"I think we need a UMC 2.0, and I think the Connectional Conference Plan is the only plan that has the potential to leave us a stronger church than what we are now." — The Rev. Chris Ritter.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Connectional plan: 'Cooperation, not compromise'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Rev. Chris Ritter, who helped write the Connectional Conference Plan being considered at the 2019 special General Conference, feels the plan is a way for all viewpoints in The United Methodist Church to coexist. Ritter spoke with UM News 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.
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Watch Seeing a Way Forward series
Amid unrest, Zimbabwe churches lead dialogue
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — Striving to create an atmosphere of forgiveness and reconciliation following protests, Zimbabwe heads of Christian denominations gathered for a national prayer breakfast and dialogue. United Methodist Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa called for consensus building in the polarized nation. The Rev. Taurai Emmanuel Maforo has the story.
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Ask The UMC
How many missionaries are there?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — More than 350 United Methodist missionaries serve in more than 65 countries around the world. They are engaged in a variety of ministries as teachers, farmers, doctors, nurses, pilots and more. Ask The UMC has more on those called to missionary service through the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.
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PRESS RELEASES
Higher Education and Ministry
Deadline for grant proposals is March 8
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Programs that train ethnic United Methodists to be church leaders have until March 8 to apply for grants of up to $10,000. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry administers the grants.
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COMMENTARIES
United Methodist News Service includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about the plans for the future of the church and other issues in the denomination. The commentaries reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UMNS staff.
African delegates urged to oppose exit plans
EDMONTON, Alberta (UMNS) — A Zimbabwean clergyman urges African delegates to General Conference 2019 not to support exit plans and to focus on keeping the church united. The Rev. Lloyd T. Nyarota argues the plans are an attempt to dissolve The United Methodist Church.
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UM & Global
Plan most likely to pass GC2019: Exit-only
ATLANTA — It no longer seems a foregone conclusion that one of the four main plans proposed for the future of The United Methodist Church will be approved at the special General Conference this month, writes David W. Scott. But he does see “building momentum” for an exit clause to be passed.
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RECENT HEADLINES
What do United Methodists really believe?
Commentary: Grace is not up for a vote
EVENTS
Monday, Feb. 18-Friday, March 1
Online class on using technology in the church: Worship service
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