UMC Featured News & Stories

United Methodist delegates receive message of hope
In the Episcopal Address, Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher says the world is hungering for "the bread of life." Young people call United Methodists to action now
General Conference hears a challenge to be bold and to have confidence in the church's young people. Young people work as team to deliver address
Six strangers became friends as they worked to deliver the first ever Young People’s Address. Church can be key to fighting AIDS, speakers say
United Methodists must "pray and pay" to solve the global AIDS/HIV crisis. Council accepts resignation of Bishop Edward Paup
Bishop Edward W. Paup says he will leave his episcopal position to lead the church’s mission agency. Daily wrap-up: United Methodists begin legislative marathon with worship
Nearly 1,000 delegates from United Methodist churches around the world begin General Conference. Three Texas conferences ‘net’ support for ‘Nets’
Nothing But Nets gets a fundraising boost through a bike ride and basketball tournament Bishops elect Goodpaster as president-designate
Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster has been unanimously elected to lead the Council of Bishops in 2010. Agency withdraws petition on Caterpillar divestment
The action follows Caterpillar’s steps to address concerns regarding the use of its equipment in the Mideast. Malaria Filling a Deep Need

“Nothing is sufficient,” says Henrietta Emmanuel who heads up Kissy United Methodist Hospital’s malaria program.

Healing Youth: Wounded by Colombia's War

A feature story from the December issue of Response on the affects of war on Colombia's youth.

Commentary: Developing a new hymnal in harmony
What might a new United Methodist hymnal look like in the United States? Delegates prepare, pack for General Conference
Nearly 1,000 United Methodist delegates from around the world converge April 23 on the Fort Worth Convention Center in Texas. United Methodist project develops clergywomen
A new project aims to support clergywomen who lead churches with more than 1,000 members and help others to follow their paths. 'Second Chance Act' signed

On April 9, I was fortunate to be among about 50 people invited to the White House to witness the signing of the “2nd Chance Act” that will provide necessary programs to former prison inmates in the areas of housing, employment, mental health and substance abuse treatment.

General Conference to include emphasis on health
During 10 consecutive days of meetings, delegates will be able to take daily fitness walks and visit a Health and Wholeness booth. Oregon pact models Methodist, Lutheran communion
Two churches sharing space and missions embody the spirit of the proposed United Methodist/Evangelical Lutheran communion. Shifting paradigm: Global church hears Africa’s voice
United Methodists contemplate what being a global church means as membership and leadership numbers grow beyond the U.S. Texas church builds on eco-friendly foundation
At The Rock United Methodist Church near Austin, people are not only interested in saving souls, but nurturing God’s green earth. Africa University to blanket continent against malaria
The university is partnering with a U.S. manufacturer to distribute blankets that ward off disease-carrying mosquitoes and pests. Cookie bakers fire up ovens for General Conference
A longstanding tradition, cookies in all sizes and varieties are being concocted for delivery to the Fort Worth Convention Center. Distance learning center launched in Mozambique
Hailing a new era for higher education in Africa, supporters dedicate a distance learning center as a satellite campus of Africa University. Korean-American caucus challenged to grow church
The new president of the United Methodist Korean-American caucus calls for 500 new Korean-American churches in five years. United Methodist communicators get RCC awards
Recognition goes to more than a dozen United Methodist entries among 330 submitted for the contest. Commentary: Avoiding issue is not true peace
Steven E. Webster says General Conference should continue to address difficult issue, rather than declare impasse. Commentary: It’s time for a new set of priorities
The United Methodist Church has an opportunity for a new beginning, writes the Rev. Tom Berlin. Douglas Cannon elected as RCC president
The Religion Communicators Council also hears speakers address issues of faith and politics. Chaplain: ‘Find ways to be a redemptive voice’
Fresh from a tour of duty in Iraq, the Rev. Clark D. Carr urges the church to be a redemptive force amidst war. Estonian pastors’ widows receive no church pension
The church’s support for Liis Oengo and Erna Kunstimees stopped when their husbands died. Laas Helde: ‘It’s just enough’
Jail time and court fines couldn’t dim the Rev. Laas Helde’s passion for ministry. Peeter Piirisild: Church pension eases life
Though long retired, the Rev. Peeter Piirisild continues to lead worship and prayer services. Retirement presents challenge for Estonian pastors
Ilmar Looris helped the church stay alive in the communist era but now gets by on little pension. Commentary: An invitation to evangelical white males
Jesus extends a “glorious invitation” to white males who are struggling with changing cultures in today’s world, writes Bill Mefford. Gulfside trees transformed into Lord’s table
Despite devastation by Hurricane Katrina, Gulfside Assembly will have a central presence at General Conference. Report urges stronger ties with Latin America
A study group will present its recommendations to the 2008 General Conference this month. United Methodist video examines ‘white privilege’
The DVD, which will be used at General Conference, aims to help white people understand a truth that may be invisible to them. Early Response Teams Secure Homes After Tornadoes in South Carolina and Georgia

Tarps and chain saws were the tools of Early Response Teams (ERTs) after severe storms on March 15.

Katrina Aid Today Transfers Activity To Local Organizations
The national case management consortium, Katrina Aid Today, led by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), completed its grant-funded activity on March 31. Bishop Park to greet Pope Benedict in New York
When Pope Benedict XVI visits New York on April 18, a United Methodist bishop will be among those welcoming him. Filipino mother seeks justice for missing son
Edith Burgos speaks out for her missing son in the Philippines and for other Filipinos whose humans rights are being violated. Online game delivers virtual nets, saves real lives
Throughout April, visitors to the Nothing But Nets Web site can raise money just by playing an interactive game. Ruth's Place provides sanctuary for homeless women
The only shelter for women in northeast Pennsylvania, Ruth's Place offers a warm bed and a little stability. UMW Middle East study provides mission context
United Methodist leaders respond to complaints about the study and discuss the church’s position. Commentary: A look inside the black church
The Rev. Larry Pickens talks about black liberation theology and its challenges in the wake of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's comments. Commentary: Race speech models holy conferencing
Bishop Sally Dyck lifts up U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s recent speech about race in America as an example for addressing divisive issues. Prejean accepts World Methodist Peace Award
Sister Helen Prejean is honored for her advocacy against the death penalty and for her ministry to inmates, victims and their families. United Methodists reflect on costs of Iraq war
As the Iraq war enters its sixth year, the costs extend far beyond those who have died in the violence, say church leaders. Zimbabwe’s economy adds to retirees’ misery
A church initiative is confronting the lack of pension for retired pastors and widows. Elijah Kabungaidze: ‘I have nothing to give them’
As a superintendent, Kabungaidze worries about the pastors and widows in his area. Tabitha Katsande: ‘It was difficult to save anything’
The pastor’s widow says at times she is scared and doesn’t know how she will survive.

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