Bishop Matthews asks for prayers, action after D.C.-area mall shooting

January 25, 2014 (UMNS)

WASHINGTON (UMNS) — “A deep sense of tragedy hangs in the air,” Bishop Marcus Matthews of the Baltimore-Washington Annual (regional) Conference wrote as he called Jan. 25 for prayers in the wake of the shooting at the Mall in Columbia, a few miles from the Conference Mission Center. The shooter and two victims were reported killed.

“As I write, details of the shooting are still being released,” the bishop said. “…In addition to praying for the shooter, those killed and injured and all of their families, I find myself lamenting the lack of progress being made in our nation to end gun violence. There have been at least 10 shootings at public institutions this year alone. Just yesterday, at my alma mater South Carolina State University, a shooting claimed the life of a student.”

Read full statement

Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now

Evangelism

Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa and his wife, Greater Nhiwatiwa (to bishop's right), attend Jubilee 2024 at a campground in Darwendale, Zimbabwe. The convention was one of two jubilee events that drew some 20,000 church members from the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area on Aug. 8-11. Many in attendance were members of Rukwadzano Rwe Wadzimai, the women’s organization, who were dressed in their signature red and blue uniforms. Photo by Tarisai Mubaiwa.

Church is alive and growing in Zimbabwe

Thousands of United Methodists gathered at two jubilee conventions, showing the church is “active and full of life” in the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area, church leaders say, even as some regions in Africa face turmoil post-General Conference.

Bishops

Bishop Tracy S. Malone addresses the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., after taking over as president of the denomination’s Council of Bishops from outgoing council president Bishop Thomas Bickerton (rear). The Council of Bishops is calling for a five-day leadership gathering in April or May 2026. The bishops plan to hold the gathering instead of the special session of General Conference that they previously announced. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Bishops plan for different kind of gathering

United Methodist bishops have called for a leadership gathering in 2026 — rather than a special session of General Conference. Here is what is known so far about the event.

Central Conferences

Central Congo Bishop Daniel O. Lunge (from right), East Congo Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda and other episcopal leaders pray for members of the Africa University community during a worship service Sept. 4 in the Kwang Lim Chapel on campus at the Africa Colleges of Bishops retreat in Mutare, Zimbabwe. During the Sept. 2-5 meeting, 11 episcopal leaders from the continent pledged their support for worldwide regionalization and expressed a commitment to remain in The United Methodist Church. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

African bishops commit to church unity

During the Africa Colleges of Bishops meeting, 11 episcopal leaders from the African continent pledged their support for worldwide regionalization and expressed a commitment to stay in the United Methodist connection.

Related Tags

Sign up for our newsletter!