent gift helped span the distance. The Norwegian United Methodists donated more than $130,000 to the Shapure community, which was used to construct a state-of-the-art sanctuary, drill a borehole and build a 164-foot-long suspended pedestrian bridge. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Inter-Ethnic Strategy Development Group
Leaders of racial ethnic caucuses call for unity
ATLANTA — Leaders of five groups that represent the denomination's racial and ethnic constituencies list the core values they have heading into the special General Conference. Unity tops the list. “As a coalition of over 20 different racial ethnic constituents and theological perspectives, we are not of one mind on the issue of human sexuality. However, God’s call to unity does not depend on our agreement,” the leaders said in a statement.
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Higher Education and Ministry
Agency names new marketing, communications chief
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Cynthia Howard, a veteran communications executive most recently at DVL Seigenthaler/FINN Partners, has joined the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. She’ll plan and implement marketing strategies, communications and public relations.
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RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Thursday, Nov. 8
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