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United Methodists in North Carolina and beyond say it’s important for Christians with opposing political views to seek common ground. That’s the idea behind the Western North Carolina Conference’s Purple Church Initiative, which aims to foster dialogue between conservative and progressive church members. Church image by Stephen Kyle Adair; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Looking for middle ground in a divisive era

As President Trump returns to office, some United Methodists are preparing to respond to new policies on immigration, while others are hoping common ground is still possible among politically diverse members.

Editor's Picks

Local Church

Altadena United Methodist Church in Altadena, Calif., is reduced to rubble after the Palisades and Eaton fires swept through southern California. Experts warn that Los Angeles is not yet out of danger as the fires remain uncontained. Photo by the Rev. Garth Gilliam, district superintendent, California-Pacific Conference.

United Methodists see loss, offer relief as wildfires rage

Church members in the Los Angeles area are doing what they can to help people displaced by the fires while also mourning the loss of homes and church buildings.

Mission and Ministry

Adriano António Paulino (standing) joins in prayer before lunch at the Quéssua Mission in Angola. A feeding program there serves as many as 700 children from nearby villages. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

2023: The year in photos

In a world filled with uncertainty, United Methodists found creative ways to live out their faith and serve their communities in 2023. UM News photographers documented a year in the life of United Methodism worldwide.

Annual Conferences

2024 United Methodist annual conference reports

UM News posts the official summaries filed by annual conferences from around the connection. Find the latest reports on our archive page.

Latest News

Local Church

Members of The Village United Methodist Church in DeSoto, Texas, dance during an Oct. 27 worship service in the parking lot of the church. The church hosts a tailgate-like event when the Dallas Cowboys play at home. Photo by Jim Patterson, UM News.

Young Black church thrives with ‘contemporary feel’

Church Growth

Jason Shelton, a sociologist who teaches at the University of Texas, Arlington, is the author of “The Contemporary Black Church: The New Dynamics of African American Religion.” He is also a member of The Village United Methodist Church in DeSoto, Texas, which has used innovative ways to grow the congregation. Photo by Justin Clemons, University of Texas, Arlington.

Research reveals new trends among Black Protestants

Global Health

A woman exits an ambulance after receiving testing during The United Methodist Church’s free health expo in Harare, Zimbabwe, as other patients wait to be seen. The church partnered with the government and Sunningdale Medical Center to offer the free screenings to church members and the community in October. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Patients line up for free church health clinic

Theology and Education

A lawsuit over United Methodist control of Southern Methodist University in Dallas has reached the Texas Supreme Court. The South Central Jurisdictional Conference of The United Methodist Church filed the lawsuit in 2019 after the university’s board of trustees voted to change the university’s articles of incorporation without the jurisdictional conference’s approval. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons.

High court hears case over church control of SMU

Disaster Relief

The Rev. John Shaver (left) and his friend, Rabbi Mark Blazer, look out at the rubble left of Community United Methodist Church in Pacific Palisades, Calif., where Shaver is pastor. The community of Pacific Palisades was mostly destroyed by the Palisades wildfire. Photo courtesy of Shaver, California-Pacific Conference.

Wildfires claim life of United Methodist

Immigration

Clinic helps immigrants navigate asylum process

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Local Church

Bishop George Bashore is remembered as a stalwart supporter of younger clergy and a master vocalist who wove music into almost everything he did. Photo courtesy of the Council of Bishops.

Bishop Bashore remembered for ministry, music

Evangelism

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington was dedicated by President Obama on Oct. 16, 2011. Photo by Maile Bradfield, for UM News. Text is from his speech on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

Social media graphics from UM News

Social Concerns

Protesters run from police during a "national shutdown" against the election outcome in Luis Cabral township in Maputo, Mozambique, on Nov. 7, 2024. Deadly protests continued after Mozambique’s top court in December confirmed the ruling party candidate’s victory. The political unrest also has disrupted United Methodist Church activities in the country. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko.

Church promotes peace amid political unrest in Mozambique

Mission and Ministry

On the eve of the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., climate activists hold a candlelight Vigil for Creation to mark Earth Day and to call the denomination to greater stewardship of creation. Participants included Mary Frances Gaston (left) Emily McGinn, students at the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. The service took place at the First United Methodist Church of Charlotte. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

The year in photos

General Church

A procession of United Methodist bishops leads opening worship at the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. At the bishops’ request, the board of the General Council on Finance and Administration approved a 2025 spending plan that includes no raises for the episcopal leaders. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Bishops forgo pay raises to shore up funds

Commentaries

Churches build bridges to counter hate

The Rev. Mel West. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Mel West.

