"Many expressed concern over the political maneuvering and lobbying that takes place before and during General Conference and found such behavior difficult to reconcile with their understanding of how the church should conduct its decision-making processes."— Bishop Christian Alsted, reporting on a recent meeting of European and Eurasian delegates.
NEWS AND FEATURES
European, Eurasian delegates unhappy with lobbying
BRAUNFELS, Germany (UMNS) — Forty European and Eurasian delegates to the upcoming special General Conference met on their own recently. They expressed concern about “political maneuvering” by caucus groups and agreed to propose an amendment that would clarify when legislation passed at the Feb. 23-26 conference takes effect in the central conferences. Sam Hodges reports.
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Examining merits of Connectional Conference Plan
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Is the hardest Way Forward plan to implement also the best long-term solution? United Methodist News Service takes a look at the Connectional Conference Plan, the first of a series of four stories briefly explaining each of the most prominent plans that will be considered at the February special General Conference in St. Louis. Jim Patterson reports.
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After record giving, mixed news in 2018
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — For four consecutive years, The United Methodist Church saw record-breaking numbers of U.S. conferences pay the full amount of requested church giving. That trend ended in 2018. Heather Hahn reports.
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Church leaders urged to 'see, judge, act' amid unrest
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — United Methodists took part in a two-day ecumenical workshop looking for ways to build sustainable peace in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Council of Churches issued a 10-point statement rejecting violence and calling on the state to restore the rule of law and revisit the country’s economic policy trajectory. The Rev. Taurai Emmanuel Maforo reports.
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Read 10-point statement
Lifewatch
Bishop draws lessons from early church
WASHINGTON — United Methodists should look to the early church as a model for how to move forward into the future, Bishop Timothy Whitaker said Jan. 18, at the annual worship service sponsored by Lifewatch, a publication of the unofficial advocacy group, Taskforce of United Methodists on Abortion and Sexuality. Noting the March for Life occurring nearby, he said the church must walk “in a way that is out of step with the world,” answering God’s call and not conforming to the culture.
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More on Lifewatch newsletter
United Methodist Communications
Coffee brews fresh start after prison
OKLAHOMA CITY (UMC.org) — In a state with one of the highest incarceration rates in the United States, a United Methodist ministry is helping former inmates make a fresh start. At Red River Roasters, coffee is changing lives one cup at a time.
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RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Sunday, Jan. 27
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