e-Review archive
Global Connection
June 2006
 

Students advised to cast nets into deep water, join church

June 1, 2006     News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {319} United Methodist News Service ADRIAN, Mich. — A United Methodist bishop advised college students attending an annual leadership development gathering that to be true disciples of Christ, they must allow Jesus to use "your boat and your car and your mind and your body and your strength to advance the Kingdom of God." Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton, leader of the denomination's Michigan Area, provided this advice to more than 350 United Methodist students at the opening worship of Student Forum 2006 on the campus of church-related Adrian College May 25-28. full story

Resolutions address Iraq, Sudan, inclusiveness

June 1, 2006     News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {320} United Methodist News Service ADRIAN, Mich. — Resolutions condemning the war in Iraq, genocide in Sudan, and criticizing a recent Judicial Council decision regarding pastoral authority and inclusiveness were among six approved by Student Forum delegates. Of 16 resolutions introduced at the May 25-28 student leadership development conference, 14 dealt with issues of inclusiveness, particularly regarding homosexuality. All 16 resolutions were supported by a majority of the students voting, but only six received the necessary two-thirds support to become an official position of the United Methodist Student Movement, which organizes Student Forum. full story

Student federation reopens North America office

June 2, 2006     News media contact:   Linda  Bloom * (646) 3693759*  New York {323} United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — United Methodists are applauding the re-establishment of a North America regional office for the World Student Christian Federation. full story

New Duke program will address rural church challenges

June 2, 2006     News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {324} United Methodist News Service Rural areas have many strengths, including a sense of community and mutual caring, but clergy often hesitate to accept appointments to small towns. In an effort to draw more ordained clergy to small rural churches, United Methodist-related Duke Divinity School and Duke Endowment are developing a program to foster strong rural congregations and communities in North Carolina. full story

Disaster coordinators brace for new hurricane season

June 2, 2006     News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {325} United Methodist News Service Three men in particular are standing on the shorelines of the Gulf Coast praying for mostly sunshine and blue skies from June to November. "I haven't been looking at how many days until hurricane season starts; I am looking at how many days until it is over," says the Rev. Darryl Tate, executive director of the United Methodist Louisiana Annual (regional) Conference's Storm Recovery Center. Tate along with the Rev. Clyde Pressley, Alabama-West Florida, and Ed Blakeslee, Mississippi, lived through the one of the worst hurricane seasons to hit the United States last summer as disaster response coordinators. full story

UM churches transform secular sites into places of worship

June 2, 2006 United Methodist Reporter Look closely. The warehouse in the inner city or the school auditorium in the suburbs may actually be worship facilities for a United Methodist congregation, illustrating a growing movement to repurpose secular spaces for sacred use. "It seems we Methodists are particularly oriented to fitting worship into non-traditional spaces," says Robert D. Habiger, president of R.D. Habiger & Associates, whose liturgical design firm in New Mexico helps church communities develop and enhance spaces for worship. full story

Bush, Sirleaf invited to address 2008 General Conference

June 5, 2006     News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {329} United Methodist News Service TAMPA, Fla. — The Commission on the General Conference is inviting the president of the United States and the president of Liberia — both United Methodists — to address the denomination's 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. full story

Carter sees changes over 27 years with United Methodist Advance

June 6, 2006     News media contact:   Linda  Bloom * (646) 3693759*  New York {332} United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — Americans are giving more money than ever before to help people in need, but the ways in which they are giving are changing. That's the perspective of the Rev. William T. Carter, who has led the United Methodist Church's second-mile giving program for the past 27 years. full story

Migrant farm house could be model for future construction

June 6, 2006     News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {333} United Methodist News Service KINSTON, N.C. — Migrant farm workers began using a house in early June that could become a model for seasonal labor housing across the state of North Carolina. The structure, designed to promote quality migrant housing in the Tar Heel state, was dedicated May 31 outside Kinston. It was the result of collaboration by Harvey Farms, Mt. Olive Pickle Co., United Methodist-related Duke University and the North Carolina Annual (regional) Conference of the United Methodist Church. The 2,800-square-foot house, built by and on Harvey Farms, is designed to house 17 workers. full story

