"Black churches can lead the way as we become both adaptive and innovative in our pursuit of effective ministry." — The Rev. Rodney Thomas Smothers, who participated in a survey focused on the pandemic's impact on Black United Methodist churches and leaders.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Research shows Black churches' resilience
ATLANTA (UM News) — In June, Gammon Theological Seminary joined with five United Methodist organizations, seeking to hear the voices of Black pastors and leaders who have faithfully led and served God's people amid the unprecedented COVID-19 global health pandemic. Barbara Dunlap-Berg reports on what the research found.
Read story
Greater New Jersey, New York conferences
Reckoning with Ida's destruction in Northeast
MULLICA HILL, N.J. — After the remnants of Ida brought tornadoes, flooding and death to the U.S. Northeast, United Methodists are bringing solace and aid. Heather Mistretta writes about how United Methodists are responding in New Jersey. New York Conference Bishop Thomas Bickerton calls for prayer and generosity following so many disasters around the globe.
Read Greater New Jersey story
Read Bishop Bickerton's statement
Houma Today
Church holds first service after Ida
HOUMA, La. — The familiar refrain of the beloved hymn "Blessed Assurance" rang out as First United Methodist Church held its first service since Hurricane Ida spread its devastation across southeastern Louisiana. About 25 people attended the service outside. The church is also a distribution point for residents to get supplies. Kezia Setyawan has the story.
Read story and watch video
North Georgia Conference
Complaints against bishop dismissed
ATLANTA — The Southeastern Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy and College of Bishops have dismissed complaints against North Georgia Conference Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson filed by Mt. Bethel Church's executive committee. The complaints stem from church leaders' objections to how the bishop handled the transfer of its pastor to a new appointment. The jurisdictional leaders concluded Haupert-Johnson acted in compliance with church law.
Read statement
UM News: Megachurch seeks exit over appointment strife
World Methodist Council, Council of Bishops
Bishop Yambasu, Estonian pastor honored
WAYNESVILLE, N.C. — The World Methodist Council has given its highest honor to two United Methodists. The late Bishop John K. Yambasu received the 2020 Peace Award for being a peacemaker in his home country of Sierra Leone and the global United Methodist Church. The Rev. Olav Pärnamets of Estonia received the 2021 award for his steadfastness in faith despite government suppression of religious activity during the Cold War.
Read World Methodist Council story
Read Council of Bishops press release
Western North Carolina Conference
Responding to floods in North Carolina
HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. — Floods resulting from Tropical Storm Fred took at least six lives in North Carolina. Cruso United Methodist Church became a base of operations for first responders, and the Western North Carolina disaster response team brought flood buckets, personal protective equipment and a shower trailer.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
World Methodist Council
Ecumenical conference postponed from 2022
WAYNESVILLE, N.C. — Because of COVID-19's continuing menace, organizers have decided to postpone for a second time the 22nd conference of the World Methodist Council. The global Wesleyan gathering previously was scheduled for August 2022 in Gothenburg, Sweden. New dates are to be determined. The United Methodist General Conference still is scheduled for Aug. 29-Sept. 6, 2022, in Minneapolis.
Read press release
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.
Texas abortion law threatens ministry
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (UM News) — Early in his ministry, the Rev. William B. Lawrence served as a counselor to pregnant women considering their options, which sometimes meant providing information about abortion services for women who chose that option. Under a new Texas law, he writes, such a pastoral role could lead to lawsuits.
Read commentary
RECENT HEADLINES
United Methodists pitch in with Afghan resettlement
COVID-19 vaccination named missional priority
EVENTS
Sunday, Oct. 3
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