Church news

Here are some recent church news articles and updates:

National News

• The United Methodist Church has announced plans to split into two separate denominations, with one group remaining in the United Methodist Church and the other forming a new denomination called the Global Methodist Church. (Source: Christianity Today)
• The Southern Baptist Convention has reported a decline in baptisms and membership for the 12th consecutive year. (Source: Baptist Press)
• The Episcopal Church has elected a new presiding bishop, the Rev. Michael Curry, who has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. (Source: Episcopal News Service)

Local News

• A new church plant has been launched in downtown Los Angeles, with a focus on serving the city's homeless population. (Source: LA Times)
• A historic African American church in Charleston, South Carolina, has been restored after being damaged in a fire. (Source: Charleston Post and Courier)
• A Catholic church in Chicago has been recognized for its work in providing food and shelter to the city's homeless population. (Source: Chicago Tribune)

International News

• The Church of England has announced plans to ordain women as bishops, a move that has been met with both support and opposition. (Source: BBC News)
• The Russian Orthodox Church has excommunicated a prominent priest who has spoken out against the government's treatment of Ukraine. (Source: The Guardian)
• The Catholic Church in Africa has launched a new initiative to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS. (Source: Catholic News Agency)

Other News

• A new study has found that church attendance is declining among young adults, with only 27% of 18- to 29-year-olds reporting regular church attendance. (Source: Pew Research Center)
• A popular Christian musician has been accused of sexual misconduct, leading to widespread criticism and calls for accountability. (Source: Christianity Today)
• A new book has been released that explores the intersection of faith and science, featuring contributions from leading theologians and scientists. (Source: Publishers Weekly)