"The church needs to take responsibility of changing the world." — Côte d’Ivoire Area Bishop Benjamin Boni during opening worship at the West Africa Central Conference.
Liberian divorce ban overturned
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire (UMNS) — Delegates at the West Africa Central Conference overturned the Liberia Conference ban on divorced clergy running for bishop. Julu Swen and Phileas Jusu report. Julu Swen and Phileas Jusu report.
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2016: Remembering notable United Methodists
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The church this past year marked the passing of a Bible study innovator, a birthday ambassador and the Pulitzer-winning author of a beloved novel. Heather Hahn has brief remembrances of 21 United Methodists who put their faith into action.
Ubuntu journey takes women into community
KABALA, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — Carrying large plastic bags filled with Christmas gifts, the United Methodist Women of Sierra Leone went on an Ubuntu journey that led them through rural communities to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Phileas Jusu has the story.
Commentary: Standing Rock's legacy
NEAR STANDING ROCK RESERVATION, N.D. (UMNS) — Thanks to social media, the world has been able to watch the rise of Standing Rock. Strategic communications has been the game changer in this historic battle, writes Ginny Underwood, a member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma.
United Methodists offer gloves, hot cocoa
BALTIMORE (UMNS) — On Dec. 15, United Methodist Ambassadors of Cheer were offering hot cocoa and gloves to strangers at Penn Station hoping to warm their stomachs and their hearts. The hot cocoa is part of a campaign by Rethink Church to welcome and invite people to church. Erik Alsgaard has the story.
Hymns we love, and hymns we don't
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodists are asked to name their favorite and least favorite hymns as part of the early research for the first new United Methodist Hymnal in almost three decades. Discipleship Ministries is doing the online survey through Jan. 9.
A very British Nativity
LONDON (UMNS) — British Methodists, with other Protestants, have created a video re-imagining what the nativity would look like if Mary and Joseph were asylum seekers in Britain today. Further details about the issues raised are available online.
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.
Sunday, Jan. 15
Human Relations Day — United Methodists will celebrate God's call to empower people who struggle and equip change agents to transform the world. Special offerings on this Sunday support ministries that help people reach their potential. Resources
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