"We respect each other even in our differences." — Zimbabwe Area Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa, speaking about himself and fellow African episcopal leaders.
NEWS AND FEATURES
African bishops not united on church future
GBARNGA, Liberia (UM News) — Three African episcopal leaders have signaled they will go with a new traditionalist denomination if The United Methodist Church splits over how accepting to be of homosexuality. Other African bishops haven't joined in such statements. Sam Hodges reports.
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Minnesota Conference
Bishop responds to Daunte Wright's death
MINNEAPOLIS — As eyes around the world are on the trial of Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, Minnesota has again been rocked by the death of an unarmed Black man, Daunte Wright, at the hands of police. Bishop David Bard, the Minnesota Conference's interim bishop, urges the church not to grow cynical but continue the work of racial reckoning.
Read pastoral letter
Louisiana Conference
Front-line ministry during the pandemic
BATON ROUGE, La. — The Rev. Todd Rossnagel, who hosts the Louisiana NOW podcast, recently chatted with the Rev. Tiffani Lyon about her experience working as a hospital chaplain during the pandemic. She serves in Louisiana's St. Tammany Parish.
Listen to podcast
United Methodist Communications
Community gardens grow more than veggies
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Gardening is a way to create interest in a church, get to know members of the community and show the love of Christ in a tangible way. Tricia K. Brown offers steps for churches to show their green thumbs and loving hearts.
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Impact of Spicewood community garden
PRESS RELEASES
Upper New York Conference
Delegates request transparency from episcopal leaders
LIVERPOOL, N.Y. — A letter, signed by 17 of the 23 Upper New York Conference delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conference, was submitted to the Northeastern Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy requesting transparency from the jurisdiction's episcopal leaders regarding their intentions to remain in a post-separation denomination. "We reaffirm … the need for leaders who continue to display a passion for the unity of the church," the letter reads.
Read letter
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Celebrating 25 years of the Order of Deacon
EVANSTON, Ill. — This week kicks off the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Order of Deacon of The United Methodist Church. The celebration includes several Zoom events, including a worship service.
Register for event
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
There's no going back to the pre-pandemic church
WASHINGTON — Many churches feel a natural desire to return to the familiar, comfortable patterns of the past. But Kay Kotan, author of "Being the Church in a Post-Pandemic World," says churches that embrace this time of disruption as a catalyst for lasting change are most likely to be vital in the "new normal."
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RECENT HEADLINES
Film puts Korean Americans center stage
Commentary: Caught in a twilight zone of change
EVENTS
Tuesday, April 20-Wednesday, April 21
Training workshop: Leveraging Communication for Greater Connection
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