"It would have taken me months, probably years, to get to some of the issues without that intentional focus on where we are as an annual conference." — Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson on training for new bishops.
On-boarding boosts new bishops
ATLANTA (UMNS) — New and newly assigned bishops of the Southeastern Jurisdiction say they’ve gotten a faster start in their jobs thanks to on-boarding. Claire Bowen, a United Methodist and corporate consultant, provided the training, which seeks to provide early, candid dialogue between leaders and their staffs. Sam Hodges reports.
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Liberian United Methodists hold prayer revivals
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) — In response to a pastoral letter issued by interim Bishop Arthur F. Kulah, the Liberia Annual Conference has launched a series of prayer revivals intended to return The United Methodist Church in Liberia to its Wesleyan roots. The call for prayer comes as the church prepares to transition to new leadership. Julu Swen reports.
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Commentary: Wesley opposed strict orthodoxy
COTTONWOOD, Ariz. (UMNS) — In the ongoing debate about homosexuality in The United Methodist Church, one of the main arguments is about the importance of adhering to The Book of Discipline and church law. The Rev. Edwin Womack, a retired United Methodist pastor, has a different take: Founder John Wesley opposed such rigidity and preached that God’s grace is available to all.
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Failure to love doesn't explain schism prospect
BILLINGS, Mont. (UMNS) — Rick Stiles, a lifelong United Methodist, doesn’t believe a failure to love is the reason The United Methodist Church faces the prospect of schism. Stiles writes in response to a recent blog post by retired Bishop Kenneth Carder.
Read Stiles’ commentary
Read Carder’s commentary
Subscribe to get United Methodist news in French
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The French Desk of United Methodist Communications has announced “La Porte,” a new monthly e-newsletter for Francophone United Methodists and others interested in getting news about the church in French. “La Porte,” which means “the gateway,” will provide useful information and resources about the faith journey of the church.
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Read more United Methodist news in French
Plans underway for young people's gathering
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — A planning team is being assembled for the 2018 Global Young People’s Convocation, which brings together the voices and ideas of United Methodist young people from around the world every four years. The convocation is scheduled for July 18-22, 2018, at the Indaba Hotel and Conference Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Read press release
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Sunday, Nov. 6
Return to Daylight Standard Time — In most of the United States, people will need to make sure their clocks fall back an hour to make it to church on time. Details
Wednesday, Nov. 9
Webinar "Theological Education Between the Times" — Noon EST. Ted A. Smith, associate professor of preaching and ethics at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, will discuss his research. Free but registration required. Details
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