"The service was typified by repressed happiness; people would want to hug to express their joy, but we had to observe social distancing. Such is the new normal." — David Mandiyanike, on the first worship service post-lockdown at Gaberone United Methodist Church in Botswana.
NEWS AND FEATURES
African churches begin to reopen
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Some churches in Africa have begun to reopen for worship services after several countries lifted bans on religious gatherings imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
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Delay in elections upends bishops' plans
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — With the election of new bishops postponed until 2021 and 2022, those scheduled to retire are making plans for the interim. Heather Hahn reports.
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United Methodist Communications
2 bishops talk about dismantling racism
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Following George Floyd's death and protests across the United States, many United Methodist bishops have spoken out against institutional racism and called for healing. In a "Get Your Spirit in Shape" podcast, Baltimore-Washington Conference Bishop LaTrelle Easterling and Missouri Conference Bishop Robert Farr express their anger, how they approach the world and are treated differently because of race and gender, and some steps United Methodists can take to be part of the solution of dismantling racism.
Listen to episode
Florida Conference
Coming together to seek social justice
FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — The steps of Memorial United Methodist Church filled with people from the congregation and community. Pastors of three churches, two of which split apart by race in the mid-1800s, organized a time of prayer and lament. The Rev. Drew Weseman has the story.
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New 2020 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2020 annual conference reports. Posted so far are Liberia and the first session of a two-part Great Plains Conference.
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PRESS RELEASES
Northeastern Jurisdiction
'A pledge of solidarity to repent of racism'
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — The Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops has issued a statement denouncing the recent deaths of unarmed African Americans at the hands of law enforcement officers and citizens. "Ideas and systems that support white supremacy continue unchecked in our churches, communities and national politics," the statement says.
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COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.
Florida Conference
The color of the coronavirus
LAKELAND, Fla. — The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the already existing health disparities for minority communities. "To advance in better health, we must lift from the bottom to help the people who have been harmed by lax, racist or ignorant public health legislation,” writes Alejandra Salemi, who has a master's in public health.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Men
Celebrating all men on Father's Day
NASHVILLE, Tenn. –– The Center for Men's Ministries urges United Methodist congregations to declare U.S. Father's Day on June 21 as their Annual Men's Day. The goal is to avoid the unintended consequences of making some men uneasy on Father's Day. The Rev. Rich Peck has the story.
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Ideas for Men's Day
RECENT HEADLINES
Clergy, laity tell harrowing COVID-19 stories
Collection rates plunge as COVID-19 rises
EVENTS
Wednesday, June 10
Real Talk on Facebook: COVID-19 and Systemic Racism on the U.S. Latinx Community
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