e-Review archive
Global Connection
January 2008
 

Agency provides racial/ethnic youth empowerment ministries

Jan. 3, 2008      United Methodist News Service WASHINGTON — "I was depressed in high school because I felt my life didn't count for anything or to anybody," says Jessica Woo, 19. All that changed when Woo, who is Buddhist and a fourth-generation Chinese-Japanese American, joined The SPOT, a teen-run organization offering friendship, community involvement and leadership development to mostly Asian-American youth in Alameda, Calif. The name stands for SimPon Obsessed Teens. ("SimPon" is a word the youth made up, meaning "positive energy created through supportive fellowship.") This 6-year-old ministry of Buena Vista United Methodist Church, a pan-Asian and historically Japanese-American congregation in Alameda, is also the recipient of a $30,000 two-year grant from the Minority Group Self-Determination Fund. The fund is administered by the United Methodist Church's Commission on Religion and Race. full story

Mission leader voices concern on Kenya

Jan. 4, 2008     United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — The interim leader of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries is asking all groups in Kenya "to put peace and reconciliation ahead of personal or party gains." In a statement released Jan. 4, Bishop Felton E. May stressed that "Africa and the world cannot afford a civil war in Kenya, which has for years been a place of stability and economic prosperity in the volatile East Africa region." The outbreak of violence following the re-election of Kenya's president has resulted in an estimated 300 deaths and calls for an independent investigation into the election. full story

Calling for new tone on immigration debate

Jan. 4, 2008 United Methodist Reporter DES MOINES, Iowa — Members of the Iowa Interfaith Immigration Coalition are urging presidential candidates of both parties to conduct the debate over immigration policy in a civil manner “that respects human dignity.” In a Dec. 4 news conference, Connie Ryan Terrell, executive director of The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, led a group of speakers who gathered to “change the negative, public attitudes and rhetoric which demonize and dehumanize our immigrant friends and neighbors.” full story

College freshman: Why I Am a United Methodist

Jan. 4, 2008 United Methodist Reporter Why am I a United Methodist? Quite simply, I am a United Methodist because I was born a United Methodist. But why I choose to remain a United Methodist is a much longer story. full story

And are we yet on life support?

Jan. 4, 2008 United Methodist Reporter Perhaps the people of the United Methodist Church need a different metaphor than seeing the denomination as an aging body needing life-support measures, says Bishop Robert Schnase. full story

REFLECTIONS: The unseeable future holds opportunities for those who dream

Jan. 4, 2008 United Methodist Reporter Bishop White says it’s good to make plans for the new year, but also to remember there are things beyond our control. "If you want to hear God laugh,” he says, “listen as God listens to us talk about our plans!" full story

More refugees crowd into South African church

Jan. 7, 2008      United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — Twelve hundred refugees sleep each night at Central Methodist Mission in Johannesburg, South Africa. That number is up from 900 during the first few months of 2007. Another 500 to 800 refugees can be found in the street immediately outside the building, according to Bishop Paul Verryn, who leads the staff there. Verryn, who visited the New York headquarters of the United Methodist Committee on Relief on Jan. 3, noted that most of the refugees are from Zimbabwe. full story

Christian unity week marks 100th anniversary

Jan. 8, 2008      United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — "Pray Without Ceasing" is the theme of the 100th anniversary of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which United Methodists and others around the world will observe this month. The week will be observed Jan. 18-25, and its theme is taken from 1 Thessalonians 5:17. The Rev. W. Douglas Mills, an executive with the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, noted that the prayer of Jesus was that "we might become one." full story

Vietnamese pastor spreads God's word around world

Jan. 8, 2008      United Methodist News Service LOS ANGELES — The Rev. Bau Dang would rather not talk about himself. He shies away from the spotlight. That is really too bad, since he just made history by becoming the first Vietnamese American elected as a delegate to the 2008 United Methodist General Conference, the denomination's top lawmaking body that meets every four years. Oh, and another thing: He has just finished translating the New Testament into Vietnamese and published 10,000 copies at his own expense. Vietnam's communist government has issued a permit to the National Religious Publisher of Vietnam to print the translation, and now Christians in his home country are begging him to send them 100,000 more. full story