Close Up: Hispanic/Latino ministries grow with population trends

June 7, 2006     News media contact:   Tim  Tanton * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {335} United Methodist News Service United Methodist churches are increasingly opening their hearts, minds and doors to Hispanic/Latino ministries. The Latino population in the United States is growing faster than any other demographic group, and that trend has been mirrored in the growth of ministries in United Methodist annual conferences. The Hispanic/Latino growth rate for 2004 was 3.6 percent, compared with the overall population growth of 1 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. For the year ended July 1, 2005, Hispanic/Latinos accounted for 49 percent — or 1.3 million people — of the U.S. population growth of 2.8 million, the Census Bureau reported. full story

Hispanic/Latino plan coordinates ministries across church

June 7, 2006     News media contact:   Tim  Tanton * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {336} United Methodist News Service The National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministries is the first coordinated effort of the United Methodist Church to focus on the development and strengthening of Hispanic ministries. The plan's creation was approved in 1992 by the United Methodist Church's top legislative body, the General Conference. The idea for creating the plan was first discussed in 1987 at a meeting of MARCHA (Metodistas Asociados Representando La Causa de los Hispano Americanos), the denomination's Hispanic/Latino caucus. full story

New bishop faces division, anarchy in East Africa

June 8, 2006     News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {339} United Methodist News Service The United Methodist Church in East Africa is "almost in a state of anarchy" and in need of healing, according to its new bishop. That is especially true in the countries of Burundi, Kenya and Rwanda where there is division, said Bishop Daniel Wandabula of Uganda. He was elected bishop May 27 by the denomination's Africa Central Conference, which met on the Africa University campus in Mutare, Zimbabwe. full story

Commentary: Congregation improvises to include gays, lesbians

June 8, 2006     News media contact:   Tim  Tanton * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {340}  United Methodist News Service I am a pastor of a congregation that serves an increasing number of people who choose not to become members because of United Methodism's stance on homosexuality. There are also members who consider leaving (and some who have left already). Given the controversy in the denomination and the disappointment that no change can occur until the next General Conference at the earliest, we prayerfully seek to discern how to be faithful to the good news which seeks justice for all. Living according to the present rules seems hypocritical and contrary to the gospel. Yet, many of us are Wesleyans through and through; we do not choose to leave a denomination that is so dear to us. What to do? A small and symbolic action may be to create a new category of membership. full story

Commentary: Including all in God's grace

June 8, 2006     News media contact:   Tim  Tanton * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {341} United Methodist News Service On a recent Sunday, a new class of students was confirmed at the church I serve.  We ask the parents of the confirmands to stand with their daughters and sons. One young man was joined by the two women listed as his parents in the service materials. I was glad for this young man. He came to our church through our youth ministry and experienced a vibrant, new  faith in Christ through the confirmation preparation. I felt good that both his mothers had come to worship and participate in this joyful moment in their son's spiritual life. Yet, as one who supports our current stance on homosexuality, I also sensed that morning the depth of the controversy that grips us as United Methodists. full story

Initiative helps communicators build global network

June 9, 2006     News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {343} United Methodist News Service NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Thirty-one representatives from 17 African countries will gather June 15-30 for an intense two-week course of study to build their skills as Christian communicators and help build a global network for the United Methodist Church. The course is being held at United Methodist-related Africa University and is sponsored by the university and the Central Conference Communications Initiative, a collaborative effort between United Methodist Communications and the bishops of the central conferences — regional units of the denomination in Africa, Europe and Asia. full story

Liberia Conference close to establishing radio station

June 9, 2006     News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {344}  United Methodist News Service MONROVIA, Liberia — Bishop John Innis is looking forward to being the first broadcaster on United Methodist radio in this war-torn country because he has good news to share. "Our church is a very wonderful church, well loved, well respected in this country," he said. "What we engage in always gains spiritual popularity. It will be great news to hear the radio station has begun." The Liberia Annual Conference has been dreaming of a radio station for the last two years. Funding for a community radio station in Liberia will make that dream come true soon. full story

