Daily Digest - September 20 2023

“I raised concerns (about) the appearance of nepotism that the hiring could have, that it could bring a cloud, that it could affect the ministry of the episcopal office and the conference itself.”The Rev. Jorge Domingues, California-Nevada Conference executive director of connectional ministries and a complainant in the church trial of United Methodist Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño, testifying on the hiring of the bishop’s daughter in 2021 as an administrative assistant in the conference.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Witnesses testify in bishop’s trial

GLENVIEW, Ill. (UM News) — The church trial of United Methodist Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño continued with witnesses testifying on how they think she violated church law. In their testimony on the afternoon of Sept. 19 and into Sept. 20, the witnesses — who had all served in the California-Nevada Conference —  accused Carcaño of repeatedly overstepping a bishop’s authority and then taking retaliatory measures against her critics. Heather Hahn reports.
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UM News: Trial of United Methodist bishop gets underway

United Methodist Communications 
Creation care on a Hawaii beach 

KAILUA BEACH, Hawaii — Members of Kailua United Methodist Church are committed to creation care, in big and small ways, as they live out their faith. The congregation regularly participates in community projects aimed at preserving sacred Hawaiian natural areas and hosts a monthly beach cleanup that offers a special time for fellowship. In a video for United Methodist Communications, Lilla Marigza shares the church’s story.
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Status and Role of Women
Pastor works through tragedy

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Pastor Christina Lee’s parents were tortured to death by the Khmer Rouge Regime in Cambodia, yet she is spending her life as “a beacon of unwavering faith and resilience.” Through her leadership, Dr. Lee is cultivating a community of faith at Long Beach Cambodian American United Methodist Church, where everybody has a home. Aileen Delgado has the story.
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Rock River Current
Church opens community center

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Brooke Road United Methodist Church invited its community to use vacant Sunday school space, which eventually led to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Brooke Road Community Center. Tenants include Zumba classes, Girl Scouts and a free food pantry. Still to come are a homework club, computer lab and art therapy classes. Kevin Haas reports.
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PRESS RELEASES

World Methodist Council
Council calls for migrant assistance

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. — The World Methodist Council released recommendations to better serve migrants after a meeting in the Philippines. The Second Consultation on Migration met Sept. 4-7 in Manila. Among the recommendations were acknowledging the right of people to migrate freely and urging Methodists to stand in solidarity with migrants. 
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COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff. 

Black Clergywomen meet for fellowship, empowerment
SEVERNA PARK, Md. (UM News) — The Black Clergywomen of The United Methodist Church caucus gathered in Washington this summer for its national meeting. One of the areas of focus emphasized self-care and encouraging clergywomen that they didn’t need to be “superwomen.” The Rev. Dr. Tori Butler offers a reflection of the event.
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RECENT HEADLINES

African bishops tackle regionalization


Documentary focuses on reviving the Sabbath


EVENTS

Wednesday, Sept. 27-Friday, Sept. 29

Leadership Institute 2023

Sunday, Oct. 1
World Communion Sunday


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