"I find it troubling and disturbing that one of our pastors would find this symbol offensive." - Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. of the Oklahoma Episcopal Area. Bishop, others fault pastor in license plate suitNASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - A United Methodist pastor can go forward with his lawsuit claiming that his religious liberty is violated by an Oklahoma license plate showing a Native American shooting an arrow into the sky. But his bishop and some other church leaders say his effort is misguided and could harm relations with Native Americans. Supporting women's rights through faithATLANTA (UMNS) - Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter called the abuse of women the "most pervasive and unaddressed human rights violation in the whole world" and contrary to the basic premise of every religion during a June 27-29 forum at the Carter Center. Seventy religious leaders, activists, and religious scholars participated in the event, including World Council of Churches representatives. British Methodists to study position on marriageLONDON (UMNS) - The British Methodist Conference voted July 8 to appoint a working group to consider whether the church's position on marriage needs revising in light of changes in society. The 2013 conference is at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster from July 4-11. Investment ethics task force develops purpose statementGLENVIEW, Ill. (UMNS) - The Human Rights and Investment Task Force, chaired by Bishop Ken Carter Jr. of the Florida Annual (regional) Conference, has developed a purpose statement for its work. The 13-member panel, including representatives from various United Methodist agencies, also has begun to look at case studies where human rights are potentially affected by investment decisions. Elder accused of being 'practicing' lesbianNEW YORK (UMNS) - A second New York Annual (regional) Conference clergy member faces a complaint under the denomination's stance on homosexuality. The Rev. Sara Thompson Tweedy, a United Methodist ordained elder, is facing a formal complaint that she is a "self-avowed practicing homosexual," a chargeable offense under church law. Volunteers big part of Oklahoma recovery effortLAWTON, Okla. (UMNS) - Three southwest Oklahoma churches are part of a recovery effort for Moore, Okla., that has provided 9,800 hours of volunteer work through the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Officials say the area still has far to go in recovering from catastrophic tornado damage. Response team at work in Pennsylvania floodsDUBOIS, Pa. (UMNS) - DuBois First United Methodist Church is headquarters for UMCOR volunteers helping with relief efforts after June 27 flooding badly damaged homes and businesses in DuBois, Pa. The Western Pennsylvania Annual (regional) Conference Disaster Response team also has been on the scene, the Courier Express reports. Church offers summer program for special needs kidsCHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (UMNS) - Brainerd United Methodist Church is offering a new program for special needs kids, aimed at helping the youth bridge the learning gap that often occurs during summer. The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports.
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