NOTE: This is a digest of news features provided by United Methodist Communications for July 28 - August 1. It includes summaries of United Methodist News Service stories and additional briefs from around the United Methodist connection. Full versions of the stories with photographs and related features can be found at http://umns.umc.org.
United Methodists and immigration
United Methodists, faith leaders arrested
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - Luis Orellana, a United Methodist from Des Moines, Iowa, has seen what happens to families when people are deported against their will. That's why he joined faith leaders and immigrant activists who stood in the hot midday sun in front of the White House July 31 with a strong message for President Barack Obama: Save the children, no more deportations. About 112, including 45 United Methodists, were arrested by U. S. Park Police and loaded into waiting buses for their act of civil disobedience.
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Faith leaders and immigration activists protest in front of the White House during a "Day of Prophetic Action" on deportation policies at the White House. More than 100 were arrested.
United Methodists, faith leaders arrested by Erik Alsgaard, WASHINGTON (UMNS)
Luis Orellana, a United Methodist from Des Moines, Iowa, has seen people disappear. It’s the result of people he knows being deported against their will, often breaking apart marriages, families and whole neighborhoods.
He was in Washington July 31, to join with hundreds of protesters calling on President Barack Obama to end what they view as inhumane immigration enforcement policies.
“I have kids that are about the same age as some of those kids crossing the border right now,” Orellana said. “I have cousins and uncles that have been deported, and I know what it is like to be on the other side of the fence. I also know what it’s like to accomplish something in this country, and I’m very grateful.”
All told, 112 faith leaders, including 45 United Methodists, and advocates were arrested in front of the White House during the demonstration that demanded more humane immigration and deportation policies from the Obama Administration. United Methodist bishops Minerva Carcaño of the Los Angeles Area and Jack Meadors, retired, were among those arrested.
The day started with prayer for more than 100 faith leaders, including United Methodists, and immigrant activists who had a strong message for President Barack Obama: Save the children, no more deportations.
Under warm, sunny skies, protesters marched from Lafayette Park to the fence line of the White House, demanding an end to the massive deportations President Obama had overseen during his time in office. Reports indicate that about 1,100 people are deported from the United States every day.
One by one, they were arrested by U.S. Park Police and loaded into waiting buses and vans for their act of civil disobedience.Those arrested were expected to be released after paying a fine.
Support from across the U.S.
Orellana and 11 other United Methodists from Iowa drove 22 hours one way to get to Washington, all to lend their voices to the cause.
Kaija Carter, 17, part of the Iowa group, was at her very first demonstration. She has witnessed friends and family being deported.
“This country was built on the whole mindset that a person could come for a new, fresh start, a new beginning” she said. “It’s angering when people are deported all the time and nothing is being done to change it.”
Because she is a minor, Carter couldn’t join the others in being arrested. But that doesn’t mean she’s not passionate about the issue.
“This is just the beginning of my social justice work and activism,” she said.
Janelle Mueller, from Trinity Las Americas United Methodist Church in Des Moines, works with children at a social service agency within the church. She has watched for the last 15 to 20 years as families have been torn apart by deportation.
“When children lose their parents, uncles and aunts, it gets very tiring,” she said. “Our ancestors did not start out here. There is no reason why people can’t start out here today.”
Being a moral voice
The United Methodist Church recognizes all people, “regardless of country of origin,” as members of God’s family. In its Social Principles, the church states that all people have the right “to equal opportunities for employment, access to housing, health care, education, and freedom from social discrimination.”
“We are here because we are not hearing a moral voice coming from the White House or Congress,” said Bishop Carcaño at a rally before the act of civil disobedience. “It is time for justice in this country; it is time for the ceasing of the deportations of undocumented immigrants that leave families destroyed, that affect our communities, that undermine the ministries of our congregations.”
In the current immigration crisis — with children from Honduras, Nicaragua and other Central American countries pouring over the border from Mexico to the United States — Carcaño stressed that “we must not allow this government to deport these unaccompanied children, sending them back to the possibility of violence upon their own lives: the violence of poverty, of gangs, of gang cartels. Are we not a nation of justice? The shame is that we are not living that justice at the moment.
“And so we've come, risking the possibility of being arrested because some one needs to be the moral voice,” she told the crowd. “We’re asking President Obama to join us a moral voice in this world; we’re asking Congress to join us as a moral voice in this country.”
The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe, top executive of the United Board of Church and Society, was at the rally, but was not one of the people arrested. She was there, she said, to support the work of the church in its efforts to stop deportations.
“Our denomination supports open borders,” she said. “We’re also concerned about addressing the root-causes of immigration: violence, poverty, hunger. We see that particularly with the children at the border right now.”
Henry-Crowe said that her agency would be posting resources for United Methodists to use on this issue on its website.
“Certainly, we can pray and help others understand the issue,” she said. She also urged people to support Justice For Our Neighbors, a church-based legal clinic that is seeking to offer support and assistance to some of the children who have recently crossed in to the United States.
‘Let the children come’
The Rev. Eric Folkerth, senior pastor at Northaven United Methodist Church in Dallas, and the Rev. Owen Ross, pastor of Christ’s Foundry United Methodist Mission in Dallas, attended the rally and were part of those who were arrested.
“I’ve seen children living in fear of parents being taken away from them,” said Ross, whose mission serves an immigrant population. “I’ve seen families torn apart at a moment’s notice. I’m here today to say that our nation needs to stop terrorizing its immigrant population.
“There is no other contemporary political issue that is so frequently and consistently addressed in the Bible as immigration,” said Ross. “We’re avoiding the subject like a three-year old avoids cracks in a sidewalk. We need to preach that our faith requires us to reach out to the foreigners among us.”
