NEWS AND FEATURES
Task force to investigate GC2019 voting
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — General Conference organizers have appointed a task force to investigate possible improper voting at the recently completed special session of The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking body. Heather Hahn and Vicki Brown report.
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Denials, charges fly in GC2019 voting credentials review
New York, New Jersey conferences confer on GC2019
HARRISON, N.Y. (UMNS) — The New York and Greater New Jersey conferences each had a special called meeting March 16, the first regional bodies to do so after actions by the 2019 General Conference. Delegates in St. Louis voted to strengthen The United Methodist Church’s bans on same-sex weddings and LGBTQ clergy. Linda Bloom and Sam Hodges report.
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National Council of Churches
NCC calls for global effort to combat racist violence
WASHINGTON — In the wake of the mass shootings at two mosques in New Zealand, the National Council of Churches issued a statement calling for a worldwide effort to combat racist violence. “The events in Christchurch are part of a pattern of racist and anti-immigrant shootings at mosques, synagogues, churches and other houses of worship. We remain faithful to interfaith dialogue and to solidarity with our Muslim sisters and brothers,” the statement reads.
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Iowa Conference
Church connection responds to Iowa floods
DES MOINES, Iowa — In the aftermath of winter snows, rising temperatures, and recent heavy rains, significant parts of Iowa are inundated by flood waters. In the aftermath, Iowa Conference disaster response coordinator the Rev. Catie Newman shared information both for those in need of cleanup buckets and for individuals and churches wanting to help in the recovery effort. Above all, she said, “pray, pray, pray.” The Iowa Conference reports.
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Dakotas-Minnesota Area
Team prepares to host 2020 General Conference
ST. LOUIS — At least one group at the special 2019 General Conference was looking ahead to The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking assembly in 2020 in Minneapolis. Members of the Dakotas-Minnesota Area’s 2020 Host Team attended the assembly to work, volunteer, observe and learn for their work hosting the upcoming gathering. Christa Meland has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Higher Education and Ministry
Bergquist named acting top executive
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The board of directors for the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry announced plans to appoint the Rev. Greg Bergquist as the agency’s acting top executive. Bergquist will take charge following the retirement of the Rev. Kim Cape, who recently shared her intention to retire in June as head of the agency. Bergquist currently leads the agency’s Division of Ordained Ministry.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Test your knowledge of women’s history
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — Test your knowledge about some of the notable moments and female pioneers in the United States and The United Methodist Church.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Turning to God in the middle of a disaster
List of GC2019 petitions under court review
EVENTS
Monday, March 25-Friday, March 29
Online five-day workshop on Safe Sanctuary policy
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