On the 2012 General Conference
‘I am hopeful in my discouragement.’
—The Rev. Marc Brown (Virginia)
Date: 5/8/2012
Restructure voided
Judicial Council concludes no part of ‘Plan UMC’ can be saved
By Linda Bloom
Compromise restructure of United Methodist Church by General Conference unanimously declared “unconstitutional” by denomination’s Judicial Council.
Date: 5/8/2012
‘Impenetrable horror’
Outburst of violence in Africa affects student attending General Conference
By Elliott Wright
World Council of Churches calls people of faith to support afflicted believers through prayer and solidarity in Nigeria and Kenya.
Date: 5/4/2012
A serious knowledge gap
Do we understand how The United Methodist Church works?
By the Rev. Joan LaBarr
Research finds neither clergy nor laity know much about official positions their denomination takes and even how it’s structured.
Date: 5/4/2012
Concern over Sudan tensions
World Council of Churches, All Africa Conference of Churches issue joint statement
Faith-based organizations express grave concern over the escalating armed conflict between Sudan and South Sudan.
Date: 5/4/2012
Divestment rejected
Petition targeted Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard, Motorola Solutions for role of their products in Israeli occupation
by Tita_Parham and Wayne Rhodes
By 2 to 1 margin General Conference delegates instead turn to ‘positive investment’ in Palestine to foster peace.
Date: 5/4/2012
Faces of HIV/AIDS
General Conference exhibit deserves viewing
By Susan Passi-Klass
’30 Years/30 Lives: Documenting a Pandemic’ introduced viewers to persons in U.S., South Africa, Thailand and Mexico touched in some way by HIV/AIDS.
Date: 5/4/2012
Sexuality language stays
Delegates fail to agree they disagree
By Kathy Gilbert and Tita Parham
Petition from Adam Hamilton, Mike Slaughter defeated although it would not change the United Methodist stance on same-sex marriage or ordination of gay clergy.
Date: 5/4/2012
Social Principles Preamble changed
‘God’s grace available to all’ declaration added
United Methodist General Conference approves addition following lengthy debate over issues of diversity of opinion.
Date: 5/4/2012
The Shooting of Trayvon Martin
FaithLink downloadable study resource ‘connecting faith with life’
The tragic shooting of Trayvon Martin evoked intense nationwide controversy about racial profiling and other issues of justice in society. How can Christians faithfully respond to this tragedy?
Date: 5/4/2012
U.S. urged to join Mine Ban Treaty
76 civil society leaders urge President Obama to conclude landmine policy review
U.S. among 37 that have not joined the Mine Ban Treaty supported by 161 countries.
Date: 5/4/2012
‘Dignity not detention’
500 protest private-prison industry during General Conference
By Kathy Gilbert and Linda Bloom
United Methodist Task Force on Immigration, UMW raise issue of worldwide abuses of immigration and racial justice related to incarceration for profit.
Date: 4/30/2012
Connecticut abolishes death penalty
Becomes 5th state in 5 years to do so
By Wayne Rhodes, Editor, Faith in Action
Nutmeg State becomes 17th overall to end capital punishment, ‘joins rest of industrial world,’ governor says.
Date: 4/30/2012
Dangerous legislation
Faiths United opposes ‘Armed Vigilante Act’
By Wayne Rhodes, Editor, Faith in Action
Letter to U.S. senators opposes proposed legislation to force states to let people carry loaded, hidden handguns.
Date: 4/30/2012
Faith leaders call for immigration reform
Urge President Obama, Congress to reassert their authority
Interfaith letter sets forth 5 criteria to address in legislation to stop ‘patchwork’ of state laws filling void.
Date: 4/30/2012
Imagine No Malaria
Global health ministry saves lives, revitalizes churches
Congregations urged to host ‘house parties’ during Change the World, May 19-20.
Date: 4/30/2012
On inclusivity
‘The church needs all of us — with no exceptions.’
—Amory Peck (Pacific Northwest)
Date: 4/30/2012
Split views on Palestinian support
General Conference considering divestment
By Linda Bloom
2 advocacy groups at United Methodist General Conference offer different approaches to improve life for Palestinians in Israel and Occupied Territories.
Date: 4/30/2012
Starting towards healing
General Conference ‘Act of Repentance’ addresses abuses of indigenous peoples
By Kathy Gilbert and Linda Bloom
Special observance offers opportunity to hear painful stories of forced migration, massacre, lost identity and stolen land, coupled with moments of reflection, prayer for The United Methodist Church's role abetting abuses.
Date: 4/30/2012
Tipping point on AIDS
Faith communities can overcome epidemic, but needs to take ownership
By Kathy Gilbert
30 million people have died from HIV/AIDS, yet many of churches won’t devote 30 minutes to speak about it.
Date: 4/30/2012
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