Northaven United Methodist Church, Folkerth said, is a big supporter of Christ’s Foundry. He accompanied Ross to Washington not only to attend the rally, but also to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
“We have a mission in Guatamala,” he said of his church, “and a sister church relationship with a church in El Salvador. We’ve seen the rise of violence in those countries, and we’re not surprised at the increase of adults and children coming to the United States.”
Folkerth called for an increase of compassion.
“Jesus said ‘Let the children come to me.’ Jesus didn’t say, ‘Build a wall.’”
See what others were saying about the July 31 protest on RethinkChurch.
Alsgaard is managing editor of the UMConnection in the United Methodist Baltimore-Washington Annual (regional) Conference.
News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., 615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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Pray for the Children: A message from Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey
As I read, I feel helpless. My tendency is to want to DO something. Should I send health kits, clothes, shoes? Something? Then I am reminded of my days at UMCOR when well-intended contributions would arrive after a hurricane or earthquake. We often referred to these contributions as the second disaster.
I was moved recently by a story shared by Rev. Dottie Escobedo-Frank after her visit to the border in Nogales, Arizona where many children are being housed and cared for (see http://umclead.com/1000-children/ ) She said, "We wanted to find out how the faith community could help. But, they are children who need to be protected from the public. We felt somewhat helpless for a moment." This is not about photo ops, and maybe not even about DOING but about BEING - BEING faithful followers in our response.
This is a humanitarian crisis beyond my ability to comprehend. I ask, "How could a parent pay someone, anyone, to take their children to the border by bus, truck and then place them in a small raft at the Rio Grande, or worse yet expect them to swim across the river into the hands of border agents?" The only answer I can even come up with is maybe, LOVE! They love their children so much they are willing to take their last dime and risk their lives and that of their children for the possibility of a better future; a future out of the hands of thieves, rapists, and violence. I have often thought that if I had no resources and my child was hungry, I would go so far as to steal to be sure my child was fed. Pretty drastic coming from a bishop, huh? But yes, I love my daughter so much I would risk my own life for her. Is this how these parents feel?
My colleagues in Texas have written a beautiful letter of response I pray that you will read it and heed their call. UMCOR is working to respond in a way that does not exploit, but instead responds to the needs of the children in way that maintains their dignity; they have already responded by providing emergency funds to the episcopal areas along the border. To help, you may give to the “US Disaster Response Advance #901670,” with a designation on the check saying “For Children at the Border.” Gifts can be given through your local church, or sent to the Louisiana Annual Conference, 527 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70802.
In the meantime, for us “doers,” let us join in prayer. In 2012, we committed to pray each day at 1 p.m. I am inviting you to join me, daily, in setting your alarm once again for 1 p.m. And praying for at least one minute for these beautiful children and for the crisis at hand. We know what happens when 120,000 United Methodists across the state join in prayer!
I cannot help but think what might have happened if a young Telesforo Fierro, my grandfather, who was seeking a better life for his family, might have been detained and then returned to Chihuahua, Mexico.
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Bishop Harvey: Pray for the children
BATON ROUGE, La. (UMNS) — Want to do something to help the migrant youngsters fleeing dire circumstances in Central America and coming to the United States? Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, who leads the Louisiana Annual (regional) Conference and is the granddaughter of a Mexican immigrant, suggests something every person can do: pray.
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Church at center of border crisis response
DALLAS (UMNS) — First United Methodist Church of Dallas is playing a lead role in the city's interfaith humanitarian response to the immigration crisis along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Dallas Morning News has the story.
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Faithful put aside their differences to help migrant youths By DIANNE SOLÍS and RACHEL SIEGEL Staff Writers
From left: Church staff members Alex Ulloa, the Rev. Linda Roby, Adrianna Rodriguez and the Rev. Wally Butts prepare items at First United Methodist Church in Dallas.
Piles of Superman underwear sit among the pyramids of protein formula in the atrium of the First United Methodist Church of Dallas. Soon, the stash will be trucked to South Texas to help with relief efforts for the influx of children and teenagers from Central America.
Down the street on Ross Avenue, welcome boxes sit in an office of the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe. So many people called the church wanting to help that a parishioner organized a welcome-box drive. She asked for toiletries, a small toy and a handwritten note.
“Esperamos que te guste el juguete! Con cariño, tus amigos en Dallas.” We hope you like the toy, with affection, your Dallas friends, one reads.
Across North Texas, across political divides and theological differences, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Jews and others in the local faith community are stepping up with assistance for the children who have crossed the border illegally without a parent. Congregations moved by the plight of the children are finding practical ways to help, even as governments and politicians argue and scramble over solutions.
“It’s a beautiful illustration of loving thy neighbor,” said the Rev. Linda Roby, an associate minister at First Methodist, patting packets of pajamas.
The pastor called the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley in Pharr to channel her congregation’s enthusiasm. With a short list of needs, donations poured in from inside and outside the congregation. A banner was unfurled this week to draw attention to the relief effort: Amo a los Niños. Love the Children, it says.
“This is not a political statement,” said Roby, who regularly runs a missionary trip to Costa Rica, which has also seen an influx of children seeking asylum. “It’s a humanitarian statement.”
Not everyone feels called in the same way, however.
Around the corner on San Jacinto Street, Robert Jeffress, the senior pastor at the First Baptist Church in Dallas, caused a powerful stir. “The most compassionate thing we can do for these children is to secure the border,” Jeffress said in a recent interview with Fox News.
