News & Ideas

Thursday's News & Ideas - 5/16/2024

  • Missed opportunities for UMC
  • Jewish professors write to Senate
  • ‘The Chosen’ translations
  • UMC approves communion with TEC
  • PCA cancels anti-polarization panel
  • Dulcimer & heritage

Missed opportunities at the UMC general conference*
Christian Century: We took some good steps. But we are too afraid to name certain truths.

1,200 Jewish professors call on Senate to reject controversial antisemitism definition
Religion News Service: The professors say the antisemitism bill’s main thrust is to silence criticism of Israel.

‘The Chosen’ breaks record for most-translated TV show*
Christianity Today: The popular series about Jesus is now available in 50 languages with plans for 550 more.

United Methodists approve full communion with Episcopalians*
AL.com: The United Methodist General Conference that ended May 3 approved a plan for full communion with Episcopalians, pending approval by the 2027 Episcopal Church General Convention.

PCA cancels anti-polarization panel with David French for being too polarizing
Religion News Service: Leaders of the conservative denomination canceled the discussion of dealing with polarization after online backlash.

The Spark

Three strings: Past, present, and future
A writer finds beauty, human connection, and one’s heritage in the resonant sounds of the dulcimer at Longreads.

*access is limited for nonsubscribers



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