United Methodists concluded their General Conference on Friday, May 3, by removing the last barriers to full equality of LGBTQ+ members in the life of the church. After repealing a 52-year-old declaration on Thursday that the practice of homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian teaching,” delegates on Friday went further, eliminating a passage in their Book of Discipline, or church law,
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The U.S. electorate continues to be sharply divided along religious lines. The latest Pew Research Center survey finds that most registered voters who are White Christians would vote for Republican Donald Trump over Democrat Joe Biden if the 2024 presidential election were held today. More than half of White Christians think Trump was a “great” or “good” president and don’t think he broke the
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Legendary McMurry University men’s basketball coach Hershel Kimbrell died May 2 at age 97. A visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 US Hwy 277 South. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 9, at Aldersgate Abilene Methodist Church with Bishop Dan Solomon officiating. Interment will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Click
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Many tourist destinations claim to be “all things to all people,” but compared to Branson, Missouri, the rest of them miss the mark by a country mile. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, the laid-back community not only survived the pandemic, but has roared back with numerous new attractions to strengthen its vows to be “number
Read moreBy Danny Minton Midway within the state of Vermont lie the towns of Barre and Groton. As you leave Barre traveling east on Highway 302, you’ll discover you are on the William Scott Memorial Highway. As you travel down the highway, you will eventually come to a marker located at 44º 12.279’ N, 72º 15.957’ W, near Groton. The question
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By Jim Nichols There is a strong tendency for us to get side-tracked by issues that may be only relatively important. This happens in our personal lives and in our lives as followers of God. Each of us, for example, has suffered significant frustration concerning the way our chosen local congregation has addressed (and continues to address) issues. Whatever the
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By Nancy Patrick Progressive Insurance Company spends a lot of money on marketing. I have to admit I find some of the advertisements fascinating. The company’s choice of actress Stephanie Courtney to portray the sales representative Flo was a mark of genius. Courtney has played the marketing character since 2008 and shows no sign of disappearing anytime soon. As much
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Jesus, O Jesus, keeps us singing as we go, greatest name we know. Glenn Dromgoole is a former editor of the Abilene Reporter-News and the author of numerous books. He and his wife, Carol, own Texas Star Trading Company.
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By Loretta Fulton The Abilene Interfaith Council will host its 20th annual National Day of Prayer service at noon Thursday, May 2, at the Center for Contemporary Arts, 220 Cypress St. Everyone is invited to hear prayers for peace, which will be led by participants from Abilene’s many faith traditions. Theme is “World Religions and World Peace.” The service will
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Spirit Of Abilene 