“The commission reserves the right to refuse any potential sponsor if it, in its unfettered discretion, believes such sponsorship is inconsistent with the Social Principles.” ─ Judi Kenaston, chair of the Commission on General Conference.
Denial of GC2016 booth sparks protest
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — The Discovery Institute, a Seattle-based group that promotes intelligent design, says United Methodists are censoring it by denying the group a display at the 2016 General Conference. General Conference planners say the group is not in line with church social teachings. Heather Hahn reports.
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UK churches: Increase funds to aid Syrians
LONDON (UMNS) — The British Methodist Church, Baptist Union of Great Britain, Church of Scotland and United Reformed Church have called on governments to provide substantial new funding to alleviate the suffering of the people of Syria, including refugees in the neighboring countries of Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan.
Donate online for Flint water crisis
FLINT, Mich. (UMNS) — Donations to help with the Flint water crisis now can be made online. Michigan Area Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey appealed last week to all United Methodists in the state to respond to the crisis, asking for prayer, donations and hands-on assistance.
Read Michigan Conference appeal
Worldwide nature discussion continues
CHICAGO (UMNS) — This month the Connectional Table continues a two-part conversation on the worldwide nature of The United Methodist Church, offering a series of videos and social media conversations. The second part focuses on General Conference 2016 legislation dealing with the structure and alignment of the denomination.
Read press release
Seminary, college agree on early-admission option
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (UMNS) — Beginning in autumn 2016, graduates of United Methodist-related Huntingdon College have an early admission option for Duke Divinity School, a denominational seminary.
General Conference guide available online
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The 2016 General Conference Guide contains helpful information about the denomination’s legislative assembly. Along with an overview, special events details and schedules, the 50-page guide also explains the legislative process, highlights major issues and offers basics about United Methodism. Compiled by the Rev. Joan Gray La Barr of Dallas and edited by United Methodist Communications staff, the resource is available as a PDF. Digital versions in French and Portuguese will follow.
Get this resource
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.
Tuesday, Feb. 9
Webinar “Crafting a Discipling Vision for Your Men's Ministry in 2016” ─ 7-8 p.m. CST. This webinar aims to help United Methodists assess their men's ministry and discern what God is calling them to do this year. Jim Boesch, deployed staff member of the Commission on United Methodist Men, will lead. To register, email Martha Davis at [email protected].
Early-bird-registration for “Optimizing Annual Financial Campaigns” conference and live stream ─ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST Saturday, March 5. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership in Washington will teach best practices for financial campaigns. $35 per person; $50 after Feb. 9. $25 per live stream; $35 after Feb. 9. Details
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