“Ultimately, to view Charles through a lens of like, 'He's mentally ill' — that's a cop-out, that's a way of saying we don't have to deal with this.” — Joel Fendelman, director of "Man on Fire," a documentary about the Rev. Charles Moore’s self-immolation protest of racism.
NEWS AND FEATURES
PBS film looks at pastor’s fatal protest
DALLAS — A retired United Methodist pastor’s self-immolation as a protest of racism is the subject of “Man on Fire,” a documentary airing Dec. 17 on PBS. The film examines the Rev. Charles Moore’s final act, as well as the effect it had on his hometown of Grand Saline, Texas. Sam Hodges reports.
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Oklahoma Conference
Blue Christmas honors grief, loss
TULSA, Okla. — The Rev. Nathan Mattox says Christmas isn’t “the most wonderful time of the year for everyone.” Mattox, pastor of University United Methodist Church, says Blue Christmas or Longest Night services are a way to minister to those who are experiencing loss or grief during the holiday season. Meagan Ewton has the story.
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In Zimbabwe, self-help projects spark evangelism
MAHENYE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — Three Florida United Methodist churches have been funding practical self-help projects for disadvantaged communities in the Save Valley of Zimbabwe. Their efforts — in partnership with the Chibuwe Rimbi United Methodist Church Circuit in the Zimbabwe East Conference — have improved livelihoods and brought new souls to Christ. Chenayi Kumuterera has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Commission on General Conference
Vetting of petitions set before GC2019
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Committee on Reference will meet in advance of the Feb. 23-26 special session of the General Conference in order to determine whether petitions submitted by organizations and individuals are in harmony with the call to the special session. The Committee on Reference meets Jan. 11-12 in Irving, Texas.
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National Association of Filipino American United Methodists
Filipino group endorses One Church Plan
CHICAGO — The board of directors of the National Association of Filipino American United Methodists is endorsing the One Church Plan that will be considered by delegates at the 2019 General Conference. In a statement, the organization says the plan “carries forward into the future those Wesleyan values we hold so dear.”
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Opinions still vary on the Way Forward
COMMENTARIES
A simple majority is foundation of sand
LANCASTER, Pa. (UMNS) — A simple majority vote at General Conference on plans for the future of the church provides an unstable basis for denominational unity, writes Darryl W. Stephens. While the low bar of approval has been touted as an advantage by proponents of some of the plans, Stephens argues that also makes it easy for a future General Conference to undo the work of 2019.
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Board of Global Ministries
Endorsing protection for immigrants
ATLANTA (UMNS) — The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration seeks to protect immigrants, especially women and children. Thomas Kemper explains why the compact passed by the United Nations won the endorsement of Global Ministries and the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
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RECENT HEADLINES
'Little interest' for Connectional Conference Plan
Does Christmas have roots in pagan beliefs?
EVENTS
Sunday, Jan. 20
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