“Our ultimate vision is to establish dedicated services for the Deaf and hard of hearing, ensuring their full participation in the United Methodist community in Burundi.” — The Rev. Emmanuel Sinzohagera, Burundi Conference legal representative and dean of superintendents.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Burundi United Methodist ministry encourages inclusion
BUJUMBURA, Burundi (UM News) — The United Methodist Church in Burundi has created a new ministry to welcome, support and share the Gospel with people who are Deaf or who have partial hearing loss. With support from the United Methodist Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee and Global Ministries, the church launched sign-language interpretation courses for lay and clergy in the 10 districts of the Burundi Conference, as well as for members of the conference’s evangelism committee. The Rev. Niyiragira Ladislas reports.
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Baltimore-Washington Conference
Pastor tends to both soul and body
BALTIMORE — The Rev. Dr. Irancé Reddix-McCray is equally at home with a cross or a stethoscope. In fact, as a doctor and an ordained United Methodist pastor, she has discovered that faith and medicine often work best when intertwined. While serving as pastor at St. John’s United Methodist Church, she also oversees the Adullum Community Healthcare Center, which operates out of the fellowship hall of Waverly United Methodist. Melissa Lauber has her story.
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East Ohio Conference
Dining ministry promotes nutrition
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — The Dine and Discover ministry shows families how to cook nutritious meals quick and easy. The program at the Family Resource Center is done in partnership with the East Ohio Conference. The events include a cooking demonstration that can easily be copied at home and the gift of all the ingredients to do it. Brett Hetherington has the story.
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Dakotas Conference
Blessing seeds and tractors
ARTHUR, N.D. — A North Dakota pastor recognizes the importance of agriculture to her community by annually blessing seeds, tractors and other tools of farming. The Rev. Veronica Fleming, who leads Arthur United Methodist Church, says there are more than 10 local agriculture businesses with members of the church on the payroll. Doreen Gosmire has the story.
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United Women in Faith
African training center adds catering
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — The Betty Carew Skills Training Centre has added a new catering department where students will learn culinary skills. The center empowers women who are often overlooked by society to earn a living. With job opportunities scarce in Sierra Leone, many women are turning to self-employment for their livelihoods. Keziah Kargbo reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
Emory & Henry University
University names its first chancellor
EMORY, Va. — United Methodist-related Emory & Henry University has named John W. Wells as its inaugural chancellor. Wells is stepping down as the university’s 22nd president at the end of July. As chancellor, Wells will help guide the institution in the execution of its strategic plan.
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COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Digest commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
Religion News Service
Why United Methodists decry Hindu nationalism
WASHINGTON — At its recently completed General Conference, The United Methodist Church took a historic stand and condemned Hindu nationalism. The Rev. Neal Christie, a United Methodist and the executive director of the Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America, writes about the persecution Christians and Muslims have faced in his native country previously known for its religious tolerance.
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RESOURCES
Church and Society
Next steps for Revised Social Principles
WASHINGTON — The Revised Social Principles passed by the postponed 2020 General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, won’t go into effect until January 2025. In the meantime, the United Methodist Board of Church and Society plans to produce support materials to help educate churches on the new legislation.
Learn more
RECENT HEADLINES
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