Daily Digest - November 24, 2020


"Our system continues racism in ways we don't think about." — Greater New Jersey Area Bishop John Schol.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Taking concrete steps to move against racism
PHILADELPHIA (UM News) — In the aftermath of the shooting of Walter Wallace Jr., Philadelphia Area Bishop Peggy A. Johnson called for prayer but also took action, organizing a Zoom call with pastors and laity to come up with concrete steps on dismantling racism. Other United Methodist conferences are responding in similar ways. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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World Council of Churches
Keeping resolve to end gender-based violence

GENEVA — Nov. 25 marks the start of the "16 Days" campaign that focuses on the elimination of violence against women and on human rights. This year, the World Council of Churches is highlighting the links between the household of God and the fundamental need to make our homes safe and loving spaces. In a unified statement, the WCC's 17 "Thursdays in Black" ambassadors reflect on why it is so important to protect those who are vulnerable and abused.
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Ask The UMC
What is the history of Advent?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Advent, which means "coming" or "arrival," was widely practiced across Christian churches worldwide by the sixth century. It was developed primarily to provide an alternative time for the final preparation of candidates for baptism. With the start of Advent on Nov. 29, Ask The UMC takes a look back at the history of the season.
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Read more Ask The UMC

No Daily Digest Nov. 25-27
This is the last UM News Daily Digest before the Thanksgiving holiday. The digest will resume on Monday, Nov. 30. The staff at UM News wishes everyone a blessed Thanksgiving.

PRESS RELEASES

Council of Bishops
Bishops honor Rev. McClain

WASHINGTON — The Council of Bishops is honoring and remembering the legacy of the Rev. William Bobby McClain, a distinguished scholar, pastor, advocate and educator who died on Nov. 18 at age 82. Louisiana Conference Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, Council of Bishops president, sent a condolence letter on behalf of the council to Jo Ann McClain, the scholar's widow. She is also a longtime staff member of the council.
Read press release
Read letter
UM News: McClain, theologian and civil rights leader, dies at 82

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.

Church must hear Hispanic/Latino voices
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (UM News) — The lack of voices from Latin America represents a major gap in the global conversations occurring in The United Methodist Church, writes the Rev. David Maldonado. United Methodists also must help ensure that Hispanic/Latino voices are heard in the public forum, he says.
Read commentary

RESOURCES

Out of Chaos
Webinars look at casting denominational vision

CHICAGO — A group of current and former General Conference delegates from four continents has scheduled a second set of webinars on casting a vision of renewed United Methodism. The group, which released the statement "Out of Chaos, Creation," will have a webinar at 8 a.m. U.S. Eastern time and again at 1 p.m. Eastern time Dec. 1.
Register for webinar
Learn more
UM News: Delegates urge using GC2020 delay for new vision

RECENT HEADLINES

Estimating financial impact of church exits

The making of Thanksgiving in the US

EVENTS

Saturday, Dec. 5

Zoom event: Signing for the Holidays


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