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UM News Digest - April 14, 2025
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“The three gifts of the Black Church have always been its spiritual depth, its emphasis on social justice and its holistic community involvement.” — Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, episcopal leader of the Alabama-West Florida and North Alabama conferences.
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Singers perform during the Lenten season at Union Combined Parish in Boston. File photo courtesy of Union Combined Parish.
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Black churches preserve history, shape future
PHILADELPHIA (UM News) — In Part 4 of a UM News special series on legacy Black churches, John W. Coleman reports on historic churches that are looking for new ways to remain vital and reach communities in rural and urban settings. He also spotlights United Methodist annual conferences that are working to provide the resources these churches need to remain relevant. |
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Old Bethel United Methodist Church in Charleston, S.C., built about 1798, is the city’s oldest Methodist church. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
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The Associated Press
Judge permits immigration arrests in churches
WASHINGTON — A federal judge on April 11 sided with the Trump administration in allowing immigration agents to conduct enforcement operations at houses of worship for now, despite a lawsuit filed by religious groups over the new policy. The interfaith group of plaintiffs includes three United Methodist conferences and the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race. Despite the setback in a denial of preliminary injunction, the plaintiffs could still press their case. “We are reviewing the decision and assessing our options alongside the other plaintiffs,” Religion and Race told UM News. Lindsay Whitehurst and Michael Kunzelman report.
Read story
UM News: United Methodists join suit against Trump policy
Ask The UMC
What’s new in the Discipline regarding clergy?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, is examining changes made in the 2020/2024 Book of Discipline. The series will examine the changes in five different areas, with this installment, Part 3, exploring changes that affect United Methodist clergy. The new Discipline includes more changes related to the formation and work of clergy than any other topic, writes the Rev. Taylor W. Burton Edwards.
Read story
Read more in series
World Council of Churches
Group condemns Palm Sunday attacks in Gaza, Ukraine
GENEVA — The Rev. Jerry Pillay, top executive of the World Council of Churches, condemned in the strongest terms the Palm Sunday bombing of the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza — a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Pillay also condemned the Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumi, which also occurred on Palm Sunday. This year, both Eastern Orthodox and Western Christians are observing Holy Week and Christ’s resurrection at the same time. This week also marks Passover.
Read statement on Gaza
Read statement on Ukraine |
Religion News Service
In win for faith groups, some refugees must be admitted
WASHINGTON — A federal judge has denied a request by the Trump administration to reconsider a ruling in a lawsuit brought by faith-based refugee resettlement agencies, ordering the government to begin immediately processing and admitting refugees who were conditionally approved before Jan 20. Among the plaintiffs was United Methodist partner Church World Service. Jack Jenkins reports.
Read story
Kentucky Conference
Bishop Graves responds to Kentucky storms
CRESTWOOD, Ky. — The Kentucky Conference is again picking up the pieces after a storm has ravaged the state. In a pastoral letter, Bishop David Graves reminds United Methodists of the hope they have in Jesus. “Part of the hope I see after such a devastating week is our conference disaster response ministry,” he added.
Read letter |
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Archives and History
Church to mark LGBTQ milestone
MADISON, N.J. — The United Methodist Commission on Archives and History’s Center for LGBTQ+ United Methodist Heritage is celebrating the one-year anniversary of General Conference action that removed constraints on ministry with and by LGBTQ people in The United Methodist Church, including removing the ban on ordination of LGBTQ persons. Defrocked clergy who have had their credentials restored will be among those celebrated at the May 1 event at Greenland Hills United Methodist Church in Dallas.
Read press release
UM News: Historic assembly sets United Methodists on new path |
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Photo courtesy of the Rev. Rushing Kimball, Broadway United Methodist Church
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Orlando churches face anti-LGBTQ protests
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Photo by Priscilla Muzerengwa, United Methodist Communications
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Burundi celebrates new bishop, episcopal area
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