Daily Digest: January 17, 2019

"We favor diversity. What we don’t favor is a notion that you can believe anything you please to believe and still be a Methodist."The Rev. Maxie Dunnam.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Dunnam: Modified Traditional Plan aims for accountability
ATLANTA (UMNS) — The Rev. Maxie Dunnam, president emeritus of Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, submitted the Modified Traditional Plan to be considered by the 2019 special General Conference. Dunnam 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.
Watch videos
Watch Seeing a Way Forward series

Church urges civility after Congo election
KINDU, Congo (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church is continuing its efforts to promote peace in the wake of controversy surrounding the country’s presidential election. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports.
Read story
WCC calls for peaceful transition in Congo

Agriculture a 'game changer' for church in Africa
JOHANNESBURG (UMNS) — The church in Africa has the potential of becoming self-sustaining if it develops its vast land into viable commercial enterprises, said Sierra Leone Bishop John K. Yambasu, speaking at The United Methodist’s Church’s Africa agricultural summit this week. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
Read story
Watch Board of Global Ministries video

PRESS RELEASES

Council of Bishops
Observing Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Council of Bishops is urging all church members to join in the global Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which starts on Jan. 18 and runs until Jan. 25. During the week, congregations and parishes all over the world exchange preachers or arrange special ecumenical celebrations and prayer services.
Read press release
Resources for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

RESOURCES

United Methodist Communications
Human Relations Day is Jan. 20

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodists around the connection will celebrate Human Relations Day this Sunday before the U.S. observance of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. Designated offerings on Human Relations Day, one of the denomination's Special Sundays, support ministries with the marginalized.
Learn more
Get resources

COMMENTARIES

Dallas Morning News
Bringing clergy and lay leaders to the border

PLANO, Texas — More Americans need to visit the U.S.-Mexico border to understand immigration realities, say the Rev. Andy Lewis of the North Texas Conference and Bee Moorhead of Texas Impact/Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy. Their essay describes what they’ve seen and the Courts and Ports Initiative, which brings clergy and lay leaders to the Rio Grande Valley.
Read commentary

RECENT HEADLINES

UPDATED: Zimbabwe faces violence, record fuel prices

Youth joyfully lead at Tongan United Methodist church

EVENTS

Monday, Jan. 21-Tuesday, Feb. 5
Online class: Loss and the mourning after


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