And Jeffress is not alone. A July poll by the Pew Research Center found that 53 percent of Americans believe an accelerated legal process is best in dealing with the influx of Central American youth.
Younger migrants
The children pouring into the United States are younger, and more are coming from Central America than in previous years.
About 100,000 unaccompanied children have been apprehended by federal immigration agents in the past two fiscal years. About 30 percent have been from Mexico and have been sent back within days, as allowed under U.S. law for nations contiguous to the U.S.
This fiscal year, however, Honduras leads the flow, followed by Guatemala and El Salvador. Those three countries have each outpaced Mexico this year in the number of unaccompanied children entering the U.S. This year, 16,546 unaccompanied children arrived from Honduras, compared with 12,614 from Mexico. More than 14,000 have been from Guatemala and more than 13,000 from El Salvador, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Children are younger than ever, too. Although most of the unaccompanied juveniles apprehended by federal immigration agents are teenagers, the number of children under 12 has doubled this year compared to last year, according to a Pew study.
Among Hondurans, fully a quarter of those apprehended this year are under 12, Pew said. Overall, children under 12 now make up about 14 percent of the total flow this year.
The Central American children have been detained by the U.S. Border Patrol and have been kept in shelters until they can be turned over to family members or foster families while their immigration case can be heard.
More could eventually be headed to Dallas County for a temporary stay. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins is working with federal officials to set up three shelters in the county that could handle up to 2,000 unaccompanied minors at a time. Details of those shelters, however, are still being worked out.
Coming together
Many in the faith community aren’t waiting for government action.
More than 100 people came together earlier this month to discuss the border crisis at a meeting hosted by Park Cities Baptist Church and Unite, a religious collaborative group. They represented a cross-section of the faith community, and included Jenkins and other politicians as well. Others attending included members of Dallas Area Interfaith, a coalition of faith-based groups and social service agencies.
Theological lines were blurred.
“It has not been the left or the right or just Jewish and Catholic,” said Rabbi Asher Knight of Temple Emanu-El. “It has been Protestants, Baptists, Jews, Catholics, blacks, Hispanics and everyone across the board.”
The rabbi also sits on the board of the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas, which provides free legal services for unaccompanied minors and refugees. He was particularly pleased that Jewish Family Services is involved because traumatized children need psychologists, too, he said.
“As Jews we recognize our own history and know what it was like for our ancestors to send our own children unaccompanied to other countries for safety,” the rabbi said.
Others at the meeting were asked to find volunteer attorneys, interpreters and foster families. Monetary donations are also a priority.
At First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, Elena Bobadilla was tapped by her minister to be a translator.
“What I keep seeing on the news has really touched my heart,” said Bobadilla, a Plano teacher. “We don’t know what these children have been through. They’re probably scared, and having someone who speaks their language would be very helpful to them.”
Muslims are organizing, too. They plan to meet Thursday to discuss the crisis.
“There is no more vulnerable community than children,” said Alia Salem, the executive director of the D-FW chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Affairs, or CAIR. “An 8-year-old isn’t going to come across the border … unless they are desperate.”
Further, many U.S. Muslims are immigrants or the children of immigrants, Salem said.
When a local group of atheists wanted to help, they turned to the Catholics. Hispanic Secular Humanists and the Fellowship of Freethought packed up supplies for the migrant children this weekend. They’ll deliver them to Catholic Charities of Fort Worth, which has operated a shelter for unaccompanied minors under the age of 13 for the last year. It has received about 200 children so far.
“We are trying to look out for the little ones who need us,” said Roddi Schoneberg of the Fellowship of Freethought. “There is controversy around the issue, but we want to help the children.”
Catholic help
Catholics have been among the first responders in North Texas and across the state.
In McAllen and Brownsville, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley opened nongovernmental shelters more than a month ago. They provide a place for migrants, including families, to stay once they get out of detention and need to rest or eat before continuing their journey.
Catholic Charities of Dallas has worked for four years to provide legal assistance and orientation for unaccompanied juvenile migrants. This past week, they said they needed more attorneys, preferably Spanish-speaking ones. They also need Spanish-speaking volunteers who can perform legal screenings for each child, and interpreters.
Monetary donations to defray court fees are welcomed, they said. They also welcome Target and Walmart gift cards to purchase clothes for the children, and “comfort items” such as toiletries, pajamas, crayons and picture books.
Vanna Slaughter, the director of immigration and legal services for Catholic Charities, said attorneys are especially needed because 30 to 40 percent of the youths will have a legal remedy that would allow them to stay. But every child must be interviewed to glean pertinent details, she said.
Dallas Bishop Kevin Farrell and Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson joined together last week in calling on lawyers to help the children.
Farrell, who is an immigrant from Ireland, has questioned the public acrimony over the influx of children.
“Why is it today that this is such a divisive issue?” he asked. “Perhaps, because we are looking at it through the lens of a political response ... These are our brothers and sisters. We need to care for them.”
For motivation, he turned to the Bible, to the book of Matthew, Chapter 25.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food,” he quoted. “For I was thirsty and you gave me drink. For I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
AT A GLANCE: How to help
Here are some organizations that are coordinating volunteer efforts to respond to the influx of unaccompanied migrant children into the United States. As many as 2,000 children could be coming to Dallas County for temporary shelter.
Volunteering
Catholic Charities of Dallas is looking for Spanish speakers to conduct interviews with children. Contact volunteer coordinator Eileen O’Malley at volunteer@ccdallas.org.
NETWORK of Community Ministries is looking for volunteers who can serve as interviewers, receptionists and delivery drivers, as well as in its clothing center and food pantry. Those who are interested can visit www.thenetwork.org.
