wfn.org | United Methodist News Service to Cover Obama Inauguration

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

> Jan. 8, 2009

> EDITORS:

United Methodist News Service will post a package of stories, video and audio reports Jan. 13-14 in advance of the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States.

The multimedia package will include news stories about United Methodist involvement in the inauguration, as well as reflections from around the church on the historic event. Continuing UMNS coverage will include the Jan. 20 inauguration, with news and video about United Methodist events and activities related to  it.

The inauguration coverage will carry a logo and the title, â??44 Steps Closer: A Nationâ??s Journey.â??

The cornerstone of the pre-inauguration package will be Bishop Woodie W. Whiteâ??s annual birthday letter to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. about the progress of racial equality in the United States. The 2009 letter is a celebration of the first black American elected to what is considered the most influential political office in the world.

â??Martin, it was an unforgettable moment! Even as I write, it is difficult to contain the joy or hold back the tears. You would understand,â?? White writes. â??It would be naïve to conclude that racism and bigotry in America is dead. It is very much alive. Racism dies hard. But its grip in the minds and hearts of Americans, Martin, is not as deep or as broad as you experienced.â??

The package will also include an interview with the Rev. Joseph Lowery, the civil rights giant and United Methodist pastor, who will deliver the benediction during Obamaâ??s inauguration. Stories containing the views of young people, church leaders and representatives from The United Methodist Churchâ??s ethnic constituents will be included.

UMNS coverage will be easier than ever to follow. In addition to accessing stories on www.UMC.org site and by e-mail, users can receive headlines on their cell phones as well as through RSS feeds and other applications provided by Twitter online. Simply go to www.twitter.com/umns.

UMNS also has a Facebook page ? go to

<www.facebook.com and write â??UMNSâ?? in the search engine â?? and UMTV stories are available on YouTube, Google video, and GodTube.