Daily Digest - March 13, 2023

“We are going to be a smaller church with less financial capacity than before. But smaller does not necessarily mean a smaller missional imprint and impact.” — Council of Bishops President Thomas Bickerton, speaking to the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Plan to add 5 African bishops faces challenges
BRAUNFELS, Germany (UM News) — An international United Methodist group has long been working to increase the number of bishops on the African continent from 13 to 18. The Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters at its recent meeting learned about the challenges the plan faces in a time of disaffiliation. Klaus Ulrich Ruof reports. 
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International group pursues regionalization
BRAUNFELS, Germany (UM News) — A permanent committee of General Conference gave a boost to proposals to restructure The United Methodist Church so different geographic areas are on equal footing. The Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters agreed to form a task force to harmonize the Christmas Covenant and a Connectional Table proposal for a U.S. structure. Klaus Ulrich Ruof has the story.
Read story
UM News: Group plans for budget cuts, regionalization

Status and Role of Women
Celebrating women’s stories
CHICAGO — In celebration of Women’s History Month, the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women will be publishing eight blog articles that highlight The United Methodist Church’s newly elected women bishops. The first three profiles are of Louisiana Bishop Delores Williamston, California-Pacific Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank and Iowa Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai.
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Upper New York Conference
Donation helps church help its community
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church’s food pantry serves dozens of members in the surrounding community every week. It now has reusable bags thanks to the help of Kristina Clark, Upper New York director of missional engagement, who secured the donation of 2,500 bags from United Methodist Communications. Shannon Hodson reports.
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No Small Endeavor
Rev. Lawson talks about America’s past, present
LOS ANGELES — The Rev. James Lawson recalls how the civil rights movement was shaped by principles of nonviolence, and in the latest episode of “No Small Endeavor," he discusses his lifelong commitment to peace as well as his close friendship with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. “We started the public desegregation of the nation, and we did it without hating anybody,” Lawson says. Lee Camp conducts the interview.
Listen to interview (scroll down)


PRESS RELEASES

Native American International Caucus, Baltimore-Washington Conference
Group urges action on Indian boarding schools 
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Church’s Native American International Caucus is urging the U.S. Congress to reestablish the Truth and Healing Commission and to pass legislation to address the harmful impact of Indian boarding schools. From 1819 to 1969, the U.S. government supported the schools and policies that often resulted in Native children being taken from their families. The caucus is also urging fellow United Methodists to join the group in contacting members of Congress. 
Read statement (PDF) 


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 UM News staff. 

Youth group outreach changed man’s views of church
COLUMBIA, Mo. (UM News) — The Rev. Mel West, a retired pastor, recalls how young people accomplished amazing results through a program that addressed housing needs. Their outreach helped change one person’s understanding of what church is about.
Read commentary


RECENT HEADLINES

Church radio drums up support for orphans

Church court reviews LGBTQ-related resolutions


EVENTS

Tuesday, March 14
Webinar: The Church Audit — It's Easier Than You Think

Sunday, March 19
UMCOR Sunday