“In a church trial, we are guided not by federal and state laws, but by the church law of The United Methodist Church.” — Bishop Alfred W. Gwinn, presiding officer in the jurisdictional trial of Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Trial of United Methodist bishop gets underway
GLENVIEW, Ill. (UM News) — For the first time in nearly 100 years, charges against one of The United Methodist Church’s bishops have gone to trial. Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño faces four charges of violating church law. Carcaño pleaded not guilty to all four charges, which stem from complaints filed by members of the California-Nevada Conference. Heather Hahn reports.
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African bishops tackle regionalization
LUBUMBASHI, Congo (UM News) — Conversations on regionalization, possible new episcopal areas and the Christian definition of marriage dominated the United Methodist Africa Colleges of Bishops learning retreat, held Sept. 2-7 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. After the meeting, most African bishops signed a statement affirming their intention to stay in The United Methodist Church. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
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North Carolina Conference
Court dismisses suit against conference
WILMINGTON, N.C. — A Superior Court judge dismissed a lawsuit filed against the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church by former members of Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church over the closure of the church. “We are incredibly pleased with the judge’s ruling,” Bishop Connie Shelton said. “We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated legal team and all those who have shown grace, discernment and support throughout this process.” The former members of Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church have appealed the ruling.
Read conference statement
Read motion to dismiss
Dakotas Conference
Duffel bag ministry helps foster children
MONTROSE, S.D. — A child who arrived at a foster home with a garbage bag containing their belongings inspired a new ministry at Montrose United Methodist Church. Over the past two years, the church has given away more than 150 duffel bags to children who move often. Doreen Gosmire has the story.
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Michigan Conference
Volunteer blitz planned for Detroit
LANSING, Mich. — Church members and congregations are being asked to join in a “volunteer blitz” Oct. 1-7 to help people in the Detroit area recover from historic flooding in 2021. More than $50 million in damages to homes and businesses is still being addressed. No construction skills are required — just work clothes, shoes and gloves. Everything else will be provided by After the Storm, an affiliated nonprofit of the conference. James Deaton reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
Global Ministries
Annual report posted
ATLANTA — The 2022 joint annual report for United Methodist Global Ministries and the United Methodist Committee on Relief is posted. The report shares the impact of United Methodist mission in the areas of missionaries; evangelism and church revitalization; global health; and humanitarian relief and recovery.
Read press release
Read report
RESOURCES
United Women of Faith
Retreat resource available
NEW YORK — A manual about hosting a United Women in Faith “Soul Care Retreat” contains instructions for creating a budget and other aspects of crafting a fulfilling retreat. The manual can be downloaded for $24.99.
Learn more and order
RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Thursday, Sept. 21
United Women in Faith podcast: Faith Talks on Hispanic Heritage Month
Friday, Sept. 29-Saturday, Sept. 30
RESILIENCE: Practicing Compassion in a World of Conflict
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