"You can't begin to have a conversation about anti-racist work as long as there is this conversation about splitting the church over sexuality issues." — Miguel A. De La Torre, Iliff School of Theology professor, during a Dismantling Racism panel discussion.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Racial and sexual parity linked, panelists say
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Real progress on racial issues in The United Methodist Church is impossible unless LGBTQ people are accepted as full participants in every aspect of the denomination, said both panelists during a sometimes emotional online discussion about racism. The topic of intersectionality was discussed in the hour-long conversation. Jim Patterson reports.
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Read about panel discussion on voter suppression
Learn more about Dismantling Racism initiative
Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
Bishop: 'Numb with sadness' after police shooting
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Area Bishop Peggy A. Johnson said the fatal shooting of Walter Wallace Jr. by police leaves Christians "numb with sadness for this continual bloodshed." She called on United Methodists to pray for justice, peace and the investigation. Meanwhile, the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity organization, which includes some United Methodist clergy, held a prayer march and rally Oct. 27. The conference's urban commission urged attendance at the second "Fight for Floyd" meeting via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. U.S. Eastern time on Oct. 29.
Read statement
Register for meeting
Texas Conference
Church offers artistic 'Pandemic Project'
HOUSTON — During October, Westminster United Methodist has been encouraging community members to join in creating a mural for the church's front yard. The Pandemic Project is meant to symbolize how important creativity is in hard times. Lindsay Peyton reports.
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Grand Rapids Business Journal
State funds center for seniors, toddlers
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A center to provide activities for seniors and child care received $1 million in funding from the state. United Methodist Community House, which has served vulnerable and diverse people in the community since 1902, will build the center under a public-private partnership. Rachel Watson has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Council of Bishops
Bishops to discuss church future, pandemic
WASHINGTON — The Council of Bishops plans to meet Nov. 2-5 amid a pandemic and racial unrest, as well as denominational and political anxiety. The opening session on Monday, including the president’s address, will be streamed live on the Council of Bishops Facebook page: facebook.com/umcbishops.
Read press release
United Methodist Men
Pre-election prayer meeting planned
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Men's ministry leaders in The United Methodist Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church will hold a one-hour virtual prayer meeting for peace and healing, in preparation for the Nov. 3 U.S. election. The meeting is set for 11 a.m. U.S. Central time Oct. 31.
Read press release
RECENT HEADLINES
New group explores General Conference options
Faith calms fears for Filipino COVID-19 survivors
EVENTS
Monday, Nov. 2-Friday, Nov. 6
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