WESLEYAN WISDOM: Contemporary services not the magic cure

June 9, 2006 United Methodist Reporter   I have long been an advocate for the church to change because the context in which we preach, develop ministries, work for social justice issues, care for the congregation and evangelize the disconnected has all changed. Of all our ministries, the service of worship has been our most unifying, inspiring and identifying experience. Since the advent of the contemporary worship movement and the "seeker-friendly service," thousands of United Methodists have seen it as the elixir for our declining worship attendance. My observations and conversations with seminary student pastors has convinced me that many congregations develop an unfortunate factionalism after they incorporate contemporary worship services. full story

COMMENTARY: 'Red-Letter' Christians need Kingdom mindset

June 9, 2006 United Methodist Reporter   Evangelical speaker and author Tony Campolo recently proclaimed that Jesus is neither a Republican nor a Democrat. For that reason, he proposed that progressive evangelicals distance themselves from politically conservative evangelicals by calling themselves "Red-Letter Christians." Red-Letter refers to the words of Jesus. "The new progressive movement will transcend politics and focus on the issues that were important to Jesus, not Pat Robertson," he said, in a May 12 article in the United Methodist Reporter. Dr. Campolo contends that, "The Religious Right often rants on hot-button issues that Jesus said nothing about, such as abortion and homosexuality. Instead, Jesus focused his attention on poverty and the needs of the oppressed." full story

Religious leaders call for end to torture

June 12, 2006    News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {346} By United Methodist News Service An ad calling for the elimination of torture and cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment as part of U.S. policy will run in the New York Times June 13. Sponsored by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, the ad is signed by 27 religious leaders, including former President Jimmy Carter and United Methodist Rev. Joseph Lowery, co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Names of other United Methodist leaders appearing in the ad include the Rev. Bob Edgar, top staff executive, National Council of Churches; Leonard Sweet, Drew University, and Stanley Hauerwas, Duke University. full story

Commentary: Speaking unspeakable questions about faith, fear, empire

June 12, 2006    News media contact:   Tim  Tanton * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {347} By United Methodist News Service Reaffirmation of nonviolent dissent is absolutely necessary to democracy and to uphold the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution. That this needs to be consistently reasserted seems absurd. Yet, a climate of fear has silenced a significant portion of the press, the public and the pews of our churches. Indeed, throughout the global community, fear has become a weapon used by governments, commercial enterprises, special interest groups and, of course extremist organizations such as al-Qaida. full story

Senate-passed immigration bill falls short

June 13, 2006    News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {352} By United Methodist News Service The Senate immigration bill that was approved May 24 was "a half loaf," according to a United Methodist pastor who has been fighting for a comprehensive immigration plan for 15 years. The Senate bill gives legalization for about half of the 12 million undocumented workers in the United States, said the Rev. Walter Coleman, pastor of Adalberto United Methodist Church, Chicago. Bill Mefford, executive with the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, called the path to citizenship in the Senate bill "an unworkable three-tiered system." full story

Commentary: Love the alien as yourself

June 13, 2006    News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {353} By United Methodist News Service Char and I have been twice blessed. A couple of months ago, we announced the birth of our first grandchild — Dashua Henning Ough. He is growing and prospering. Recently, our son Stuart and his wife Christine informed us they have been "matched" with a baby boy from Guatemala they will be adopting. He was born Feb. 13 to a single mother who made the difficult decision to place him for adoption. Stuart and Christine have named him Cailum Isaac Ough. They will receive this gift from God later in the summer. Cailum will be an immigrant when he arrives in Indianapolis. The adoption completed, he will come as a tiny, legal citizen of the United States, but not as a native born citizen. I suspect some will view him as an alien, a foreigner; perhaps even "illegal," but Char and I love him already. Stuart and Christine already love him. Our hearts are already obedient to God's command to "love him like one of your own." (Leviticus 19:34, The Message) full story

Local church joins in immigration struggle

June 13, 2006    News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {355} By United Methodist News Service About three years ago, FBI agents raided the home of Elvira Arellano at 6 a.m. and arrested her in front of her 4-year-old son. "Her crime was working for minimum wage cleaning out airplanes," said the Rev. Walter Coleman, pastor of Adalberto United Methodist Church in Chicago, where Arellano is lay leader. Arellano, an undocumented worker, decided to fight back. Adalberto United Methodist Church joined her. full story

