UMC Featured News & Stories

Commentary: Lift every hand in responding to AIDS
Black History Month is not just another opportunity to celebrate our heritage. We also must consider present challenges. Meharry scientists seek AIDS shield for women
With every experiment, Dr. James Hildreth and his team of researchers believe they are closer to answers about AIDS. Regional bishops back SMU process on Bush library
A group of United Methodist bishops affirms Southern Methodist University’s process to land a presidential library. Publishing House adapts to market changes
With sales down, the church’s publishing agency looks to develop new products and niches. Teen's CD raises money, awareness after Katrina
Fifteen-year-old Elizabeth Cumbest created a CD of songs to benefit a storm-battered church in Biloxi, Miss. United Methodist Men promote hunger awareness
A campaign for June urges families to fast one meal and donate the money for hunger relief. Church ministers to tornado victim’s family
The Rev. James Holden had been helping Carl Gordon, 20, prepare for marriage. A tornado changed everything. Commentary: Library could help even Bush foes
An SMU professor says she has not voted for President Bush, but delights in supporting his presidential library on campus. Nearly 10,000 sign against Bush library at SMU
While a petition organizer cites an ‘outpouring’ against the SMU plan, the school’s Board of Trustees remains steadfast. United Methodist high court to meet in Philippines
The Judicial Council will make history in April by holding its first session outside the United States. United Methodists respond to Florida tornadoes
UMCOR has sent a $10,000 emergency grant and central Florida churches have delivered food and supplies. Commentary: The trouble with teen drinking
With a study showing a link between teen drinking and other high-risk behaviors, a pastor explores how the church can intercede. United Methodists fight malaria through education
Malaria is both deadly and preventable, so the church is teaching people in at-risk communities how to ward off the mosquito-borne disease. United Methodists join Christian Unity conference
Ecumenical concerns and the same God brought together leaders of different faiths to the National Workshop on Christian Unity. British Methodists fear fallout from new casinos
The United Kingdom’s first super casino will open the door to new forms of gambling – and addictions, church leaders say. Brother and sister tie religion, globalization
Two national leaders who happen to be siblings address the church’s role in increasing global challenges. Dirdak leaves United Methodist Committee on Relief
The chief executive of the denomination’s humanitarian relief agency has resigned after nine years of service. Oil company creates $50 million scholarship program
United Methodists in El Dorado, Ark., say Murphy Oil Corp.’s scholarship program is a gift for the town’s future. Zion Still Sings! celebrates music across generations
Zion Still Sings! tells the black experience in song in genres ranging from African American spiritual to hip hop. Annual meetings to elect conference delegates
United Methodists gather this spring and summer at annual meetings with an eye toward next year’s General Conference. Movie, campaign link past and present slavery
The new movie “Amazing Grace” reminds viewers about past slavery, while a new campaign urges an end to modern-day bondage. United Methodist bishop elected as senator in Congo
A bishop in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been elected to that country’s Parliament. Bishops share concerns with U.S. lawmakers
United Methodist bishops visit with members of Congress and legislative staffs about issues of faith and service. Church’s new Web site fosters online community
The United Methodist Church unveils UMC.org, its newly redesigned Web site that features a social networking community for people of faith. Religious, civic groups want education act revised
The Women’s Division and Board of Church and Society are among those pushing to change the "No Child Left Behind" law. Washington anti-war rally draws United Methodists
Thousands of demonstrators call on President Bush and Congress to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq. Congressional reception spotlights Nothing But Nets
The Rev. Kent Millard says his Indianapolis church will raise $50,000 for the anti-malaria effort and the same amount for AIDS work. Judicial Council Docket for Spring 2007

Judicial Council publishes docket for Spring 2007 meeting.

Mission team helps Native Americans on Gulf Coast
A Native American team provides relief to native communities that are still reeling from the 2005 hurricanes. Retired pastor stands in gap of high-profile murder case
The Rev. C. Don Ferrill provides “a ministry of presence” to a woman convicted of child endangerment in the deaths of her children. Church agency executives plan office of new church starts
The agency leaders approve plans to promote church starts as well as training in the Social Principles. Dolly Parton’s Gift to Tennessee Hospital
Country singer Dolly Parton's pledge of $500,000 to a new hospital in her hometown honors a Methodist missionary doctor and minister who worked in the East Tennessee. Released and Restored
Ruth Karlsson created Released and Restored, a ministry aimed at reducing recidivism — inmates returning to prison for violations after release. Speaker tells abortion-rights opponents not to give up
The Rev. Billy Abraham addresses a group that wants to change the United Methodist position on abortion. Agency makes student loans, scholarships available
About $2 million is available for student loans in 2007 through The United Methodist Church’s student loans office. Church can do more to help poor in Africa, commissioners find
Members of a United Methodist commission learned firsthand how demanding a typical day is for a rural African woman. Ministry commission puts recommendations, survey online
The Study of Ministry Commission is proposing eight recommendations about the ordering of ministry. United Methodist pastor to appeal IRS levy on pension check
A United Methodist clergyman and “war tax” resister in Portland, Ore., is fighting a levy placed on his pension. United Methodists provide shelter in storm
Churches in nine states are providing shelter and other support to people affected by severe winter storms. Wesley festival at Lincoln Center to benefit UMCOR
A concert will commemorate the 300th anniversary of hymn writer Charles Wesley's birth. Zimbabwean ministries get boost in communications skills
United Methodist church workers hear challenge to tell stories of faith in their areas. Commentary: A child shows the way in fight against malaria
If 6-year-old Katherine Commale could help raise thousands, imagine what churches could do, says Bishop Thomas Bickerton. Communications agency pledges bed nets for Mutare mission
Directors of the agency will buy 175 bed nets for ministries serving children around Mutare, Zimbabwe. Deaf Ministries at Christ Church and Around the World
Proposals call for new collaboration among church agencies
Top executives of The United Methodist Church’s agencies agree that 'change must occur... if we are to thrive.' Sometimes pastors need to call 'time out,' speaker says
Keeping healthy habits and a winner's attitude are critical to being effective in ministry, pastors learn. MLK speaker urges continued fight for civil rights
The civil rights battle is far from over, a United Methodist pastor told a Boston audience on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Church leaders seek to ‘dismantle racism’ for MLK Day
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, U.S. Christian church leaders are urging congregations to find ways to work together and "be the voice and presence of God's love in the world." King’s message must be heard today, civil rights leader says
The heart of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s message was, 'You are somebody; you are not a nothing,' says the Rev. James Lawson. United Methodist executive opposes troop surge
The top executive for the church's social justice agency has called on United Methodists to say no to more troops in Iraq.

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