UMCOR begins fourth year of tsunami assistance

Jan. 9, 2008   United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — The United Methodist Committee on Relief is working to help tsunami survivors find a "new normal" more than three years after one of the world's worst natural disasters killed an estimated 230,000 people and displaced millions in 11 countries. In Indonesia and Sri Lanka-the countries most affected by the tsunami-UMCOR offices continue to work daily to help survivors recover whatever possible. UMCOR also provided relief and recovery assistance in Somalia, India and Thailand. United Methodists and others have contributed approximately $42 million to UMCOR's tsunami relief response since the Dec. 26, 2004, disaster. full story

Pastor's hobby raises $85,000 for Moscow seminary

Jan. 9, 2008 United Methodist News Service BRENHAM, Texas — The Rev. Sam Duree could be enjoying his golden years in an easy chair. Instead, the retired United Methodist pastor came up with an idea that took wing: building birdhouses to support a Moscow seminary. Over the past six years, Duree estimates he has built about 3,000 birdhouses, raising $85,000 for Russia United Methodist Theological Seminary to train pastors in Russia and other nations in the former Soviet Union. full story

Zimbabwe economic crisis cripples mission station

Jan. 10, 2008     United Methodist News Service MUTARE, Zimbabwe — The sewage system is overloaded, buildings are decaying, electricity is unreliable, and economic turmoil in Zimbabwe make operating two schools, a hospital, a children's home and church nearly impossible. Yet Old Mutare Mission, a ministry of The United Methodist Church for 110 years, is determined to continue its ministry to the people of Zimbabwe, its leaders say. full story

Wesley hymns inspire United Methodist evangelists

Jan. 10, 2008     United Methodist News Service SAVANNAH, Ga. — With the Charles Wesley hymn "Spirit of Faith Come Down" providing the theme, the 2008 Congress on Evangelism brought together more than 700 United Methodists to share their passion and strategies for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The congress is a place where "we can come and use the 'E' word without being ashamed or looking over our shoulders," said Bishop James Swanson, resident bishop of the Holston Annual (regional) Conference, during the opening worship service. "We need to lead people to Jesus." The Jan. 2-5 event was held on Hutchinson Island in honor of the 300th anniversary of Wesley's birth. Both Charles Wesley and his brother, Methodism founder John Wesley, came from England to southeast Georgia and landed Feb. 6, 1736, on Cockspur Island, just downriver from Hutchinson Island. They served as missionaries and ministered to the settlers living there. full story

United Methodists respond to relief needs in Kenya

Jan. 10, 2008     United Methodist News Service United Methodists were responding to emergency relief needs in Kenya following post-election violence that displaced up to a quarter of a million people. The violence, which also left hundreds of people dead, occurred after the Dec. 27 re-election of President Mwai Kibaki — a vote disputed by the supporters of opposition leader Raila Odinga. On Jan. 10, The Associated Press reported that former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan will lead a panel to mediate between the two political leaders in Kenya. Ghanaian President John Kufuor, president of the African Union, said the rivals also agreed to end the violence. The United Methodist Committee on Relief was assisting with relief efforts for displaced people. Through the denomination's East Africa Conference, UMCOR was providing food and shelter to Kenyans who have fled to Uganda. Schools, churches and other structures were being used as shelters both in Kenya and Uganda. full story

Caught in addiction: Experts say clergy are vulnerable

Jan. 11, 2008 United Methodist Reporter Sexual addiction, which can take many forms, is not an uncommon problem among Christians. And many clergy who experience emotional isolation and lack of accountability in their jobs may be especially vulnerable. full story

WESLEYAN WISDOM: Evangelicalism — minus some baggage

Jan. 11, 2008 United Methodist Reporter Donald Haynes examines the evangelical heritage of the United Methodist Church in the first installment of a two-part series on what an evangelical really is. full story

AGING WELL: Laughter is good medicine, no matter how old you are

Jan. 11, 2008 United Methodist Reporter Good-natured laughter can make the aches and pains associated with aging melt away — at least for a while, says Missy Buchanan. full story

Church-run clinics help families get needed care

Jan. 18, 2008  News media contact: Tita Parham* 800-282-8011  tparham@flumc.org  Orlando {0787} An e-Review Feature By Steven Skelley**   Melissa Whaley has been having grand-mal seizures lately, but with no insurance, she said seeing a doctor was out of the question — until she learned about Shepherd’s Hope Health Center. full story

