“I have been asked to make statements and criticized for not commenting on the situation, but the reality is that once a complaint is filed, whatever I might say one way or the other would be detrimental to the integrity of the process.” — Bishop Larry Goodpaster on clergy complaints.
Bishop writes about role in clergy complaints
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UMNS) — A bishop cannot “fire” clergy and must be fair and just in responding to complaints, Western North Carolina Bishop Larry Goodpaster writes in a blog about the challenges of handling a complaint about a same-sex marriage. The Rev. Val Rosenquist, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Charlotte, now faces a formal complaint after she co-officiated a same-gender wedding with retired Bishop Melvin Talbert on April 23.
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Refugees appeal to Ghana church
BUDUBURAM, Ghana (UMNS) — Hundreds of undocumented Liberian refugees have appealed to the Buduburam United Methodist Church to assist them in repatriating to Liberia. The group approached the church because upcoming general elections put them at risk. E. Julu Swen reports.
Cambodian farmers plant their future
NEW YORK (UMNS) — Thanks to a United Methodist Committee on Relief partner, Cambodian farmers are demonstrating how sustainable farming brings hope for a better future and enough food to feed their families. The Community Health and Agricultural Development Program, a ministry of the Methodist Church of Cambodia, is offering training that focuses on how to adapt to a changing climate pattern. Susan Kim reports for UMCOR.
History and highlights of General Conferences
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — General Conferences are part of the culture of United Methodists. Joe Iovino writes about the church practice that has shaped the denomination in the past and will lead it into the future.
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Attending General Conference 2016
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Here is everything you need to know about attending General Conference 2016 — from the fact that the convention center will be a gun-free zone despite Oregon’s open carry law to how to get wireless, translations and public transportation information.
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Monday, May 2
Deadline to register for United Methodist Global AIDS Fund gathering ─ The gathering, titled “AIDS is not over! … Global Issues and the Church” will be from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT Monday, May 9 at Rose City Park United Methodist Church, 5830 N.E. Alameda St., Portland, Oregon. Details
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