World news becomes family news

The Rev. Christopher P. Momany. Photo by Kristen Schell.

Resistance is not enough

What does hate feel like in the body?

Coming out with the new Book of Discipline

Confronting hate: What do you wear?

Dr. Katelin Hansen. Photo by Maxine Moore, courtesy of the author.

Deaconesses are still here – let’s invest in them too!

The Rev. Lovett H. Weems Jr. Photo courtesy of Wesley Theological Seminary.

How will U.S. United Methodists vote?

News From UMC Partners

Congregations

A child chooses a scooter at a Kids Free Christmas Shopping event sponsored by ARK and Velva United Methodist churches in North Dakota. Photo courtesy of the Dakotas Conference Facebook page.

Small churches offer place for kids to shop

Kids Free Christmas Shopping helps youngsters buy Christmas gifts for their families, and the price is right: free. ARK United Methodist Church in South Dakota and Velva United Methodist Church in North Dakota work together on the project each year. “It is such a joy to see the faces of the children … and the delight in the volunteers that are helping.”

Additional Headlines

Bishop Delores J. Williamston of the Louisiana Conference places a stole on the shoulders of the Rev. Deen Thompson at Edgehill United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn., on Dec. 1. The Rev. Ali Young (far left) of the Louisiana Conference and Thompson's husband, John, also attended. Photo by Susan Ruach, courtesy of the Louisiana Conference.

Elder’s reinstatement marks healing moment

Local Church

Volunteers at Klein United Methodist Church in Spring, Texas, spend Monday through Wednesday cooking turkey and preparing side dishes before welcoming guests on Thanksgiving Day. Photo courtesy of The Texas Conference.

Church Thanksgiving Feast feeds hundreds

On a blessing Sunday, pillowcases are carefully draped over the alter rail creating a beautiful, bright, & colorful display. The New England Conference Pillowcase Project brings comfort to cancer patients. Photo courtesy of the New England Conference.

Pillowcase Project brings comfort to pediatric cancer patients

Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a nonprofit that builds and delivers beds to children who need them. Immanuel United Methodist Church in Camillus, New York, along with community volunteers, built 62 beds. Photo courtesy of Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Church assembles dozens of beds for children

Multimedia

Faith Sharing

Social media graphics from UM News

Illustration for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is available to download and share on social media.

Mission and Ministry

The year in photos

Disaster Relief

The Rev. Holly Cobb McKim, pastor of Spruce Pine United Methodist Church, reads from a list of encouragement cards sent by Sunday school children following Hurricane Helene. Screengrab by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Church plays key role in Helene recovery

Disaster Relief

Church member Sherrie Mayotte views damage to the kitchen at Pensacola United Methodist Church in Burnsville, N.C., after it was flooded by storm runoff following Tropical Storm Helene. The nearby Cane River overflowed its banks and drove a wall of water packed with mud, trees and parts of destroyed homes into the church fellowship hall and kitchen. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Hurricane Helene recovery in N.C.

Disaster Relief

Al Tompkins and Carolyn Koontz talk with Anita McKinney on the porch of her home in Newland, N.C. Screengrab by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

‘I’m blessed’: Church crews respond to storms

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Ask The UMC

Worship

Ask The UMC: How do the Sunday readings for Advent differ from year to year?

The Advent readings pursue three different themes in the three different years.

Additional Headlines

Worship

The St. John's United Methodist Church Choir in Lubbock, Texas, performs "My Soul Gives Glory to My God." Photo courtesy of St. John's United Methodist Church.

Ask The UMC: The liturgical history of Lessons and Carols

Ask The UMC series provides insight into legislation that went into effect immediately after the 2024 General Conference and major changes that will go into effect beginning in January, 2025. Graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.

Ask the UMC: Part 6: Opening the door to reaffiliation

Social Concerns

Since the Church’s inception, Methodists have been actively involved in social and political matters in order to build a more peaceful and just world. Graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Is The United Methodist Church involved in politics?

Ask The UMC: Part 5: Ending disaffliation