“Unity is a gift from God, but it’s also something you have to work for.” — Florida Area Bishop Kenneth H. Carter Jr., the new Council of Bishops president.
Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS
NEWS AND FEATURES
Bishops propose plan for Way Forward
CHICAGO (UMNS) — To find a way forward on The United Methodist Church’s homosexuality debate, bishops are recommending the church allow more freedom at the conference and local church levels. But the Council of Bishops is submitting three plans to General Conference. Heather Hahn has the story.
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United Methodist radio operators focus on ethics
LUANDA, Angola (UMNS) — “Amplify the gospel and not strife through radio and social media,” Bishop Gaspar João Domingos told the United Methodist Radio Network during its fourth annual meeting here. The gathering featured a mix of participants from countries with radio stations and those still hoping to start one. Taurai Emmanuel Maforo reports.
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Related story: Liberian radio station crosses religious divide
Tennessee Conference
Video about Congo rape work wins international award
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — “A Plea to My Father,” produced to amplify efforts of The United Methodist Church in East Congo to fight the stigma of rape, has won a Silver Remi at the WorldFest International Independent Film Festival. The video animation is available in nine languages and has been broadcast on television in East Congo — reaching at least half a million viewers.
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View video
Read UMNS story on Congo survivors center
Read more about Congo Women Arise
PRESS RELEASES
Emory University
Emory acquires Society of Biblical Literature archives
ATLANTA — Pitts Theology Library at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology has acquired the archives of the Society of Biblical Literature, the oldest and largest society devoted to the critical investigation of the Bible. The acquisition establishes Pitts as the society’s official institutional repository and positions the library as a center for research on the development of the field of biblical studies.
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Heartspring Methodist Foundation
Texas foundations plan to unite
HOUSTON — Heartspring Methodist Foundation and the Texas Methodist Foundation have announced plans to combine. Though the respective boards have voted for the move, it still needs to be approved by the 2018 Texas Conference.
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COMMENTARIES
Asbury Park Press
Bishop Schol calls for end to segregated schools
NEPTUNE, N.J. — In a commentary for The Asbury Park Press, Greater New Jersey Area Bishop John Schol writes that segregation disadvantages children of all races. “Although New Jersey boasts some of the best schools in the country academically, we rank in the top five most segregated school systems,” Schol wrote. “We need to end racial segregation within our schools and provide an integrated learning environment for all students.”
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RECENT HEADLINES
British Methodism: Staying relevant in Wesley's homeland
The 50th anniversary of The United Methodist Church
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.
Monday, May 7-Friday, May 11
Online workshop: Writing or revising your church Safe Sanctuaries policy
Monday, May 7-Tuesday, May 22
Online class: Loss and the mourning after — grief care
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