“I continue to be absolutely convinced that for the vast majority of United Methodists, differences of opinion about human sexuality do not rise to the level of church-defining essentials.” — The Rev. Thomas E. Frank, author of “Polity, Practice, and the Mission of The United Methodist Church.”
Ruling on a gay bishop could be far-reaching
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Judicial Council ruled that a same-gender marriage license creates a presumption of homosexual practice. That’s a big deal, church legal analysts say. Heather Hahn reports.
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Faculty dispute at Duke Divinity
DURHAM, N.C. — Duke Divinity School, a United Methodist seminary, is facing internal turmoil over one professor’s call for diversity training and a colleague’s response that such training is a “waste.” The dispute has escalated and now includes the dean, as Inside Higher Ed reports.
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Changing the world, one diaper at a time
PLAIN CITY, Ohio — Kayla Smith celebrated her 10th birthday by asking for diapers and wipes. She’s doing the same again for her birthday this year. The gifts go to Diaper Angels, a ministry of her congregation, Jerome United Methodist Church. The West Ohio Conference has the story.
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Clergy gather for first financial literacy summit
GLENVIEW, Ill. — United Methodists came together for the denomination’s first Clergy Financial Literacy Summit. Wespath Benefits and Investments, the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the National Association of United Methodist Foundations organized the event, with support from a Lilly Endowment grant.
Read Wespath press release
Finance agency welcomes credit-union association
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration, the denomination’s finance agency, announced that the United Methodist Credit Union Association is now a vetted sponsor. The finance agency vets potential sponsors, which also must adhere to the denomination’s Social Principles.
Read press release
Barratt's Chapel: Methodist 'Independence Hall'
FREDERICA, Del. (UMC.org) – Barratt’s Chapel is the oldest Methodist church building in the United States still in use as a place of worship. As Heritage Sunday approaches, tour the site where “the first truly American-born denomination” came together.
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LOOKING AHEAD
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.
Saturday, May 13
Red Bird Missionary Annual Conference — 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Eastern, Thousandsticks (Kentucky) United Methodist Church, 95 Red Bird Road. Bishop Leonard Fairley will be presiding. Details
See more United Methodist events
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