“We have to remember that every step toward eliminating segregation … in this nation and in the church was a difficult process. The U.S. didn’t do this easily, nor did the church.” — The late Bishop James S. Thomas in a 2005 interview about the Central Jurisdiction.
Photo courtesy of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and HIstory
NEWS AND FEATURES
50 years on, Central Jurisdiction’s shadow looms
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The union that created The United Methodist Church also abolished its racially segregated institution — the Central Jurisdiction. That history is a reminder that the church still struggles with race relations. Joey Butler reports.
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Read more about the 50th anniversary
Next: The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race celebrates 50 years
Group preaches Christian unity to Congolese women
BUKAVU, Democratic Republic of Congo (UMNS) — The Church of Christ in Congo, an ecumenical Christian organization that includes United Methodists, is taking its message of Christian unity to women, raising awareness in communities often divided by tribal, ethnic or religious conflicts. Philippe Kituka Lolonga has the story.
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United Methodist Communications
Freeborn Garrettson: Methodism’s Paul Revere
BALTIMORE (UMC.org) — Paul Revere is famous for his ride on April 18, 1775. Almost a decade later, a Methodist circuit rider made his own famous journey to gather the preachers of a new nation to form a new church. Listen, my children, and you shall hear the story of a Methodist pioneer.
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Oklahoma Conference
Meet university’s new president
OKLAHOMA CITY — United Methodist-related Oklahoma City University will have its first female president beginning July 1. Martha Burger, an alumna and former trustee of the university, will be its 18th president. Zoe Travers has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Wesley Theological Seminary
Seminary names new dean
WASHINGTON — United Methodist Wesley Theological Seminary announced the appointment of a new dean, Philip Wingeier-Rayo, whose focus is world Christianity. The seminary also announced eight other faculty and administrative appointments.
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Board of Higher Education and Ministry
New book on sacramental authority
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry has published a book by Rex D. Matthews titled “Ministerial Orders and Sacramental Authority in The United Methodist Church and its Antecedents, 1784-2016.” Matthews teaches historical theology and Wesleyan studies at United Methodist Candler School of Theology in Atlanta..
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RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Monday, April 23-Friday, May 11
Online lay servant workshop: Life together in the United Methodist connection
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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