UMC Featured News & Stories

Faith groups work toward relief in Myanmar
As aid trickles in to cyclone survivors in Myanmar, United Methodists and other faith-based groups cooperate on relief efforts. Church volunteer teaches sign language to babies
Nancy Jayne of Whitesboro, N.Y., says her classes introduce parents and children to a whole new world of communication. Relief efforts for Myanmar continue
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is partnering with Church World Service on aid for the cyclone-stricken nation. Myanmar bishop monitors situation at home
Bishop Zothan Mawia, visiting the United States, has been trying to respond to the May 3 cyclone from afar. Awards go to United Methodist-related publications
United Methodist-related publications, writers and photographers garner 21 awards from the Associated Church Press. Teens help homeless with fashion show
A youth group in North Carolina takes to the runway with its Love Thy Neighbor ministry. Commentary: Seeking balance at General Conference
"What we are doing … is a spiritual work," says the assembly's chief scheduler, urging the 2012 gathering to observe Sabbath. General Conference acts on wide range of issues
Delegates hear memorable speeches, approve $642 million budget, and set direction on social issues and church ministries. Wrap-up: General Conference closes with message of hope after addressing budget, social issues
Delegates end meeting with action on diverse issues and parting words of hope. Assembly approves $642 million churchwide budget
General Conference approves a denominational spending plan built around four areas of mission and ministry. Bishop Ward: Wait, watch, receive God's spirit
Delegates urged to be witnesses to God's work in the world. Church supports justice for migrants
United Methodists have adopted resolutions supporting justice for migrants worldwide and reform of U.S. immigration laws. Church tackles difficult subject of abortion
General Conference votes to continue membership with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. UMCOR starts response to Myanmar cyclone
As the death toll rises in Myanmar, the United Methodist Committee on Relief maps out its response. Marines receive Strength for Service devotionals
A group of soldiers based in Fort Worth, Texas, are presented with copies during the 2008 United Methodist General Conference. United Methodists uphold homosexuality stance
After forceful arguments on both sides, delegates retain language in the denomination’s Book of Discipline. Liberia President Sirleaf addresses United Methodists
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says her country and her church share a common commitment to end poverty. Gates thanks United Methodists for partnership
Gates Foundation chairman says The United Methodist Church is the strongest force against malaria. Bishop Jung leads service of remembrance
Painful and wonderful remembering can bring Body of Christ back together. United Methodists expand global health campaign
Capital campaign will raise $75 to $100 million to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Wrap-up: Constitutional amendments, Gates speech and resolutions on variety of issues top agenda
Chicago Bishop Hee-Soo Jung encourages church to value both holiness and hospitality. United Methodist Social Creed celebrated
The church’s Social Creed continues to express the scriptural mandate to care for the sojourner, the weak and the orphaned. Justice petitions address welfare, hate, torture
Resolutions call for work toward a living wage to be a worldwide effort. Delegates reject petitions aimed at ineffective clergy
Pension plans adopted in 2004 are also retained. United Methodist mission statement revised
Additional wording tells why church seeks to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Proposed new hymnal will go to 2012 assembly
Delegates approve a panel to revise the United Methodist Hymnal and a study to develop an Africana songbook. Prayer room serves as ‘space of quieting and slowing’
Open gates draw visitors into heart of A Space for Prayer. Wrap-up: Assembly retains stance on homosexuality
General Conference keeps the position that the practice of homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian teaching.” Church adopts proposed creed as litany
While the Social Creed will continue in its 1972 language, the new litany will provide an accompanying "poetic expression." Wrap up: Liberian president addresses assembly
Other highlights include a celebration of the Commission on Religion and Race and a sermon by an ELCA bishop. People in 48 countries view General Conference online
Live streaming video enables people around the world to experience the assembly’s proceedings. United Methodists formally admit Côte d’Ivoire
The West African conference receives full rights and responsibilities and becomes the largest regional conference in the global church. Five new members are elected to Judicial Council
The 2008 General Conference elects two clergy and three lay members to serve on the top court of The United Methodist Church. Uganda children’s choir awes General Conference
Young singers find answered prayer, love and peace during General Conference visit. Former abortion clinic owner shares her story with delegates
Abortion discussion is more complex than words on a bumper sticker. Wrap up: Assembly tackles items with price tags
Faith and order, theological education and finances fill delegates first full day of decision-making. Delegates extend plan to strengthen the black church
Twelve-year-old initiative will continue to be force for transformation. Wrap-up: Black churches, Cote d’Ivoire, global warming on Sunday docket
Both umbrellas and points of order were raised during an April 27 session of General Conference. Leaders remember Central Jurisdiction’s dissolution
Speakers celebrate progress and name challenges in 40th anniversary commemoration. Wrap-up: Delegates renew baptism, celebrate rural churches
General Conference delegates also perfect legislation to be presented in plenary sessions. Church teams ‘hoop it up’ for Nothing But Nets
Two Texas conferences raise $300,000 for the church’s anti-malaria campaign. United Methodists look to Latin America
The delegates hear a call to more fully embrace their counterparts in Latin America and the Caribbean. Rally urges inclusion regardless of sexual identity

Young speakers address a rally of more than 200 people supporting inclusion of gays and lesbians in the church.

Delegates seek General Conference ethics panel
A request for forming an ethics committee follows concerns about free cell phones given to some delegates. Pension Initiative needs millions for retired pastors
Response to pension initiative beginning to meet the need of retirees in central conferences. Church leaders support sanctuary for immigrants
Pastor calls immigrants' plight an "affront to God." $5 million grant boosts Global Health Initiative
The grant will help The United Methodist Church fight malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Potato drop yields 20 tons of food for area hungry
Sweet potatoes will feed people, such as the 13-year-old who ate grass, “because it was like eating salad.” Daily wrap-up: Church receives $5 million for global health work
Other highlights included a call to action by Mozambique Bishop João Somane Machado, a Judicial Council ruling and the introduction of delegates from affiliated churches. Coalition sees role as ‘catalyst for renewal’
Groups such as Good News lobby General Conference on a variety of doctrinal issues.

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