"Our voices are crucial in finding a way forward for our church. We must be offered an equal voice at the table of change." — An online petition asking the Council of Bishops to rethink the balance of clergy and laity on the Commission on the Way Forward panel.
Way Forward Commission makeup challenged
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodists unhappy with the number of laity on the Commission on the Way Forward circulated an online petition asking the Council of Bishops to rethink the panel's makeup. The Council’s executive committee announced Oct. 5 that eight bishops, 13 clergy and eight laity have been nominated to serve on the panel that will address issues around homosexuality and church unity. Kathy L. Gilbert and Sam Hodges report.
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Florida bishop speaks about hurricane
LAKELAND, Fla. (UMNS) — As massive Hurricane Matthew approached Florida's Atlantic Coast communities, Florida Conference Bishop Kenneth Carter offered prayers and promises of practical help."We will discover the strength of our connection in the midst of the storm," Carter said to conference members in a videotaped message.
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Boise church embraces Congolese
BOISE, Idaho (UMNS) — Survivors of the 2008 Gatumba Massacre in the Democratic Republic of Congo have found a home at Boise’s Collister United Methodist Church. The church’s Swahili Fellowship offers joyous worship with lots of singing and dancing. Members are also learning English, gardening and making crafts for sale. Sally Jones reports for the Oregon-Idaho Conference.
UMW: Guns factor in domestic violence
NEW YORK (UMNS) — During October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, United Methodist Women members are raising consciousness of the role guns play in violence against women. Violence by a spouse or other intimate partner is the leading cause of gun deaths for women in the United States.
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United Methodist teen on ‘Survivor’
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (UMNS) — A teenager from Trinity United Methodist who hopes to be a pastor is the youngest contestant ever on the CBS reality TV show ‘Survivor.’ Will Wahl, 18, debuted in the show’s season premiere on Sept. 21. Josh Kinney has the story for the Greater New Jersey Conference.
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Memphis Conference adds campus ministry
McKENZIE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Memphis Conference’s newest official Wesley campus ministry is at Bethel University. It’s the conference’s sixth such ministry, and began as a fellowship in 2014. Lane Gardner Camp, communications director for the Memphis Conference, has the story.
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Tuesday, Oct. 18 to Thursday, Oct. 20
New Church Leadership Institute — The Texas Conference will host the institute for those who feel called to church planting. The gathering will be at the conference office, 5215 Main St. in Houston. Details
Wednesday, Oct. 19
Regular deadline for “The All People Conference: Welcoming the Stranger” on Saturday-Monday, Oct. 22-24 — This event for leaders who wish to foster racially and economically diverse congregations will be at Church for All People/Community Development for All People, a United Methodist ministry at 946 Parsons Ave., Columbus, Ohio. Speakers include Bishops Minerva Carcaño and Gregory V. Palmer. $225. Details
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