Daily Digest - September 10, 2020

“One of the effective ways to combat all forms of violence is denunciation. We must break the silence.”Dr. Marie-Claire Manafundu, on the increase in violence against women and girls in Congo during the COVID-19 pandemic.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Abuse of women, girls spikes amid pandemic

HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — The national lockdowns imposed to counter the spread of the coronavirus in many African countries have created a fertile ground for violence against women and girls. United Methodists are speaking up for abuse survivors and encouraging others to do the same through various church campaigns and training. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
Read story

Finding strength in the worldwide church family
NEW YORK (UM News) — After a decade of service, Thomas Kemper leaves the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries with stronger international ties. Kemper, who retired Sept. 1, was the first non-U.S. top executive of the mission agency. Linda Bloom reports. 
Read story
Fernandez begins leadership of Global Ministries

New 2020 annual conference reports posted 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2020 annual conference reports. New this week are Iowa, Minnesota, North Georgia, Northwest Texas and Texas.
Read reports

Rev. Gil Caldwell’s memorial service
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — The virtual service for the Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell is scheduled for 1 p.m. U.S. Eastern time Saturday, Sept. 12. The service will begin with a 30-minute prelude of videos and music. Speakers will include his family, Bishop Woodie White and the Revs. William “Bobby” McClain, Traci West and Don Messer. 
Watch service on Facebook
Watch on YouTube
Rev. Gil Caldwell, civil rights pioneer, dies


PRESS RELEASES

Religion and Race
Panel tackles theological roots of racism

WASHINGTON — Theologians will discuss the theological roots of racism and colonialism during an online panel at noon U.S. Central time Sept. 16 as part of The United Methodist Church’s Dismantling Racism effort. Panelists include Mai-Anh Le Tran of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, the Rev. Edgardo Colón-Emeric of Duke Divinity School and the Rev. Willie James Jennings of Yale Divinity School. 
Read press release

COSROW
Register for women’s leadership summit 

CHICAGO — Registration is open for the I AM Her virtual women’s leadership summit. The Oct. 8-10 meeting is a partnership of the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. The keynote speaker is the Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber, a Lutheran pastor and author of three New York Times bestselling memoirs. 
Read press release 
Register

The Upper Room
Virtual gathering planned for Emmaus Ministries

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A program that seeks to make better disciples of Jesus Christ through study and small-group support will hold its first international virtual meeting because COVID-19 has halted in-person meetings for now. Emmaus Ministries will provide spiritual support and launch a fundraising campaign during the Sept. 19 event. 
Read press release or register


RESOURCES

Religion and Race
Activities for 30 days of anti-racism

WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race has suggested activities for 30 days of anti-racism work. People can post photos of their activities using #30DaysAntiRacism and encourage friends and fellow church members to join the effort. 
Read press release
Download resource as PDF


RECENT HEADLINES 

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EVENTS

Sunday, Oct. 4

World Communion Sunday





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