“This has allowed us to see and live the importance of being united for the good of those who suffer injustices and marginalization." — The Rev. Lyssette Perez, president of MARCHA, on the pardon of Oscar López-Rivera.
Church supports release of Puerto Rican nationalist
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Many Methodists and United Methodists had lobbied for the pardon of Oscar López-Rivera, a Puerto Rican national now expected to be released in May after President Barack Obama pardoned him. The Rev. Gustavo Vazquez has the story.
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Liberia churchwomen campaign for girls' rights
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) — United Methodist Women in Liberia have launched a campaign to promote the rights of girls, including access to education and freedom from violence. Julu Swen reports.
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Gil Caldwell: Voice for justice and human rights
ASBURY PARK, N.J. (UMC.org) — The Rev. Gil Caldwell — who walked alongside the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. — says the civil rights movement inspired his ministry and taught him to advocate for causes beyond race.
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NEJ bishops speak out for immigrants, refugees
LANCASTER, Pa. (UMNS) — Northeastern Jurisdiction bishops called on The United Methodist Church to reject President Trump’s executive order restricting immigration from seven countries and suspending refugee entry. Lancaster has 20 times more refugees per capita than the rest of the United States.
Read Eastern Pennsylvania Conference report
Bishop, UMCOR workers visit tornado-damaged areas
HATTISBURG, Miss. (UMNS) — Mississippi Conference Bishop James Swanson Sr. and members of the United Methodist Committee on Relief toured areas damaged by recent tornadoes and visited with church members who are providing relief to survivors. Tamica Smith Jeuitt has the story.
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Restaurant donates house to student ministry
BATON ROUGE, La. — The Chimes Restaurant, a favorite eatery in Baton Rouge, recently donated a house to Louisiana State University’s Wesley Foundation. The Wesley Foundation moved the house down the street from the restaurant's property to the neighboring grounds of the United Methodist college ministry. WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge has the story.
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Young writers sought for worship resource
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Young African-American United Methodists are being sought to write liturgies, prayers and calls to worship for an updated Africana worship series that will focus on the emerging music and worship practices in black congregations from the voices of young people. United Methodist Discipleship Ministries is leading the project.
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LOOKING AHEAD
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Tuesday, Feb. 7
Healthy Families Webinar Series: Setting Healthy Financial Goals — 2 p.m. CST. This interactive webinar will discuss how families can nurture healthy giving, saving and spending habits. It includes ideas for teaching children about money. Details
Trustees: What’s my role? — 7 p.m. CST. This webinar will help provide trustees with key tools for managing current and future property. The United Methodist Discipleship Ministries webinar will also be available in the archives for those who cannot attend the live event. Details
More United Methodist events
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