“The Simple Plan is a continuation of a prayer for healing that started 46 years ago.” — The Rev. Alex da Silva Souto, a co-author of the Simple Plan, one of the proposals for a way forward for the church.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Supporters outline Simple Plan
NEW YORK (UMNS) — The Rev. Alex da Silva Souto is a co-author of the Simple Plan, which eliminates all restrictions in The United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality. Karen G. Prudente is a co-signer. Each shares their message about the merits of the plan, speaking with United Methodist News Service as part of “Seeing a Way Forward,” a video series featuring different perspectives of church leaders on the work of the Commission on a Way Forward.
Watch videos
Watch Seeing a Way Forward series
Congo Central Conference votes to elect bishops for life
KOLWEZI, Congo (UMNS) — A special gathering of the Congo Central Conference changed the rules for bishop elections so that the first election will mean lifetime service. Previously, a bishop had to be re-elected once before the service was lifetime. Pierre T. Omadjela reports.
Read story
United Methodist bishops call for peaceful Congo elections
AL.com
Respect black voices, white clergy group says
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Three United Methodists are among eight white clergy who released a video supporting those continuing to protest the shooting death of Emantic Fitzgerald “E.J.” Bradford Jr. by police in Alabama’s largest mall in November. Their statement calls for respect for black voices and leadership “and to resist state violence against people of color everywhere.”
Read story and watch video
Duke University
Taking time for physical, spiritual wellness
DURHAM, N.C. — The results are in from a Duke University-led health and wellness program offered to North Carolina-based United Methodist clergy and funded by The Duke Endowment. The Rev. Douglas Miller capped his participation in the Spirited Life Intervention study with a 3,400-mile bike ride from California to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Study: Long-range wellness program can help clergy
Finding spiritual renewal on the open road
North Georgia Conference
Worship for when you can’t be home for Christmas
ATLANTA — Many members of Eastside United Methodist Church can’t be in town for Christmas Eve worship, but they would like to celebrate Christ’s birth with their church family. Thus, the church now offers a Traveler’s Service the last night they expect most members to be in town. The North Georgia Conference reports that the idea is catching on.
Read story
COMMENTARIES
Editor’s note: The “Many Voices, One Faith” forum this week features four commentaries on the equality of men and women in The United Methodist Church.
Many Voices, One Faith
‘There is danger when there is gender imbalance’
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — “What are the roles of women and men in the life of the church, and are they equal?” Gilbert C. Hanke, top executive of United Methodist Men, says men and women should have opportunities to serve any role in a local church or a denomination. “We each have gifts, and those gifts come to us regardless of gender,” he writes. His commentary is part of “Many Voices, One Faith,” which brings together diverse perspectives on topics related to faith and the church.
Read commentary
United Methodist Forum: Many Voices, One Faith
Coming tomorrow: The Rev. Paul T. Stallsworth, a pastor in North Carolina, explores Mary, Peter and the church.
RECENT HEADLINES
Church helps family tell missing Native woman's story
Korean United Methodists and bishops struggle to find a way forward
EVENTS
Friday, Dec. 21
Live Nativity
NEWS AND FEATURES
Supporters outline Simple Plan
NEW YORK (UMNS) — The Rev. Alex da Silva Souto is a co-author of the Simple Plan, which eliminates all restrictions in The United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality. Karen G. Prudente is a co-signer. Each shares their message about the merits of the plan, speaking with United Methodist News Service as part of “Seeing a Way Forward,” a video series featuring different perspectives of church leaders on the work of the Commission on a Way Forward.
Watch videos
Watch Seeing a Way Forward series
Congo Central Conference votes to elect bishops for life
KOLWEZI, Congo (UMNS) — A special gathering of the Congo Central Conference changed the rules for bishop elections so that the first election will mean lifetime service. Previously, a bishop had to be re-elected once before the service was lifetime. Pierre T. Omadjela reports.
Read story
United Methodist bishops call for peaceful Congo elections
AL.com
Respect black voices, white clergy group says
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Three United Methodists are among eight white clergy who released a video supporting those continuing to protest the shooting death of Emantic Fitzgerald “E.J.” Bradford Jr. by police in Alabama’s largest mall in November. Their statement calls for respect for black voices and leadership “and to resist state violence against people of color everywhere.”
Read story and watch video
Duke University
Taking time for physical, spiritual wellness
DURHAM, N.C. — The results are in from a Duke University-led health and wellness program offered to North Carolina-based United Methodist clergy and funded by The Duke Endowment. The Rev. Douglas Miller capped his participation in the Spirited Life Intervention study with a 3,400-mile bike ride from California to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Study: Long-range wellness program can help clergy
Finding spiritual renewal on the open road
North Georgia Conference
Worship for when you can’t be home for Christmas
ATLANTA — Many members of Eastside United Methodist Church can’t be in town for Christmas Eve worship, but they would like to celebrate Christ’s birth with their church family. Thus, the church now offers a Traveler’s Service the last night they expect most members to be in town. The North Georgia Conference reports that the idea is catching on.
Read story
COMMENTARIES
Editor’s note: The “Many Voices, One Faith” forum this week features four commentaries on the equality of men and women in The United Methodist Church.
Many Voices, One Faith
‘There is danger when there is gender imbalance’
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — “What are the roles of women and men in the life of the church, and are they equal?” Gilbert C. Hanke, top executive of United Methodist Men, says men and women should have opportunities to serve any role in a local church or a denomination. “We each have gifts, and those gifts come to us regardless of gender,” he writes. His commentary is part of “Many Voices, One Faith,” which brings together diverse perspectives on topics related to faith and the church.
Read commentary
United Methodist Forum: Many Voices, One Faith
Coming tomorrow: The Rev. Paul T. Stallsworth, a pastor in North Carolina, explores Mary, Peter and the church.
RECENT HEADLINES
Church helps family tell missing Native woman's story
Korean United Methodists and bishops struggle to find a way forward
EVENTS
Friday, Dec. 21
Live Nativity
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