"If this were easy, we would have worked it out 30 years ago." — Dr. Steve Furr, a lay General Conference delegate, on discussions around a Way Forward.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Delegates’ early thoughts on Way Forward
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Bishops have focused on two possibilities for how the church should handle ministry with LGBTQ individuals, with a traditionalist plan waiting in the wings. With a special General Conference less than a year away, Heather Hahn spoke to delegates of varied views about the proposals so far.
Read story
United Methodists celebrate unity in Burundi
GITEGA, Burundi (UMNS) — A special Burundi Annual Conference session Feb. 5-7 in Gitega sealed the deal on coveted and elusive unity for United Methodists in this East African nation. Tafadzwa Mudambanuki reports..
Read story
Florida Conference
Parkland tragedy inspires 5,000 letters
PARKLAND, Fla. — The murder of 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School inspired a campaign to get 5,000 United Methodists in Florida to contact their state and federal representatives to ask for stricter regulation on the sale of guns. Bishop Kenneth Carter described the tragedy as a “burning bush moment” that demanded action. The conference surpassed its goal, reports Joe Henderson. .
Read story
United Methodist Association of Communicators
UMAC honors top communicators
PHILADELPHIA — The Rev. Deborah Coble, West Virginia Conference director of communications, was named 2018 Communicator of the Year by the United Methodist Association of Communicators, while Wayne Rhodes, the retired communications director for the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, was inducted into the Hall of Fame. The association also announced other 2018 award winners. Kay DeMoss reports.
Read Communicator of the Year story
Read Hall of Fame story
Read list of all winners
World Council of Churches
Mission conference issues 'Call to Discipleship'
ARUSHA, Tanzania — On the closing day of the World Council of Churches Conference on World Mission and Evangelism, participants — including a delegation of United Methodists — issued a “Call to Discipleship.” Thomas Kemper, top executive, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, took part in a discussion on “Mission from the Margins,” moderated by retired United Methodist Bishop Mary Ann Swenson.
Read story
Mission from the Margins
Watch press conference with Thomas Kemper
More stories from the conference
PRESS RELEASE
Way Forward Commission meets to prepare final report
WASHINGTON — The 32-member Commission on a Way Forward will meet in Los Angeles March 19-22 to prepare a final report to be submitted to the Council of the Bishops for consideration by the bishops at their April 20-May 4 meeting.
Read press release
RECENT HEADLINES
Ministering to 3 churches brings challenges, joys
Church in Honduras has planted four other churches
EVENTS
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Friday, March 23-Sunday, March 25
Intersections: Faith, church and the academy
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.