Friday Digest | Sep 13, 2024 |
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 | “The intent is to gather a group of leaders from across the denomination for the purpose of visioning and imagining the next expression of the church.” — Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone on the purpose of the leadership gathering planned for 2026. | |
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| Bishop Tracy S. Malone addresses the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., after taking over as president of the denomination’s Council of Bishops from outgoing council president Bishop Thomas Bickerton (rear). Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News. | |
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| Bishops plan for different kind of gathering | | NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Instead of a special session of General Conference, United Methodist bishops are calling for a leadership gathering in 2026. The bishops’ announcement immediately prompted questions from around the connection. Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone talked to United Methodist News about what is known so far about the event. Heather Hahn reports. | | | | |
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| Mozambique conferences launch online giving | | MAPUTO, Mozambique (UM News) — United Methodists can now support local programs and economic sustainability in the Mozambique Episcopal Area through a new online giving platform. Six projects spread throughout the country are already receiving donations, including initiatives focused on community health, clergy salaries, evangelism and scholarships for vulnerable children. The Rev. João Sambo has the story.
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| Louisiana Conference
Mobilizing relief efforts after Francine | | BATON ROUGE, La. — Hurricane Francine made its presence felt across several United Methodist congregations in south Louisiana, though reports suggest the overall damage to churches may not be as severe as initially feared. In the wake of Francine, the United Methodist Church’s Early Response Teams are preparing to deploy to the affected areas. The Rev. Todd Rossnagel reports.
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| Desert Southwest Conference
Church leaders pray for peace in US elections | | SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut, who oversees the Desert Southwest and New Mexico conferences, led faith leaders from various denominations gathered at the Franciscan Renewal Center in prayers for peace during the U.S. election season. “I believe we as Christian disciples are called to offer a different way of being during this time, and that is the way of peace,” he preached. Christina Dillabough reports.
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| The United Methodist Church of Nigeria
Bishop voices hope for Nigeria church | | JALINGO, Nigeria — United Methodists in Nigeria are enduring despite challenges, with more than 70% of clergy, laity and congregations remaining in the church following the departure of key leaders, according to Bishop John Schol. In a letter to church members, Schol said conversations have begun to reunite with the Southern Conference, which has been operating on its own due to conflict with the area’s former bishop. Schol, who leads a transitional team for the church in Nigeria, said the denomination is responding to a food shortage and taking other actions, while also experiencing conflict with a new Methodist denomination. | | | | |
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| Global Ministries
UMCOR executive director named | | ATLANTA — Jim Cox, a former staff member of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, will return to the United Methodist organization that helps with disaster recovery around the world. Cox, who leaves a position as chief operating officer at Helen Keller International, a global public health organization, begins work as executive director of UMCOR on Oct. 7. Previously at UMCOR, Cox worked as country director in the Republic of Georgia, executive director for international programs and executive director for Katrina Aid Today, the relief organization’s Hurricane Katrina response. | | | | |
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| 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. | |
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| Advancing a theology of reparations | | HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Reparations is a controversial topic that has not gained a significant footing in many faith communities, says the Rev. Larry Pickens, executive director of the Pennsylvania Council of Churches. He recently participated in a forum on the topic held in Zimbabwe. “The Black experience is grounded in the pain of racism, and reparative justice offers a means to address that trauma and transform relationships,” he writes. | | | | |
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| World Council of Churches
Week of prayer seeks peace in Holy Land | | GENEVA — Through prayers and images on social media cards, the World Council of Churches is inviting all people of good will to express their support for the 2024 World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel, to be observed Sept.16-22 this year. | | | | |
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| Finance and Administration
Webinar looks at year-end giving | | NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As churches begin preparing for year-end giving, the General Council on Finance and Administration and partner Ministry Brands have scheduled a webinar on how church operations can boost giving. The webinar is set for 1 p.m. U.S. Central time Sept. 18. | | | | |
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| | | | Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, you can add it to the calendar by clicking here. |
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Gammon builds on legacy as it looks forward | ATLANTA (UM News) — The Rev. Candace M. Lewis, president of Gammon Theological Seminary, plans to wear out her trademark Converse Chuck Taylor high-top sneakers making friends and attracting donations as the only historically Black seminary in The United Methodist Church seeks to reinvigorate itself. Going forward, Gammon will conduct classes online with students visiting campus for an intensive week each semester. Jim Patterson has the story. | | |
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African bishops commit to church unity | MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — During the Africa Colleges of Bishops meeting, episcopal leaders from the African continent pledged their support for worldwide regionalization and expressed a commitment to stay in the United Methodist connection. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
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Church on front line against mpox in Africa | TUNDA, Congo (UM News) — As Africa faces a resurgence of mpox, The United Methodist Church is playing an active role in the fight against the disease, particularly in Congo. United Methodist clergy and health workers have been busy educating their communities about symptoms, modes of transmission and the importance of prompt medical care. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports. | | |
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Church and Society
UM Building offered 'ministry of hospitality' on 9/11
| WASHINGTON — As it honors the 100th anniversary of the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill, the United Methodist Board of Church and Society has been highlighting significant days in the building’s history. On Sept. 11, 2001, when federal buildings were evacuated after the 9/11 attacks, Church and Society staff remained for prayer and invited Capitol police officers into the United Methodist Building to gather and call their loved ones. | |
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