The Dallas County chapter of the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, or VOAD, will coordinate organizations offering assistance to the migrant children in the proposed shelters. Individuals can sign up with the Volunteer Center of North Texas at www.VOLY.org.
Legal services
Catholic Charities is also looking for volunteer attorneys. Contact Eileen O’Malley at volunteer@ccdallas.org.
The Dallas Hispanic Bar Association and the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas are training attorneys to help represent children in immigration cases. Those who are interested can visit dallashispanicbar.com.
Clothing and other goods
Catholic Charities of Dallas is asking for Target and Wal-Mart gift cards in $25 increments. These will be used to buy clothes for the kids. Gift cards can be sent or delivered to Mary Jo Dorn at the Catholic Charities offices, 9461 LBJ Freeway, Suite 128, Dallas TX 75243.
Catholic Charities is also asking for toiletries, pajamas, rosaries, Bibles, prayer books and picture books — in Spanish, if possible. These can be dropped off at 9461 LBJ Freeway, Suite 128.
Texas Baptists Disaster Recovery is seeking specific clothing and food items for its border locations. Visit www.texasbaptists.org/disaster and click on “For the Children Fund.”
First United Methodist Church of Dallas is accepting donations of Pedialyte, newborn Nido powdered formula, and children’s underwear. The church is at 1928 Ross Ave. in downtown Dallas. Donations should be brought to the reception desk at the San Jacinto Street entrance.
The Tarrant County Democratic Party is accepting toiletries in a small backpack or cloth bag, which they said will help them distribute the items easily. They’re also asking for toys. Donations can be brought to the party’s headquarters at 2806 Race St., Fort Worth TX 76111 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, or Cole Ballweg’s campaign office at 200 North Mesquite St., Suite 250, Arlington, TX 76111 starting Wednesday, July 22. Call 817-691-4413 to schedule a time.
Network of Community Ministries is accepting food, toys, children’s clothing, school supplies and toiletries. The items are accepted 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday at 741 South Sherman Street in Richardson. They can be brought to the clothing center dock or food dock at the back of the building.
Monetary gifts
Catholic Charities of Dallas will use donations to cover legal fees for representation of the children. Donations can be dropped off at the office, 9461 LBJ Freeway, Suite 128, Dallas TX 75243.
Texas Baptists Disaster Recovery is accepting donations by mail, in care of Finance & Accounting, Baptist General Convention of Texas, 333 N. Washington Ave., Dallas TX 75246. Checks should be made payable to “Texas Baptists Disaster Recovery,” with the memo notation, “For the Children Fund.”
First United Methodist Church in Dallas is taking donations. Visit firstchurchdallas.org/love-the-children.
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Pastor seeks response to undocumented teens
VASSAR, Mich. (UMNS) - Demonstrations and counter-demonstrations have taken place in Vassar since the announcement by Wolverine Human Services that undocumented Central American teens could be coming to the community. The Rev. Cathy Christman, pastor at Vassar United Methodist Church, is demonstrating her faith by talking with town leaders, calling for prayer and seeking advice on practical ways to minister to the needs of the young people if/when they arrive. Kay DeMoss of the Michigan Episcopal Area has the story.
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Faith confronts fear in the town of Vassar by KAY DeMOSS, Senior editor-writer, Michigan Area, VASSAR, Mich. (MIC) – A man lifts a “Second Revolution” flag. He is met by a woman waving a poster, “Honk for Peace on the Cass!” A scene in southwest Texas? No. A scene playing out in eastern Michigan.Demonstrations and counter demonstrations have taken place in Vassar since the announcement by Wolverine Human Services of a federally funded contract that could bring undocumented Central American teens to their Vassar facility. The contract comes through a Chicago-based anti-poverty organization, Heartland Alliance.
As of this date licensing is being sought and a contract has not been signed.
The Rev. Cathy Christman, pastor at Vassar UMC since July 2013, is demonstrating her faith by talking with town leaders, calling for prayer and seeking advice on practical ways to minister to the needs of the young people if/when they arrive.
In a prayer request raised in both the Detroit and West Michigan Conferences, Cathy observes, “The community is torn in half by this. There have been protests—including persons with weapons—and this has caused many to feel afraid, anxious and confused.”
Speaking of the Peace on the Cass (River) movement, Cathy told MIConnect that these Vassar residents are “not willing to accept violence, fear and intimidation.” She adds, “Peaceful protest is one thing. Assault rifles are scary.”
Wolverine’s plan would bring jobs to the town—teachers would be hired to work with an anticipated 120 boys, ages 12-17. MLive/Saginaw quotes Derrick McCree, Sr. Vice President of Wolverine Human Services: “We’ll do everything in our power to help children … who are fleeing from harm’s way and extreme poverty.” Teens would stay up to four weeks at Wolverine’s Pioneer Work and Learn Center receiving medical care, counseling, and English Language training while waiting for their cases to be processed through immigration court.
Rev. Christman notes that families are torn. “It can be very tense around the breakfast table,” she says out of personal experience. Members of the Vassar congregation are of varying opinions. “Everyone is very quiet right now. I heard a collective gasp as I preached about hospitality yesterday and spoke of this opportunity to be a neighbor.” Quoting Queen Esther, Cathy believes Vassar UMC's Vacation Bible School theme for August, 2014—Everybody’s Neighbor—was meant for “such a time as this.”
Some Vassar residents have expressed dismay over the Wolverine Services proposal in particular and federal handling of border control in general. All opinions found in Vassar are also mirrored across the nation. A July 29 Religion News Service reported on a survey of American viewpoints on child migrants. The poll indicates more favor shelter than immediate deportation.
