“He made such an extraordinary difference in the whole way the issue of integration was handled.” – William Nicholas, author of “Go and Be Reconciled: Alabama Methodists Confront Racial Injustice: 1954-1974,” on the late Bishop W. Kenneth Goodson.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Alabama bishop met race challenge
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (UMNS) — The dramatic civil rights struggle in Alabama extended to Methodists, with Bishop W. Kenneth Goodson leading the way to integration of the state’s three conferences. William Nicholas tells the story in the new book “Go and Be Reconciled: Alabama Methodists Confront Racial Injustice: 1954-1974.” Sam Hodges reports.
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African clergywomen making great strides
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — African clergywomen report achievements in ministry that have taken them a long way from the time when congregations frowned on women pastors. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
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Global HIV/AIDS: Nearly over or still flourishing?
AMSTERDAM (UMNS) — Measuring whether the HIV and AIDS pandemic is nearly over or still flourishing depends on where you live and whether you see the proverbial glass half-full or half-empty. While speakers at the 2018 International AIDS Conference celebrated glowing progress made in recent years, the UNAIDS executive director also warned of a new “conspiracy of complacency.” Donald E. Messer has the story.
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WCC: Faith groups challenged to overcome world’s HIV complacency
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Merger brings increase in numbers, faith
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Sometimes, one plus one equals more than two. Nearly a year into a merger between Trinity and St. James United Methodist churches, attendance is up and some church members believe there has been a growth in faith as well as active participation. James Lynch has the story.
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San Gorgonio Pass Record Gazette
Former refugee pastor finds home at California church
BANNING, Calif. — Growing up in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, the Rev. Tom Tran and his family were considered enemies of the state. His father, a colonel in the South Vietnamese army, was imprisoned for 15 years. After escaping to the U.S. in 1982, Tran followed a call to ministry. He is now pastor of Banning United Methodist Church. David James Heiss reports.
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RESOURCES
Lake Junaluska launches new spiritual retreats
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — Lake Junaluska is introducing personal spiritual retreat opportunities. Self-directed or guided options are available. Self-directed retreats offer participants the chance to relax through meditation, hiking, personal devotions and journaling. Suggested dates are online through November.
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RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Saturday, Aug. 4-Tuesday, Aug. 7
Pacific Islanders Young Adult Leadership Development Program
Monday, Aug. 6-Friday, Aug. 31
Online class: Surviving the caregiver’s marathon with grace
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