“It is not a myth, third-grade reading test scores are used to determine how many beds to buy for prisons.” — Jamila Thomas, Dallas Independent School District
NEWS AND FEATURES
Summit focuses on dismantling mass incarceration
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodists and other faith leaders gathered from 20 states to hear experts talk about dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline and reducing mass incarceration of people of color. Kathy L. Gilbert reports on the 2018 National Prison Summit.
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Video series helps guide talk among those who disagree
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — A new video series from the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race offers a study program for talking about race, the church and human sexuality among people who disagree. The program features short videos of theologians, pastors, worship and lay leaders, biblical scholars and community activists — many of them people of color. Mary Jacobs has the story.
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South Carolina Conference
S.C. church seeks withdrawal from denomination
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — One of the largest United Methodist churches in South Carolina has asked to leave the denomination. The administrative council of Christ United Methodist Church wrote Bishop Jonathan Holston and its district superintendent requesting the church be allowed to peacefully exit the denomination and become independent, said the Rev. Jeff Dunn, senior pastor. Jessica Brodie has the story.
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Previous UMNS story: Letter urges GC2019 to prioritize exit plan
Religion News Service
Clergy interrupt speech by Sessions
BOSTON (RNS) — A United Methodist clergyman was one of two ministers who interrupted a speech on religious liberty by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The Rev. Will Green of Ballard Vale United Methodist Church in Andover, Massachusetts, began reciting Scripture moments into the speech. Green and a Baptist minister called on Sessions to repent for his role in enforcing Trump administration policy.
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Young visitor makes impact on Zimbabwe students
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — Seeing a 10-year-old American girl giving an orphaned toddler a piggyback ride at the United Methodist Fairfield Children’s Home moved many to tears. Eveline Chikwanah reports on what Mikayla Jaissle learned in her days at the Old Mutare Mission’s orphanage and primary school.
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PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist Publishing House
Board looks at boosting churches, conferences
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Publishing House board affirmed initiatives to build up the capacity and effectiveness of congregations and annual conferences during its Oct. 23-24 meeting. The board also marked the 13th year in a row that revenues topped $50 million.
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RECENT HEADLINES
United Methodists speak out in wake of synagogue shooting
Court ruling propels GC2019 strategizing
EVENTS
Tuesday, Nov. 6
Retirement readiness seminar
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