Vassar clergy, Cathy included, have been organizing a Peace Vigil set for Thursday, July 31, 5:30 pm,hosted by Grace Lutheran Church, 885 S. Saginaw Street. It will be a time of prayer for the community and for the children who may, or may not, eventually cross their town limits. August 4th is the next City Council meeting and further protest is anticipated. Christman asks that special prayers for safety be raised at those particular times.
When asked how others can be supportive, Cathy says, “Pray and educate. People assume too many things when it comes to immigration so resourcing is important.” For those struggling with issues of immigration and hospitality, she recommends various tools:
The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church;
Justice for our Neighbors (JFON) a network of clinics offering professional and legal services to immigrants, including bases in West Michigan and Southeast Michigan;
The Rev. Paul Perez, the Detroit Conference Director of Mission and Justice Engagement; email Paul at pperez@detroitconferenceumc.org or phone 810-233-5000;
In communication with Wolverine’s Derek McCree, Cathy learned that sports equipment is a welcome donation at the present time. The equipment will be used to greet the teens to their temporary home. Other needs may emerge at a later time. Those wishing to offer support can email Pastor Cathy at cchristman2006@hotmail.com.
“If and when the teens come on the buses, I fear they might be met by people with guns." Cathy concludes, "I can't imagine what it would be like to be a kid experiencing that.”
~Photos this page courtesy of Vassar Pioneer Times/John Cook; homepage photo courtesy of UMNS/Viky Garcia, Laredo Humanitarian Relief Team.
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Top stories
Sierra Leone task force targets Ebola
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — Sierra Leone's two main faith groups — Christians and Muslims — have formed an alliance to join the fight against Ebola amid increasing infection and death rates from the epidemic in the country. The Religious Leaders Task Force on Ebola, chaired by United Methodist Bishop John K. Yambasu, was launched this month.
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Liberia declares national emergency on Ebola
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) - Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a prominent United Methodist, is now heading the task force for the fight against the Ebola virus, which she has declared a national emergency. E. Julu Swen of the Liberia Annual (regional) Conference has the story.
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'A dream for peace on the Korean Peninsula'
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Standing behind a banner that read "Pray to End the War; Reunite Families; and Bring Peace to Korea," the Rev. We Chang, of the United Methodist New England Annual (regional) Conference, echoed the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as he declared, "We too have a dream, a dream for peace on the Korean Peninsula."
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Group to bishops: Enforce rules on homosexuality
DALLAS (UMNS) - A group of more than 100 pastors and laypeople is asking United Methodist bishops to enforce and support publicly church law restrictions against same-sex marriage but stopped short of calling for amicable separation after a July 18 meeting in Atlanta. The group also has set up a website.
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Group to bishops: Enforce rules on homosexuality by Sam Hodges, DALLAS (UMNS)More than 100 pastors and laypeople, including those from large churches, have issued a statement saying United Methodist bishops must enforce and publicly support church law restrictions against same-sex marriage if the denomination is to hold together.
“We need our bishops to uphold the clear biblically based teachings of The United Methodist Church that marriage is between one man and one woman,” said the Rev. Kenneth Levingston, pastor of The Higher Way Church: Jones Memorial United Methodist in Houston.
But the self-described traditionalist group, after five hours of discussion in Atlanta on July 18, stopped short of calling for amicable separation.
Many in the group had been part of a conference call in April that did yield a call for a breakup, and some had said the Atlanta meeting might be about how to accomplish separation without the litigation over property that other denominations have seen.
In Atlanta, participants discussed and prayed about the options before deciding to issue a statement challenging the Council of Bishops to enforce the Book of Discipline as it prevents clergy from officiating at same-sex unions and churches from hosting such services.
“All of us understand that amicable separation is the last resort to be put on the table, and we hope and pray we never have to get there, and the way we never have to get there is for our bishops to do what they should do,” said the Rev. Robert Renfroe, president of the unofficial evangelical United Methodist caucus Good News, and a spokesman for the Atlanta gathering, which included non-Good News members.
“If they don’t, then I think that will be the option that we will have to consider.”
The group released a statement laying out its demands to the bishops, as well as a press release. The group has no name, but it does have a descriptive website address, www.Methodistcrossroads.org, and is asking other United Methodists to sign on there as supportive.
Persisting tensions
The United Methodist Church has for more than 40 years held that while all people are of sacred worth, homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Along with the restrictions on same-sex marriage, church law does not allow “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” to be ordained as clergy.
Conflict over those positions goes back many years and has intensified as opinion polls document growing acceptance of homosexuality in the United States and as more states have legalized same-sex marriage.
Efforts to change the Book of Discipline’s stance on homosexuality have consistently failed at General Conference, the denomination’s top legislative body, and “agree to disagree” legislation also lost at the 2012 General Conference in Tampa, Fla. But resistance has continued through resolutions by jurisdictions and annual conferences, and by pastors defying church law to perform same-sex unions. They include retired Bishop Melvin G. Talbert, who faces a complaint.
The case of the Rev. Frank Schaefer, who was defrocked for officiating at the same-sex wedding of his son, and then reinstated after an appeal, resulted in national news coverage that emphasized tensions within the denomination.
In June, the Rev. Adam Hamilton, pastor of the 18,000-member United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, announced “A Way Forward for a United Methodist Church,” an effort that seeks to avoid schism by allowing a “local option” for churches and annual conferences with church law on homosexuality. As of earlier this month, more than 2,600 clergy and lay members had signed on in support.