Africa University graduates 1st health science class, gives 400 degrees

June 14, 2006    News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {360} By United Methodist News Service MUTARE, Zimbabwe — The first class in Africa University's school of health sciences was among those graduating at the school's 2006 ceremonies. The Faculty of Health Sciences opened in 2004 with a pioneer group of six women and two men working for a post-basic bachelor of science degree in nursing. The school presented its first group of graduates this year, and Tsitsi Murapa, the sister-in-charge of the University Health Clinic, was among them. "You're sometimes fearful when you're among the first to do something," Murapa said. "Now that I've come to the end, I have a new motto, and I'm ready share all that I've learned with the university community. The dream of high quality health care is alive." full story

Oregon United Methodist plans park to honor U.S. peacemakers

June 15, 2006    News media contact:   Linda  Bloom * (646) 3693759*  New York {364} By United Methodist News Service EUGENE, Ore. — Peacemakers have too often been ignored by history books in the United States, so John Attig is determined to give them more attention. The retired United Methodist schoolteacher wants to build a monument to U.S. citizens who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. full story

Ganta Mission Station seeks operating funds

June 16, 2006    News media contact:   Linda  Bloom * (646) 3693759*  New York {367} By United Methodist News Service The United Methodist-related Ganta Mission Station in Liberia needs funding assistance for its general operations. General funds have nearly been exhausted, according to the Rev. Herbert Zigbuo, a missionary for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, who is assigned as superintendent for the mission station. Ganta Mission reopened in 2004 after Liberia's civil war and is slowly rebuilding its ministries and facilities. full story

Stay-home dads put careers on hold to raise kids

June 16, 2006    News media contact:   Fran  Coode Walsh * (615) 742-5458*  Nashville {368} By United Methodist News Service TROY, Mich. — It was right around Father's Day six years ago that Michael Bouque decided to quit his job and stay home to raise his newborn son. Now with two children, Bouque has no regrets about giving up his career as an electrical engineer to become a domestic engineer. full story

Resources celebrate women of color, clergywomen's 50th

June 19, 2006    News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {370} United Methodist News Service NASHVILLE, Tenn. — DVDs, books, bulletin inserts, hymns, dramas, litanies and more are being offered across the United Methodist Church to celebrate the diversity of clergywomen and recognize the 50th anniversary of full clergy rights for women in the denomination. The celebrations culminate Aug. 13-17 with the International United Methodist Clergywomen's Consultation in Chicago. Under the theme "The Spirit of God Is Upon Us: Celebrating Our Courageous Past — Claiming Our Bold Future," clergywomen from the United States and from around the world will have time for theological reflection and opportunities for nurture in their ministries. full story

Commentary: Remembering one woman's faith, battle with ALS

June 19, 2006    News media contact:   Fran  Coode Walsh * (615) 742-5458*  Nashville {371} United Methodist News Service Every February for the past 15 years, about the time that preparations for Lent usually begin, the congregation at West Nashville United Methodist Church has observed another ritual. During the time of the worship service when members offer their joys and concerns, Dave Hormby would raise his hand, indicating that his wife, Kathie, had something to offer. In February, everyone knew what Kathie would say. They'd wait quietly for 30 seconds or more until they heard a slightly metallic female voice from Kathie's laptop computer: "Pitchers and catchers report this week." For Kathie, perhaps the most faithful baseball fan you could have ever met, sharing the joy of a new season wasn't just about her favorite sport. As everyone at West Nashville United Methodist Church understood, it was an affirmation of faith and hope and joy, a personal testimony like those of the old Methodist tradition. full story

