"God has not forsaken them. They are under bridges, on street corners and in dark alleys for (God's) greater purpose — the same purpose that puts us in our homes, at our jobs and with our families." — The Rev. Wilton T. Odongo, district superintendent, on the homeless women and children the church serves in Nairobi, Kenya.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Homeless ministry offers compassion in Kenyan slums
NAIROBI, Kenya (UM News) — United Methodists are helping homeless women and children overcome challenges exacerbated by COVID-19. Along with receiving shelter, food, clothing and medical attention, vulnerable children and youth find love and understanding through the church's Homeless Compassion Ministry. Gad Maiga reports.
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Updated: Megachurch seeks exit
MARIETTA, Ga. (UM News) — Leaders of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church announced April 27 that they are filing formal complaints against Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson and a district superintendent, accusing the two of not engaging in consultation in the appointment process. The bishop offers a different account of what happened. Heather Hahn has updated the story on the church's disaffiliation plans.
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Dakotas Conference
Churches start prayer movement for rain
BISMARCK, N.D. — With much of the region facing drought, members of McCabe United Methodist Church turned to prayer. Now, other United Methodist churches have joined their community-wide effort to pray for rain. "The first Sunday after we were praying for rain, it rained about .010 of one inch," says Gloria Knoll, choir director at McCabe. "It was a sign of encouragement from God." Doreen Gosmire has the story.
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Read Bismarck Tribune story
Louisiana Conference
Recovery challenges continue in Louisiana
LAKE CHARLES, La. — The Louisiana Conference is rethinking its strategy for helping the southwestern part of the state recover from the 2020 hurricane season. The pandemic and a related drop in giving have been major obstacles. Going forward, the conference is making case management and volunteer recruitment its priorities.
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World Council of Churches
Mozambican churches urge action on conflict
MAPUTO, Mozambique — As Mozambican churches respond to growing humanitarian challenges in the country, their leaders are urging the government to act decisively to end a violent conflict in the north. Among those speaking out is United Methodist Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala. Fredrick Nzwili reports.
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UM News: Bishop Nhanala manages multiple crises
PRESS RELEASES
Greater New Jersey Conference
Religious leaders decry hatred toward Asian Americans
NEPTUNE, N.J. — The Greater New Jersey Conference joined partners in the New Jersey Coalition of Religious Leaders to denounce rising instances of hate and violence directed toward the Asian American community. Highlighting the March shootings in Atlanta that killed six Asian women and the April 15 shooting in Indianapolis where four of the eight victims were Sikh Americans, the statement calls upon New Jersey's congressional representatives to support a pair of hate crime bills currently under consideration.
Read press release (PDF)
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EVENTS
Tuesday, April 27
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