News and Media Sightings 2010

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2010

Bishop Ammons, trailblazing leader, dies
Bishop Edsel A. Ammons was among the denomination’s first African-American episcopal leaders.

What is congregational vitality?
Jay Voorhees says the Call to Action report fails to account for things like the prayer life or mission activity of a church in its measurements.

Bishops oppose racism, back immigration reform
United Methodist leaders call on Christians to advocate for humane reform and to recognize the sacredness of every person.

African bishops urge theological education
Pastoral training is not keeping pace with church growth. Leaders hope $2 million will help change that.

Bishops face challenge on same-sex unions
In states where gay marriage is legal, United Methodist leaders focus on upholding church law while encouraging dialogue and respect.

Bishops support church reforms, accountability
Eighty active and retired bishops endorsed widespread reforms, including accountability for promoting church growth.

Bishops urged to embrace change
In his address to the council, Bishop Larry Goodpaster asked leaders to abandon structures that are not working or face further church decline.

Goodpaster Urges Bishops to Shift Focus to the Future
The Council of Bishops President challenges the bishops to “focus” on what is about to happen rather than what has always been.

Leaning into the Future: President’s Address to the Council of Bishops
Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster challenges the bishops to focus attention on what is about to happen rather than what has always been.

United Methodist Council of Bishops to Meet in Panama Nov. 2-6
More than 87 United Methodist bishops from Africa, Europe, Asia and the U.S. will gather in Panama City, Panama for the semi-annual Council of Bishops meeting Nov. 2-6, followed by a meeting of the Conference of Methodist Bishops and Presidents on Nov. 7-9 and CIEMAL on Nov. 10.

Call to Action report: Reform church in U.S.
Team suggests ways for church to reverse decline and says status quo is 'toxic.'

Bishops break new ground at Africa University
The $60,000 staff duplex is the first structure built by The United Methodist Church’s African bishops.

Civil rights leader Bishop Thomas dies
James S. Thomas broke racial barriers. Of his work, he said, "I didn't come to be a black bishop. I have come to be the best bishop I can be."

Bishop Ntambo wins peace award
Bob Walters says Ntambo modeled courage and cooperation. Amid civil war, he asked pastors to stand fast and reached out to other faiths.

Bishop pens book for ‘Faithful Heart’
Eight-week study asks readers to ponder what brings ‘true joy.’

Church lacks racial diversity, officials say
U.S. membership is not keeping up with the nation’s changing demographics.

Bishop Mathews, ardent missionary, dies
Friends say bishop combined Wesley’s ideal of personal and social holiness.

September 11: A Day for Prayer and Peace
September 11 should be, for all of us, a day of prayer for peace in this world.

Top court takes up membership issues
Judicial Council asked to revisit decision allowing pastor to bar a gay man from joining his congregation.

Bishop Dew, social justice advocate, dies
Church leader championed marginalized throughout ministry.

UMTV: Free Pharmacy Serves Uninsured
A United Methodist clinic in Ohio has nearly doubled its clientele as the need for medicine increases.

UMTV: Free Pharmacy Serves Uninsured
A United Methodist clinic in Ohio has nearly doubled its clientele as the need for medicine increases.

Effective clergy by the numbers
Bishop Willimon says Wesleyans “believe in the growth of the Kingdom of God.”

Blog: Open leadership builds trust
Transparency enables the church’s members to be part of the conversation, says Larry Hollon.

Zimbabwe leader was man of the people
In life and in death, Bishop Abel Muzorewa was the face of the nation for many Zimbabweans.

Bishop Owen, mission leader, dies at 78
Son says dad “was passionate about helping God to build God’s Kingdom.”

Bishops seek justice in Philippines
Bishops condemn killings, urge prayer, activism for people of Philippines.

Goodpaster becomes bishops’ new president
“I want to be where God wants me to be,” new president says.

Bishops experience, affirm ministries of love
People tell United Methodist leaders of Christ’s power in difficult times.

Bishops urge action on immigration
Leaders offer support to a colleague who is outspoken against Arizona’s controversial new law.

Church rejects move toward regional bodies
Bishops ratify five of 32 proposed amendments to the church’s constitution.

Council of Bishops Announces Constitutional Amendments Voting Results
The United Methodist Council of Bishops announced today that only five of 32 amendments to the church’s constitution passed by the 2008 General Conference have been ratified by the annual conferences. The ratified amendments will become effective immediately.

Bishops cast out fear with HIV tests
United Methodist leaders express solidarity for people living with HIV/AIDS.

United Methodist Council of Bishops to Meet in Columbus May 2-7
More than 111 United Methodist bishops converge in Columbus, Ohio, to explore ways to sharpen the church’s focus on poverty.

United Methodists need to go ‘deep green’
United Methodists issue first official statement on environmental issues in 24 years.

Bishop Abel Muzorewa dies at 84
The bishop’s career was intertwined with the history of modern Zimbabwe.

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