Doctor says healthy clergy needed, illness not God's will

June 19, 2006    News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {372} United Methodist News Service A United Methodist physician who believes the denomination's clergy are among the least-healthy professional groups in the United States is featured on a Web-log on Time magazine's global health update site. Dr. Scott Morris, a physician, United Methodist pastor and executive director of the Church Health Center in Memphis, Tenn., said pastors and church members need to realize "that the least healthy meal you eat every week is usually at your church" when it should be the other way around. "The church ought to lead the way, not bring up the rear. If the church has to serve fried chicken in order to draw a crowd, then there is something wrong with the message." Morris said. full story

Tacoma congregation declares 'sanctuary' for war resisters

June 20, 2006    News media contact:   Linda  Bloom * (646) 3693759*  New York {374} United Methodist News Service TACOMA, Wash. — In the middle of a city surrounded by military bases, a United Methodist congregation is opening wide its doors to military personnel who may question the legitimacy of orders to fight in Iraq. The administrative council of Tacoma's First United Methodist Church voted unanimously June 11 to declare the church a "sanctuary" for members of the armed forces with moral qualms about participating in military activities that may violate their conscience. full story

Research firm explores state of the United Methodist Church

June 21, 2006    News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {376} United Methodist News Service   NASHVILLE, Tenn. — What do United Methodists like about their denomination? What is the role of the church in their lives? Getting answers to these and other questions is the task of an international consulting firm that is working with the United Methodist Church's Connectional Table for an assessment of the state of the denomination. Researchers with the Martec Group are contacting United Methodists to collect information for the Connectional Table's state of the church project, said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications and a member of the table. full story

U.S. United Methodist membership drops below 8 million

June 21, 2006    News media contact:   Linda  Bloom * (646) 3693759*  New York {378} United Methodist News Service For the first time since the 1930s, the U.S. membership of the United Methodist Church has dropped to just under 8 million. A preliminary report from the denomination's General Council on Finance and Administration, released June 21, shows that total U.S. membership dropped to 7,989,875 in 2005. The final statistical report will be completed in the fall. full story

Rising retiree health costs pose major concern for church

June 22, 2006    News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {379} United Methodist News Service United Methodists have a strong tradition of caring for their retired pastors. The double-edged sword of escalating health care costs and growing numbers of retirees receiving benefits is making that an increasingly difficult proposition. full story

Conferences get creative to address rising health care costs

June 22, 2006    News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {380} United Methodist News Service The Rev. Harold Fuss, 81, is typical of many retired United Methodist pastors. He retired in 1990, after having served active parish ministry for 44 years. He received his first appointment in the former Baltimore Conference at age 18 and devoted his life to the church. Fuss, of Roanoke, Va., has Parkinson's disease and back problems that will soon require surgery. As a result of his ailments, he's on some very expensive medications. The health care benefits offered through the United Methodist Church's Virginia Annual (regional) Conference picks up what Social Security doesn't cover, and he's happy about how things are working out. full story

Benefits director outlines benefits problems

June 22, 2006    News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {381} United Methodist News Service As annual conferences struggle with rising costs for retiree healthcare benefits, there are other factors at play in making this issue an even bigger problem, says Don Rogers, executive director of Virginia United Methodist Pensions, Inc. Rogers, who has experience in financial planning, insurance and benefits administration, has a number of interesting ideas about the growing crisis of benefits for retired pastors in the United Methodist Church. For example, the rising number of second career pastors coming into the connection is having a real impact on retiree benefits, he says. full story

Pension board summarizes conference retirement plans

June 22, 2006    News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {382} United Methodist News Service The United Methodist Church's 2000 legislative assembly directed its Board of Pension and Health Benefits to gather information from the 63 annual conferences about retiree health care issues and their pension plans. During the agency's examination, it found that plans vary widely from conference to conference, but that all conferences have access to health care benefits for retirees. Some conferences fund plans for staff and local church employees as well as clergy. Most have some level of cost sharing by participants in the plan, and some conferences offer a prescription drug program, or vision or dental benefits. Some conferences have been forced to stop paying into retiree benefits plans entirely. full story

Leaders believe Sunday school can revitalize church

June 23, 2006    News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {385} United Methodist News Service NASHVILLE, Tenn. — If you are not part of a Sunday school class you may be missing out on a great "combo deal." "Sunday school is the place where you are known at church," said Chris Jackson, Christian educator at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis. "Worship may be glorious and inspirational, but you cannot create discussions or develop interpersonal relationships while sitting in the pews," he noted. "Sunday school is the 'combo meal deal' at church!" full story