The group meeting in Atlanta is strongly opposed to Hamilton’s idea, saying it would push the conflict from General Conference down to the annual conferences and churches, as they would vote on whether to opt out of church law.
“‘A Way Forward’ is a way to disaster,” Renfroe said.
Specific requests
The group calls instead for the Council of Bishops to emerge from its next meeting, set for Nov. 1-7 in Oklahoma City, expressing “commitment to promote, defend and uphold the church’s biblical teaching that marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman.”
The group also wants the Council of Bishops to state publicly that they have censured “those bishops who have stated they will use their influence to prevent trials as a means of just resolution for clergy who preside at same-sex services.”
Bishop Martin D. McLee of the New York Annual (regional) Conference called in March for a cessation of church trials for pastors charged with officiating at same-sex unions.
The group that met in Atlanta also wants bishops to promise that when church trials occur they will appoint as counsel for the church “individuals fully supportive of the church’s teachings and the necessity for organizational accountability.”
This is not the first time a group of United Methodists have urged bishops to take action to support the denomination's stance on same-sex unions. Some of the group that met in Atlanta were also organizers of the FaithfulUMC petition, which in September 2011 urged the Council of Bishops to respond to clergy's pledges to officiate at same-sex unions. In response, the council released a statement after its November 2011 meeting declaring the bishops would "uphold the Book of Discipline as established by the General Conference."
Bishop Warner H. Brown Jr., of the California-Nevada Annual (regional) Conference, is the current president of the Council of Bishops. He issued the following about the statement by the group that met in Atlanta:
“Among United Methodists, there are diverse and heartfelt views on a number of social issues, including human sexuality and same-gender marriage. We as a church, and as a Council of Bishops, are not all of one mind on this particular issue; but we do not have to think alike to work together on the mission God has given us. The Council of Bishops has previously discussed this issue and will continue to discern and explore a wide range of issues that affect the spiritual and temporal life of our global church. We will continue in a spirit of holy conferencing, living with our differences, and in dialogue about the issues that sometimes divide us. I am prayerful we can remain united as a family of faith. I am convinced that is the overwhelming desire of most United Methodists. Despite our differences, our primary purpose remains to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
Support, dismay
Among those who spoke at the Atlanta meeting was the Rev. William J. Abraham, the Albert Outler Professor of Wesley Studies at Perkins School of Theology, a United Methodist seminary and part of Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
Abraham signed the statement, as did such large-church pastors as the Rev. Tom Harrison of Asbury United Methodist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Rev. Ed Robb III of The Woodlands United Methodist Church in The Woodlands, Texas, and the Rev. Stephen Wende, pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Houston.
Signers came from all five U.S. jurisdictions of the church, and included the Rev. Timothy Tennent, current president of Asbury Theological Seminary, in Wilmore, Kentucky, and the Rev. Maxie Dunnam, a past president of that seminary.
The statement was greeted with dismay by the Rev. Bruce Robbins, a retired United Methodist pastor, former top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns and a strong proponent of changing the Book of Discipline provisions on homosexuality.
“The signatories seem so clear that they are the saints and we (the progressives) are the sinners who the church needs to punish,” he said in an email. “They are the faithful, and we are the malcontents. I grieve because I see names of friends on the list. Individually they know that the issue is more complicated and nuanced than the polarization they present.”
The Rev. Randy Mickler, pastor of Mount Bethel United Methodist Church in Marietta, Georgia, and another spokesman for the group, said he would definitely favor amicable separation if the bishops don’t follow the group’s recommendations.
“There’s no accountability right now,” he said. “The covenant’s already been broken. … If the bishops would do what they’re supposed to do, everything would be fine.”
Hodges, a United Methodist News Service writer, lives in Dallas. Contact him at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org
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Freedom rings for happy summer scholars
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Freedom Schools in 29 states are helping more than 11,500 children develop a love for reading and gain extra self-esteem. Many of the schools were held in United Methodist churches like this one at Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church. The six-week summer schools are sponsored by the Children's Defense Fund.
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Seminary welcomes Mexican, Colombian pastors
DALLAS (UMNS) - This summer, some Methodist pastors from Colombia and Mexico have engaged in distance learning the old-fashioned way - traveling to Dallas for classes at Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of Theology.
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2016 General Conference logo unveiled
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Commission on the General Conference has chosen a logo for the 2016 General Conference, developed by United Methodist Communications to complement the conference theme, "Therefore Go." Stephanie Henry of the Upper New York Annual (regional) Conference chairs the Logo and Theme Committee. General Conference, which meets every four years, is the denomination's top lawmaking assembly.
Read press release
2016 General Conference Logo Unveiled
United Methodist CommunicationsOffice of Public Information
810 12th Ave. S.
Nashville, TN 37203
www.umcpresscenter.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2014
Nashville, Tenn.: The Commission on the General Conference has chosen a logo for the 2016 General Conference.
United Methodist Communications developed the logo to complement the theme of the 2016 General Conference, "Therefore go," which the Commission chose in 2013. Stephanie Henry of the Upper New York Annual Conference chairs the Logo and Theme Committee.
The theme is based on the Great Commission set forth in Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)
“The theme of the 2016 General Conference serves as graphic support for our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of the global communications agency. “We wanted to provide an action-themed logo that ties to the roots of The United Methodist Church, a denomination striving to fulfill the Great Commission.”
The logo's font is constructed of strong letter shapes and curves, which gives the words an approachable and friendly feel, while also hinting at the boldness of the denomination's mission. The word "go" is set inside a triangle, which adds movement and direction, while the backdrop of Mount Hood is reflective of the location of the 2016 event in Portland, Oregon.
