“I was excited, and when they told me it was in Spanish, then I was super excited because then I could really understand the readings and get a much better education.” — The Rev. Rubén Olivares, on being part of an advanced theology degree program in Spanish, at Perkins School of Theology.
Going deeper in theology, and in Spanish
DALLAS (UMNS) — In a first for a United Methodist seminary, Perkins School of Theology is offering a Th.M., an advanced theology degree, in Spanish. Eight students, including some from Mexico and South America, are part of the grant-funded, two-year program. Sam Hodges reports.
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African schools look to values-based leadership
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — A partnership among United Methodists in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Zimbabwe offered a weeklong training in “Values-Based Leadership” to heighten awareness of Christian leadership skills. Phileas Jusu has the story on the program, which was sponsored by the Norwegian Partnership in Development.
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Urging Duke Divinity to confront its past
DURHAM, N.C. (RNS) — More than 60 years ago, Duke Divinity School denied the Rev. Gil Caldwell admission because he is black. Caldwell spoke this week at the United Methodist seminary’s chapel service, and the civil rights leader urged the school to confront its past and plan for a better future. Yonat Shimron has the story for Religion News Service.
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Commentary: Jackie Robinson continues to inspire
INDIANAPOLIS (UMNS) — Baseball great Jackie Robinson’s faith, honed in a lifetime of Methodist influence, “acted as a source of inspiration and motivation, comfort and strength, wisdom and direction. It was the engine that drove and sustained him as he shattered racial barriers on and off the baseball diamond,” writes Chris Lamb, professor of journalism at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, and co-author of “Jackie Robinson: A Spiritual Biography.”
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United Methodists talk gun sense
BALTIMORE — A “Critical Conversation on Gun Sense” discussion took place this week at the Baltimore-Washington Conference Mission Center against the backdrop of reports of an active shooter at Howard University. Melissa Lauber reports for the conference on how that situation illuminated some of the deep emotions that inspired Bishop LaTrelle Easterling to call together United Methodists for a conversation that was standing-room only.
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Bishops to join in Reformation service
WASHINGTON — The Council of Bishops, in collaboration with the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, will celebrate the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation with a special service Oct. 25 at the United Methodist Building. The ecumenical service will include Catholics and Lutherans, among others. Bishop B. Michael Watson, United Methodist ecumenical officer, will preach.
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Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Tuesday, Oct. 24-Wednesday, Nov.1
Coffee with Qoheleth: Ruminating on Life with the Author of Ecclesiastes — After decades of life experience, it’s normal for us to spend more time reflecting on the life we have lived. Go deeper into this practice by comparing your reflections with those of Qoheleth, the author of the book of Ecclesiastes. In this online course, we’ll imagine we are sitting down to coffee and conversation with Qoheleth. We don’t have to agree with Qoheleth, but Ecclesiastes gives us the opportunity to examine our own reflections through dialogue with his. This course is eligible for 1.0 CEU. Price: $15. Details
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