Church invited to open the doors for celebration of Sunday school

June 23, 2006    News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {386} United Methodist News Service NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Spruce up the place and put out the welcome mat-the United Methodist Church is having an "open house" during the month of September. Igniting Ministry, the denomination's national television and welcoming campaign, works with bishops to encourage congregations to celebrate United Methodist Open House Month each September. This year, Sunday school is joining the welcoming wagon. full story

COMMENTARY: UMs cling to traditions at expense of God's grace

June 23, 2006 United Methodist Reporter The Pharisees were in control, and their righteousness was defined by the gold embroidery on their robes and measured by their ability to twist Scripture studies to their favor. Traditions from the time of King David had become entrenched, and the replica of his temple had become a den of thieves. Enter Jesus Christ. ... full story

For Mississippi churches, insurance program proves a boon

June 26, 2006    News media contact:   Tim  Tanton * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {388} United Methodist News Service Reeling from the impact of Hurricane Katrina, many United Methodist churches in Mississippi received quick help from the denomination's Property and Casualty Trust. Two days after the hurricane, the Mississippi Annual (regional) Conference was contacted by PACT's chief executive officer, Irene Howard. Within two weeks, the insurance program sent $1.3 million to the conference to help pay salaries for displaced pastors and lay staff and to assist with debris removal. "I'd never heard of an insurance company advancing you that kind of money," said David Stotts, director of financial administration for the conference. "… If it had not been for PACT, there would have been no way to work with the churches to handle their claims." full story

Senate vote signals support growing for hike in minimum wage

June 26, 2006    News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {390} United Methodist News Service Even though a vote to increase the minimum wage was defeated June 21 in the U.S. Senate there is a clear indication that support for the wage hike is growing, according to a United Methodist official. John S. Hill, director of economic and environmental justice at the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, noted that, for the first time, "a majority of Senators voted to raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour — in part because of the amazing work by faith advocates across the country that have called and e-mailed and written in favor of the proposal." The amendment was defeated in the Senate by a vote of 52-46, just 8 short of the 60 votes needed to pass. full story

New York United Methodist bishop says 'no to torture'

June 27, 2006    News media contact:   Linda  Bloom * (646) 3693759*  New York {392}  United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — Speaking out against the use of torture with other religious leaders, United Methodist Bishop Jeremiah Park of New York called the practice "a direct violation" of who God is and what God represents. "I hope that our church will be very clear on this issue - yes to God and no to torture," Park told United Methodist News Service. In recognition of the United Nations Day for Victims and Survivors of Torture, Park was part of a June 26 press conference outside the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in midtown Manhattan. The event, which included a procession from Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, was sponsored by members of Witness Against Torture. full story

United Methodists join vigil opposing death penalty

June 28, 2006    News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {395}  United Methodist News Service This year marks the 50th anniversary of the United Methodist Church's call to end executions and the 30th anniversary of a decision by the United States Supreme Court to reinstate the death penalty. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary, the United Methodist Board of Church and Society is resurrecting the United Methodists Against the Death Penalty network. Retired United Methodist Bishop Ray Chamberlain will speak during Starvin' for Justice, an annual fast and vigil opposing capital punishment. The vigil will be held in front of the United States Supreme Court June 29-July 2. The dates commemorate the historic 1972 and 1976 Supreme Court rulings that first suspended the death penalty and later allowed executions to resume. full story

'Cool collars' help U.S. soldiers fight the heat

June 28, 2006    News media contact:   Fran  Coode Walsh * (615) 742-5458*  Nashville {396}  United Methodist News Service Long sleeves, pants and body armor provide some protection for United States soldiers serving in Iraq… but do nothing to combat the heat. Average high temperatures in Baghdad run over 110 degrees during peak summer months. A little relief is always welcome. A group of United Methodist women in New Mexico has found a simple, yet resourceful, way to help. It is a strip of khaki fabric that is more than two feet long and two inches wide with something extra sewn into a pocket in the center. "See the crystals right in there? When it gets wet, it's cooling," says Billie Turner, a member of the United Methodist Women's Circle of Faith at First United Methodist Church, Roswell, N.M. The crystals are the secret. The polymer granules, which expand when soaked in water, hold moisture. They're used sometimes in the gardening industry to keep soil moist. full story