"We believe this logo provides cohesive imagery for the event, yet affords a lot of flexibility for the various needs of the conference," said Sara Hotchkiss, business manager of the General Conference. "It gives us a strong foundation on which to build."
The simple design of this logo allows for easy integration with conference-related materials and coordinates well with the Cross and Flame symbol already featured on United Methodist media, avoiding redundancy. The logo is rendered in black-and-white in order to use it over vibrantly colored backgrounds. Future creative executions may include the use of the logo itself in color as new resources are created.
About General Conference
General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church which meets once every four years. The conference can revise church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs.
About United Methodist Communications
As the communications agency for The United Methodist Church, United Methodist Communications seeks to increase awareness and visibility of the denomination in communities and nations around the globe. United Methodist Communications also offers services, tools, products and resources for communications ministry.
Contact:
Diane Degnan ddegnan@umcom.org
615.742.5406 (office) 615.483.1765 (cell)
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Ukraine crisis affects UMC congregations
KIEV, Ukraine (UMNS) — Missionary John Calhoun offers an update on the political crisis in the Ukraine and how local United Methodist congregations are bringing relief to families displaced by the conflict. Calhoun serves in Kiev (Kyiv) in ministry with The United Methodist Church in Ukraine.
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Milestones for Imagine No Malaria
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The United Methodist Church has raised more than $62 million toward its $75 million goal for the Imagine No Malaria initiative, with annual (regional) conferences providing much of the momentum.
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Apply for Social Principles consultations
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - Want to have a say in refining The United Methodist Church's Social Principles? The United Methodist Board of Church and Society is seeking applicants to participate in consultations to consider a process to make the principles more succinct, theological and globally relevant. Seven consultations have been planned: five in central conferences around the globe and two in the United States.
Read about consultations
Read about effort to make Social Principles more global
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Why purity rings don't work
MOBILE, Ala. (UMNS) - The Rev. Jeremy Steele, a United Methodist writer and pastor in the Alabama-West Florida Annual (regional) Conference, writes about research that shows purity rings aren't preventing teen sex and makes the case for what the church can do to encourage teen abstinence. He put together the new United Methodist curriculum on sex education: "Sex: A Christian Perspective on Our Bodies, Decisions, and Relationships" for the United Methodist Board of Discipleship.
Read Steele's blog
More about the curriculum
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Pastor finds spiritual truths in 'Doctor Who'
PONCHATOULA, La. (UMNS) — God's love, the Rev. Matt Rawle says, is like the TARDIS. It's bigger on the inside. Rawle is lead pastor of The Well United Methodist Church and ardent fan of the British science fiction series "Dr. Who." He shares spiritual lessons from the series with the Baton Rouge Advocate.
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The Theology of Technology
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - "When we allow and empower people to have access to technology that allows them to get information that they can use to improve their lives, we are fulfilling the call of God to be in the world and be a transformative presence in the world," says the Rev. Larry Hollon, top executive of United Methodist Communications. The denomination's communications agency will host the Game Changers Summit Sept. 3-5, in Nashville to demonstrate how information and communications technology can be used to improve lives.
Read Q&A with Hollon
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Native American Youth Leadership Training set
LEBANON, Pa. (UMNS) — The Native American International Caucus of The United Methodist Church will hold "Peg-leg Flamingos: Native American Indian Youth Leadership Training" Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 16-19, at Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center. The gathering is for seventh-graders through high school seniors. Registration is $70.
Brochure on PDF
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Memories of Freedom Summer
Freedom Summer remains vision of hope
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Retired Bishop C. Joseph Sprague was a 25-year-old student pastor and father of two young children when he joined a small delegation from his Ohio seminary and traveled to Mississippi during the summer of 1964. What he experienced there "wrote a new song, a not-yet-achieved vision, on my heart," Sprague says in a reflection for United Methodist News Service.
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Freedom School leads to fulfillment of dream
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Dorothy V. Smith's experience at a Freedom School in 1964 led to her determination "to become a teacher who taught black students about our history." Smith is a dean at United Methodist-related Dillard University in New Orleans.
Read reflection
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email newsdesk@umcom.org and put Digest in the subject line.
Webinar "Plan Your Year Round Stewardship Campaign," Tuesday, Aug. 5 - 7-8 p.m. ET. Course teaches how a congregation can develop a holistic process that will help people grow in faith and give generously, led by the Rev. Paul B. Nickerson, owner of Nickerson Coaching. $10. Details.
Free webinar "Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It," Thursday, Aug. 7 - 2 p.m. CT. The Rev. Adam Hamilton, senior pastor of United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, will talk about the life of John Wesley and the characteristics of a Wesleyan Christian. Details
Free webinar "Planning for Advent," Thursday, Aug. 7 - 7:30 p.m. CT. This webinar will provide an overview of key themes of the Season of Advent and the Scriptures of the season. Details.
Annual meeting of MARCHA (Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic Americans), Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 7-10 - Gathering will be at Hacienda Hotel LAX in Los Angeles. The Rev. Alexia Salvatierra, lecturer at New York Theological Seminary and expert on faith-rooted advocacy, will be the main speaker. Bishops Minerva Carcaño and Warner Brown will preach. Details.
Mission RoundUP for United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, Friday-Sunday, Aug. 8-10 - Workshops for Volunteers in Mission in the North Central Jurisdiction at Epworth Camp and Retreat Center, North Webster, Indiana. The theme is "Achieving our Mission: Barriers vs. Opportunities." Details.
Free webinar "S.O.S. for Teachers Schedule, Organization, Safety," Thursday, Aug. 7 - 7-8 p.m. ET, Help for a successful Christian education season, led by Jane Kintzi, a consultant at the Parish Resource Center. Details.