Clergywomen of color build unity to build influence

Jan. 14, 2008     United Methodist News Service LOS ANGELES — Sharing stories of serving God amid the vestiges of racism and gender bias in The United Methodist Church, clergywomen of color convened for the first time in 25 years to worship, network and organize to build their influence within the denomination. "This day, we finally acknowledge that there will be no systemic changes unless we are united as women of color," said the Rev. HiRho Y. Park, a leader with the Board of Higher Education and Ministry, to open the United Methodist Racial-Ethnic Clergywomen's Consultation. Almost 300 women attended the Jan. 3-5 event, sponsored by the Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Registered participants included 125 African-American clergywomen, 54 Asian-American and Pacific Islanders, 30 Hispanics/Latinas, 18 Native Americans and 10 Caucasians. full story

UMC, ELCA conclude dialogue, look toward votes

Jan. 15, 2008     United Methodist News Service Over the next two years, both The United Methodist Church and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will ask its members to approve "full communion" between the two bodies. That step follows an interim agreement and the conclusion, in December, of the last round of dialogue between the two denominations. The vote will take place this spring for United Methodists and in 2009 for Lutherans. According to the Rev. W. Douglas Mills, an executive with the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, full communion essentially means "acknowledging one another's ministries as valid," as well as wanting to be involved in mutual decision-making. full story

Churches Uniting in Christ seeks reconciliation

Jan. 18, 2008     United Methodist News Service Members of Churches Uniting in Christ are seeking to bring two of its historically black partner denominations back to the table. The absence of representatives from the African Methodist Episcopal and African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church during the organization's Jan. 11-14 plenary in St. Louis overshadowed the ecumenical event, according to United Methodist representatives. The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, which is also historically black, was present at the meeting. United Methodist Bishop Albert "Fritz" Mutti, chairperson of the event's planning committee, said the suspension of participation by the two denominations "dominated our discussion." full story

Fort Worth hotel changes challenge General Conference

Jan. 18, 2008     United Methodist News Service With just over three months until The United Methodist Church convenes its worldwide assembly in Fort Worth, Texas, the city's changing downtown hotel landscape is forcing organizers to scramble for rooms to accommodate delegates, church leaders and staff. "It has been a perfect storm," said the Rev. Alan J. Morrison, business manager for the 2008 General Conference. "The hotel industry in Fort Worth is in total flux." full story

Rule of Life: Practices shape what we do, who we are

Jan. 18, 2008 United Methodist Reporter A growing number of Christians are discovering the advantages of following a rule of life, a practice rooted in ancient monastic tradition. Mary Jacobs reports on this trend, and includes rule of life guides from several United Methodists. full story

Televangelist investigation prompts concern

Jan. 18, 2008 United Methodist Reporter A U.S. senator's investigation of six televangelists' ministries is generating varying levels of concern among United Methodists. full story

They were in prison, and Disciple class reached out

Jan. 18, 2008 United Methodist Reporter Screams of joy overrode the ringing of the phone in the chaplain’s office at the Mark Luttrell Correctional Facility for Women in Memphis, Tenn. Sandra was going home, her life sentence for murder overturned on appeal — and the celebration was deafening. For years, Sandra had told everyone who would listen — most recently her friends in the Disciple Bible Study class — that she was innocent. Now the 12 women in the group were gathered in the chapel rejoicing. full story

Two hymns rescued from politicians

Jan. 18, 2008     News media contact:   Dean McIntyre * 877-899-2780, ext 7073 *  Nashville General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church Politicians have always recognized the power of music in political campaigns. Many have had theme songs, included solo singers at their speeches and used brass bands on whistle-stop tours. Today, every candidate welcomes the endorsement of celebrity musicians. There are a number of hymns in our hymnal that, for good or ill, have had past associations with politics and government. full story

Heavy rains displace thousands in southern Africa

Jan. 24, 2008     United Methodist News Service BEIRA, Mozambique — Torrential rains that began Christmas Day in Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe continue to force thousands from their homes in southern Africa, according to United Methodist leaders in those areas. Flooding in Mozambique has particularly affected United Methodist churches in Chemba, Buzi, Save and Nova Mambone. The United Methodist Committee for Relief is working with Action by Churches Together and the Mozambique United Methodist Church to assess needs and develop a plan of action. UMCOR will address the immediate humanitarian concerns as well as long-term recovery needs. full story

Abortion opponents speak out during national rally

Jan. 24, 2008     United Methodist News Service WASHINGTON — On the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, thousands of anti-abortion advocates marched "to witness to a culture and a gospel of life," said the director of an unofficial United Methodist pro-life caucus. At a Jan. 22 worship service held in The United Methodist Building in the nation's capital the Rev. Paul T. Stallsworth, director of the pro-life caucus, said the group is working to reverse the Supreme Court decision by providing theological leadership within the church. full story