Event celebrates, focuses on Native Americans

June 28, 2006    News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {397} United Methodist News Service Deckee Garris is part of the United Methodist Church "because it allows me to be Indian with my traditions and at the same time it gives me freedom to worship God." Garris, a member of the Catawba tribe, was one of 350 participants who gathered June 23-25 at Lake Junaluska, N.C., for the 18th Native American Summer Conference. The theme for the event was "Every Member in Ministry for the 21st Century: Called, Chosen and Equipped to Walk the Sacred Path." "I am always so inspired by the energy and passion and compassion of this group," said Suanne Ware-Diaz, a staff executive with United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race. "There were so many activities for people of all ages." full story

Partnership will train pastors in Angola, Mozambique

June 28, 2006    News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {398} United Methodist News Service NASHVILLE, Tenn. — An agreement to develop curriculum and theological education for Portuguese-speaking pastors in Angola and Mozambique has been signed by officials of United Methodist higher education and ministry and theological schools in Brazil. Partners include the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the faculty of theology of the Methodist University of São Paulo, the denomination's Angola and Mozambique annual conferences and the Methodist Church in Brazil. The agreement was signed June 6. full story

'Derby Resolutions' on sexuality: British Methodist Church

June 29, 2006    News media contact:   Linda  Bloom * (646) 3693759*  New York {400} United Methodist News Service EDINBURGH, Scotland — The 1993 Derby Conference Resolutions on Human Sexuality, nicknamed "The Derby Resolutions," refers to the six resolutions passed at the 1993 Annual Conference of the British Methodist Church held in the city of Derby. Some consider the resolutions as the foundation glue that has held the church together during the past 13 years. Others see them as a set of statements that belong to a different time and context from which the British Methodist Church has moved on. full story

Pastor feeds travelers' body and soul

June 30, 2006    News media contact:   Fran  Coode Walsh * (615) 742-5458*  Nashville {401} United Methodist News Service The Rev. Alan Ashworth has built a ministry around a basic principle--when you're tired, the smallest kindnesses mean a lot. His church is the New Hope Union United Methodist Church in the mountains of Virginia, just a mile and a half from the Appalachian Trail. His outreach is to the thousands of hikers who travel the trail each year. Ashworth sees himself in each of them. "The solitude is what first pulled me to the wilderness," he explained. "I think God speaks to us outdoors." The trail is more than 2,000 miles long, running from Maine to Georgia. Ashworth has found that most people on this journey are at a crossroads. They come for solitude and answers. full story

Global Action Web site covers various aging issues

June 30, 2006    News media contact:   Linda  Bloom * (646) 3693759*  New York {402} United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — In Pakistan, tribal elders are losing influence and being increasingly threatened by extremists. In Nigeria, the pension system is undergoing a fundamental reform. And in the United States, rural life may have a positive affect on older people. Information on all these aging-related topics - and much more - can be found at www.globalaging.org, the Web site of Global Action on Aging, a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 by Susanne Paul, former staff member of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Supporting its vision that the world can be a more welcoming place to older people, the Global Action's Web site has become a recognized source of worldwide information. full story

UMCOR Listed among “Big Names in Katrina Relief” by Newsweek

June 29, 2006  News media contact:   Linda Beher   * 212-870-3816 *  New York United Methodist Committee on Relief, General Board of Global Ministries NEW YORK — The United Methodist Committee on Relief ranked sixth for the amount raised for hurricane relief in a recent survey by Newsweek of the "Big Names in Katrina Relief." UMCOR raised some $64.5 million for hurricane relief and rehabilitation that will fund long-term recovery for the next three years. This is in addition to the thousands of hours United Methodist Volunteers have put into the recovery effort and the $7.6 million United Methodists and others donated in relief supplies. full story