Early bird deadline for "Revitup! ... For a Lifetime in Ministry" event for young clergy, Friday, Aug. 8- Event Monday-Wednesday, Sept. 15-17, in Atlanta for young clergy, ages 25-39, sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits. The focus is on financial and leadership skills. $119 before Aug. 8. Details.
Deadline to register for Impact Kentucky in Louisville, Friday, Aug. 8 - Kentucky Annual (regional) Conference gathering for community service will be Saturday, Aug. 16. Other Impact Kentucky events will be Saturday, Aug. 23, in the Covington and Elizabethtown Districts, an Friday-Saturday, Sept. 19-20, in Henderson, Kentucky. Details.
Shreveport, Louisiana Skeeter Run, Saturday, Aug. 9 - The first of six 5K and one-mile run/walks in the Louisiana Annual (regional) Conference to support Imagine No Malaria, the denomination's initiative to eradicate preventable deaths from the disease. The other five runs will take place across the state on Saturday, Oct. 11. $20 registration. Details.
Free J. Mark McVey concert, Saturday, Aug. 9 - 7 p.m. ET. Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in North Carolina will present "Finding Your Voice: Lessons for the Soul from a Life on Broadway," a special performance by tenor McVey, who has starred in "Les Miserables." Details.
Free Lake Junaluska Signature Series event featuring Fred Bahnson, Sunday, Aug. 10 - 7 p.m. ET, Fred Bahnso is a writer, permaculture gardener, and pioneer in church-supported agriculture. Details.
Deadline to apply for Ethnic Local Church Grants, Sunday, Aug. 10 - The grants, distributed by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, aim to strengthen ethnic minority local churches through education, advocacy or leadership development as they engage in social justice. Details.
United Theological Seminary's Preaching Retreat, Tuesday-Thursday, Aug. 12-14 - "The Promise of New Testament Apocalyptic" will be the theme of the retreat at the seminary's campus at 4501 Denlinger Road, Dayton, Ohio. The event aims to help pastors and students gain competence in preaching apocalyptic texts in the New Testament. Details.
Deadline to apply to join regional Healthy Families, Healthy Planet advocacy training, Friday, Aug. 15 - The free United Methodist training in advocating for women and girls will be Saturday, Sept. 6, with an optional session on Monday, Sept. 8, in Peoria, Illinois. Applications are required. Details and application.
Deadline to register for Just Save One conference to equip HIV and AIDS Ministries, Friday, Aug. 15 - The gathering will be Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 11-13, at the Renaissance Hotel in Denver and sponsored by the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund. Details.
Online courses from BeADisciple.com in August and September - Aug. 18-Sept. 2: Come to the Table (study of United Methodist theology and practice of the sacrament of Holy Communion); Aug. 18-Sept. 2: Come to the Waters (study of United Methodist theology and practice of the sacrament of Baptism); Aug. 18-Sept. 2: Biblical Storytelling I; Sept. 8-23: Life Together in the United Methodist Connection; Sept. 8-23: Living Our United Methodist Beliefs; Sept. 8-19: Becoming an Even Better Sunday School or Small Group Teacher; Sept. 15-26: Youth Ministry 101; Sept. 22-Oct. 3: Active Learning for Today's Children. Details.
Free webinar "What Every Teacher Needs to Know," Tuesday, Aug. 19 - 6:30 p.m. CT, The United Methodist Board of Discipleship offers tips for effective leadership in small groups and other classes. Details.
Seven Levers Workshop: Missional Strategies for Conferences with Bishop Robert Schnase, Saturday, Aug. 23 - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT at Collierville United Methodist Church, 454 W. Poplar Ave., Collier, Tennessee. $10. Details.
Symposium on "Understanding Human Trafficking: From Awareness to Action," Saturday, Aug. 23 - 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET, sponsored by Frankfort District United Methodist Men and United Methodist Women at Frankfort (Kentucky) First United Methodist Church, 211 E. Washington St. $16. Details.
Deadline to register for workshop "Small Churches Can Have A Big Impact: Making your Voice & Vote Count!" Monday, Aug. 25 - Event is at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Saturday, Sept. 6. Ohio West Area Bishop Gregory V. Palmer will be the keynote speaker at this workshop at The Methodist Theological School in Ohio, 3081 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio. $20-25. Details on PDF.
Webinar "Planning Your Fall Financial Campaign," Tuesday, Aug. 26 - 7-8 p.m. ET This ecumenical webinar will give advice on how to customize a stewardship campaign by meeting people where they are on their journey of faith. $10. Details.
Deadline for early-bird discount on 2015 United Methodist Program Calendars, Sunday. Aug. 31 - Order before date and receive 10 percent discount. Use Promo Code CAL15EP.
Converge 2014: A Gathering of Pastors for Pastors, Monday-Wednesday, Sept. 8-10 - The event for clergy and church staff will be at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Joplin, Missouri. Erwin Raphael McManus, founder of MOSAIC community of faith in Los Angeles, will be the keynote speaker. $70, discounted from what's on the website. Details.
One Board Model Seminar, Sunday, Sept. 14 - 2 p.m. CT. The Rev. Bob Farr, director of congregational excellence for the Missouri Annual (regional) Conference, will lead training for churches to implement a one-board model at The Connection, 6701 Virginia Ave., St. Louis. Details on PDF.
Christians Engaged in Faith Formation conference "CEF2014: May the Circle be Unbroken," Friday-Monday,Oct. 17-20 - This is a conference for United Methodist Christian Educators and leaders in faith formation from other denominations at Millennium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. Details.
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