Mission leader voices concern on Gaza

Jan. 25, 2008     United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — The head of the mission agency of The United Methodist Church has expressed deep concern about the situation in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza following incidents in which Israel closed the border to essential supplies of food and fuel. Bishop Felton E. May, interim top executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, said the picture is extremely complex but that his main concern is for the welfare of the people in both Gaza and Israel. Israel's border action has been attributed to rockets fired into Israel by the Hamas faction now in control in Gaza, a sliver of land along the Mediterranean Sea. full story

Going green: UMs become stewards of environment

Jan. 25, 2008 United Methodist Reporter   Increasingly, United Methodists are among those who view caring for creation as an integral part of living faithfully. Bill Fentum has a report on what individuals, churches and seminaries are doing to improve environmental stewardship. full story

In therapy for a ‘strained relationship’

Jan. 25, 2008 United Methodist Reporter Sometimes it seems as if young clergy need “therapy” to come to resolve their relational differences with their beloved United Methodist Church, says Eric Van Meter. full story

GEN-X RISING: Questions of faith in a political season

Jan. 25, 2008 United Methodist Reporter As Christians, we are called to examine closely where our faith and our political views intersectwhat we find may make us uncomfortable, says Andrew Thompson. full story

Teens seek new youth director in You Tube ad

Jan. 28, 2008     United Methodist News Service Finding the right youth director can be like catching the best wave, but only if you know how to surf. The youth group at St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church in Hilton Head Island, S.C., hopes its next director will surf the Internet to find them. Last fall, the youth created and starred in a minute-long video advertisement touting their "great location," "really cool building" and "awesome pastor" and inviting potential candidates to "come surf with us at St. Andrew on Hilton Head Island." full story

Church opposes cloning humans to produce babies

Jan. 29, 2008     United Methodist News Service WASHINGTON — An announcement that scientists have created human embryos through cloning stands "in stark opposition" to The United Methodist Church's position, said an executive with the denomination's social action agency. Scientists at Stemagen, a biotechnology company in San Diego, announced on Jan. 18 they used skin cells of two men to create cloned embryos. It is not clear whether the embryos would have been viable if implanted into a womb, said Dr. Samuel H. Wood, chief executive of Stemagen. Wood, a fertility doctor who started the company in 2005, was one of the donors used as DNA sources. full story

2010 congress to explore faith communication issues

Jan. 31, 2008     United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — Changes in perceptions about religion, its influence in the public arena and how technology delivers the message are among the issues communicators will consider at Religion Communication Congress 2010. The congress, with the theme "Embracing Change: Communicating Faith in Today's World," is scheduled for April 7-10, 2010, at the Marriott Downtown Hotel in Chicago. Participants will represent a broad spectrum of communications specialties, faith traditions and theological perspectives. full story

Second woman seeks sanctuary in Chicago church

Jan. 31, 2008     United Methodist News Service Adalberto United Methodist Church in Chicago has opened its doors once again to a woman seeking protection from deportation to Mexico. Flor Crisóstomo, 28, says she is "picking up the torch" from Elvira Arelleno, another congregation member who lived in the church for a year before leaving last August. Arelleno was arrested and deported within days of leaving Chicago and arriving in Los Angeles, where she had planned to speak out for compassionate immigration reform. "Today we respond as a church to another request for sanctuary from one of our members," said a statement released Jan. 28 by the church. "We respond by standing together with her as Jesus calls us to do." full story

Police raid South African church aiding refugees

Jan. 31, 2008     United Methodist News Service A Methodist bishop in Johannesburg, South Africa, is crying foul after police staged a brutal raid on Central Methodist Mission, arresting more than a thousand refugees and damaging property. The raid, which began around 11 p.m. on Jan. 30 and lasted for nearly four hours, caused both physical and psychological trauma, according to Bishop Paul Verryn. full story

COMMENTARY: What science brings to Christian truths

Feb. 1, 2008 United Methodist Reporter Bennett Horton, a doctor and former medical missionary, doesn’t believe that faith and science are inherently at odds with each other. He highlights ways that scientific understanding can help us better understand our faith. full story

REFLECTIONS: When diversity is not enough

Feb. 1, 2008 United Methodist Reporter If the church is diverse merely because different groups co-exist within it, that won't help us, says Bishop Woodie White. Diversity only meets its goal when we interact and create community with one another. full story