Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $10,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all!

Daily Digest - June 20, 2024

“For you, the graduating class of Africa University, are the architects of Africa’s future — the torchbearers of progress, innovation and change.”Joaquim Chissano, keynote speaker at Africa University’s graduation ceremony.
 

NEWS AND FEATURES

Africa University
Africa University celebrates 30th graduation

OLD MUTARE, Zimbabwe — More than 560 students from 22 countries received degrees during Africa University’s 30th graduation ceremony. Nearly 58% of this year’s graduates are women. Former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano was the keynote speaker at the pan-African United Methodist university’s commencement. He reminded the graduates of the transformative potential of peace, tracing from his own experiences as a leader during a time of turmoil in Mozambique. Tawanda Chiwara reports. 
Read story

Liberian bishop counters misinformation
MONROVIA, Liberia (UM News) — Bishop Samuel J. Quire of Liberia responded to protests following General Conference’s removal of bans on same-sex weddings and gay ordination. He is dealing with calls for the conference to hold a special session to determine its future, but such a meeting is not currently scheduled. “Be a United Methodist, love The United Methodist Church and stay a United Methodist,” Quire urged his fellow Liberian church members at the end of a press briefing aimed at clearing up misinformation. E Julu Swen reports. 
Read story

Great Plains Conference
Church celebrates Juneteenth with music, message

FAIRWAY, Kan. — With celebratory music and cultural insight, Old Mission United Methodist Church celebrated Juneteenth on June 16. The Rev. David Livingston, senior pastor, compared it to the size of an Easter Sunday morning and noted that only about 5% to 10% of the congregation is Black. The service included dialogues between three generations of Black and white Old Mission members and pastors, a reading of the Langston Hughes poem “Freedom” and music led by four-time Grammy nominee and Old Mission member Oleta Adams. David Burke reports.
Read story

United Methodist Communications 
Cultivating empathy in polarized times

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Curious about maintaining compassion and engaging in meaningful conversations in daily life? On the latest episode of the “Compass" podcast, the Rev. Ryan Dunn speaks with John Pavlovitz, a pastor, writer and activist, about how to navigate differences with empathy, find solace in nature and embrace an authentic faith journey.
Listen to podcast

New 2024 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2024 annual conference reports. New this week are the Illinois Great Rivers, Missouri, North Carolina, Northwest Texas, Peninsula-Delaware and Tanzania conferences. 
Read reports


RESOURCES

Explore United Methodist photos

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — UM News has thousands of images of The United Methodist Church in action around the world. These images are free to use for United Methodist organizations that provide an identifying credit. 
See photos


RECENT HEADLINES

Bishop Humper remembered as advocate for peace


Ask The UMC: The UMC Really Is … series


EVENTS

Monday, July 8-Friday, July 26

Online course: Living Our United Methodist Beliefs

Monday, July 8-Saturday, July 27
Online course: Transforming the One-Room Sunday School Classroom


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now

UM News Digest - May 7, 2025

Bishops work to put new vision into action; Church ‘gives sight’ to 250 in Guatemala; Helping Native American groups honor a hero

UM News Digest - May 5, 2025

Bishops respond to same-sex wedding ruling; ‘World shifted’ with full inclusion; Banner gifted to Korean Methodists

UM News Digest - May 2, 2025

Conference moves toward fossil-fuel divestment; What’s new in the Discipline churchwide?; Oregon-Idaho’s first Tongan church chartered

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved