Daily Digest - September 25, 2020

NEWS AND FEATURES

Data provides snapshot of Korean United Methodists

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — A retired pastor has spent the past 10 years compiling data on the Korean United Methodist community. His research shows that Korean clergy are younger on average than previously thought and reveals a significant gender gap in appointments to Korean churches. The Rev. Thomas Kim reports. 
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Kentucky Conference 
Prayer in the midst of sorrow

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Elizabeth Gibbs and her mother, Betsy, knew where they needed to go for spiritual solace after protests erupted in Louisville: a prayer vigil at their church, Christ Church United Methodist. Protests broke out in the city after a grand jury’s decision not to indict three police officers in the shooting death of Breonna Taylor. One officer was indicted for putting the lives of her neighbors at risk. Alan Wild reports.
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Commentary: Moving forward from here

Sheltering in Love grant alleviates hunger 
KARIM LAMIDO, Nigeria (UM News) — More than 350 elderly and other vulnerable people in the Nigeria Episcopal Area won’t go to bed hungry thanks to food relief distributed by United Methodists. The church in Nigeria received a Sheltering in Love grant from the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s COVID-19 Response Fund. Richard Fidelis has the story.
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National Justice for Our Neighbors
New legal clinic to assist factory, farm workers

SOMERSET, Ky. — To open a Justice for Our Neighbors site during a pandemic presents all sorts of obstacles. But with space provided by Somerset First United Methodist Church, the United Methodist ministry now operates a legal clinic for immigrants who make their home in eastern Kentucky, most of whom work on area farms and local factories. National Justice for Our Neighbors has the story.
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Texas Conference
Black pastor, white church, diverse future

KLEIN, Texas — Leading a predominantly white church as a Black pastor comes with challenges and opportunities. The Rev. Lawrence Young and Klein United Methodist Church are working together for a more inclusive future. Lindsay Peyton reports.
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PRESS RELEASES

Church and Society
Petition calls for action from ICE

WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society is sponsoring a petition calling on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to release Binsar Siahaan, an undocumented Indonesian immigrant who is a member and caretaker of Glenmont United Methodist in Silver Spring, Maryland. Siahaan was arrested on church property.
See petition
Read Baltimore-Washington Conference story


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 the UM News staff.

United Methodist Communications
Celebrating Hispanic heritage amid everything

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Established in 1988 and running from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of Hispanic history and culture in the U.S. although observances are more subdued this year because of COVID-19, Michelle Maldonado of United Methodist Communications encourages others to continue to celebrate the many accomplishments Hispanics have made in recent years. 
Read commentary
Hispanic Heritage Month outreach resources


RECENT HEADLINES

Young elder numbers near historic low



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