“The purpose of this special session of the General Conference shall be limited to receiving and acting upon a report from the Council of Bishops based on the recommendation of the Commission on a Way Forward.” — Rationale or “call” that will be up for interpretation by the Judicial Council.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Deciding the scope of petitions for GC2019
EVANSTON, Ill. (UMNS) — The briefs are in and a 90-minute, livestreamed oral argument is set for a high-stakes meeting of the Judicial Council next week. At issue is what petitions may be considered during the special session of the General Conference, called to help the church stay unified despite deep division over homosexuality. Sam Hodges previews the arguments.
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Florida United Methodists help Puerto Rican refugees
KISSIMMEE, Florida (UMNS) — United Methodists, in collaboration with the United Methodist Committee on Relief and the Community Hope Center, have helped more than 600 Puerto Rican families who arrived in the Orlando area after hurricanes Irma and Maria. The Rev. Gustavo Vasquez has the story.
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Florida Conference
In hurricane’s wake, campus ministries grow
LAKELAND, Fla. — United Methodist campus ministries across the Florida Conference overcame the impact of Hurricane Irma to complete a school year filled with accomplishments and community building. John Kazaklis reports on some of the highlights.
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Oklahoma Conference
Advice for church poverty ministries
MOORE, Okla. — Language itself can create a barrier to reaching people who seem trapped in poverty, says Ruby Payne, the author of “What Every Church Member Should Know About Poverty.” Chris Schutz reports on Payne’s advice for church action.
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Training transforms lives in Congo
KINDU, Congo (UMNS) — In a new endeavor at Kindu Methodist University, the wives of theology students are learning trades to help support their families. The women can choose from a variety of courses, including culinary science, sewing, hygiene, literacy, religion and languages. Judith Osongo Yanga has the story.
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Photo by Judith Osongo Yanga
PRESS RELEASES
Council of Bishops
Way Forward panel holds final meeting
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The 32-member Commission on a Way Forward for The United Methodist Church concluded its ninth and final meeting on May 16. Bishops are still finalizing their report based on the commission’s work.
Read press release
RECENT HEADLINES
Paying for the special General Conference
African partnership spurs ideas, understanding
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.
Sunday, May 27
Monday, June 4-Monday, June 18
Online lay servant workshop: Leading public prayer
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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