NEWS AND FEATURES
High court orders church-exit suits be dismissed
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that a judge had unlawfully interfered in The United Methodist Church’s disaffiliation policies and ordered that she dismiss two congregations’ lawsuits challenging those policies. The Oklahoma rulings could have implications for other cases around the United States dealing with United Methodist disaffiliation rules. Heather Hahn reports.
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WBUR
From examining the dead to guiding the living
BOSTON — Tom Andrew is making a major career transition at the age of 67: forensic pathologist to United Methodist deacon. After 20 years as the chief medical examiner for the state of New Hampshire, Andrew retired to go to seminary in 2018 and now serves as a Boy Scout chaplain. Anthony Brooks shares the story of Andrew’s “third act.”
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Greater New Jersey Conference
Creating healthy systems of pastoral counseling
NEPTUNE, N.J. — The latest “Uncovered Dish" Christian leadership podcast dives into the world of pastoral counseling and how it differs from pastoral care, exploring essential principles, potential models and the vital role of cultural sensitivity in counseling practices. The guest is the Rev. John Huh, who is on the faculty of Princeton Theological Seminary and is an experienced counselor and church planter.
Listen to podcast
PRESS RELEASES
National Council of Churches
Week of prayer is declared
WASHINGTON — A week of collective prayer is underway as a response to the conflict between Hamas and Israel, the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia and the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. The National Council of Churches urges individuals, communions, congregations and communities to join in a week of prayer through Nov. 5, including a virtual prayer service at noon U.S. Eastern time Nov. 1. The United Methodist Church is a member of the National Council of Churches.
Read press release
Register for virtual prayer service
RESOURCES
Wespath
Learn about sustainable investing
GLENVIEW, Ill. — College students interested in investing that is good for the environment are invited to a free webinar to get information about a student corporate engagement challenge, where they will learn about going an extra step beyond picking a stock to considering how they’d make that company better and more sustainable. The webinar is set for noon U.S. Central time on Nov. 2.
Register for webinar
Learn more
Church and Society
From the pulpit to the public square
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society will host a “Justice Talk” on how calling for equal rights is based in the Gospel. Panelists will share examples of how United Methodists are advocating for equitable civil and human rights at the local and federal level. The webinar is set for 3 p.m. U.S. Eastern time on Nov. 7.
Register for webinar
RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Monday, Nov. 6-Saturday, Dec. 9
Online course: Children of Abraham
Tuesday, Nov. 14-Thursday, Nov. 16
Facing the Future 2023
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