Asbury has long been “the Island of Misfit Toys,” as some congregation members have described it. The split was nearly unanimous among its members. ( read original story ...)
Georgia Church Leaves United Methodist Over LGBTQ Clergy, Same-Sex Marriage
Asbury Memorial Church in Savannah, which supports LGBTQ rights, announced Thursday that it would split with the United Methodists, becoming the first congregation in the country to do so. ( read original story ...)
Georgia church splits from United Methodists over gay rights
More than a third of the congregation at Asbury Memorial Church in Savannah are LGBTQ, according to its minister. ( read original story ...)
Georgia Tech researchers find active shooter drills in schools may increase anxiety, depression for several months
The study showed in the 90 days after experiencing an active shooter drill, people's social media posts signaled increased anxiety, stress and depression. ( read original story ...)
Army Cyber Command completes its move to Georgia’s Fort Gordon
The Army command dedicated to defending against hackers and other online threats celebrated its move into a new $366 million headquarters in Georgia on Thursday. ( read original story ...)
Oakland couple accused of trying to illegally export rifle scopes to Oman
A couple was charged in federal court last week for allegedly illegally trying to send night scope rifles to the Sultanate of Oman in 2019. ( read original story ...)
Oman Sultan to Rule on VAT After Legislature Suggests 2022 Start
Oman’s legislature is proposing to implement a value-added tax after January 2022 as falling oil revenue pressures its finances, following similar moves by Gulf Arab neighbors. ( read original story ...)
State Department announces 4th inspector general in 4 months
The Trump administration has named a new acting inspector general for the State Department, the fourth person to lead the watchdog office in four months. ( read original story ...)
Rival Palestinian factions hold rare joint meeting over Israel-UAE deal
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held a rare meeting with rival factions on Thursday as they sought to present a united front over Israel and the United Arab Emirates' deal to normalise ties. ( read original story ...)
Tajikistan’s Ruling Party Officially Nominates President Rahmon To Run For Sixth Term
Tajikistan's ruling People's Democratic Party has officially nominated President Emomali Rahmon, already the longest-serving leader in the former Soviet Union, to run for another term. ( read original story ...)