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 30, 2016

“We need to set examples that humankind can stand together. We need to build bridges.” — Thomas Kemper, a United Methodist mission leader, on escaping the terrorist attack at the Istanbul airport.

 

 

United Methodist leader safe after Istanbul attack

ISTANBUL, Turkey (UMNS) — Thomas Kemper, a United Methodist mission leader, was waiting in a lounge at Istanbul’s international airport when a terrorist attack began on June 28. Afterward, he spoke about his fear, but also experiencing a feeling of shared humanity and a call for solidarity. Linda Bloom reports.
Read story and post a comment

 

3 gay pastors nominated for United Methodist bishop

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Two openly gay pastors from the Western Jurisdiction and a third from the North Central Jurisdiction have been nominated for election as United Methodist bishops. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
Read story and post a comment

 

Clergywoman comes out at Iowa Conference

DES MOINES, Iowa (UMNS) — The Rev. Anna Blaedel rose on a point of personal privilege to tell delegates at the Iowa Conference that she was “a self-avowed practicing homosexual.” Within hours of her speech, a complaint was filed against her. The Rev. Arthur McLanahan reports for the Iowa Conference.
Read story
Watch video of Blaedel’s speech

 

Youth mission trip turns into flood relief

WHITE SULPHER SPRINGS, W.Va. (UMNS) — A youth mission trip to West Virginia changed direction after historic flooding in the state. Youth from Potomac United Methodist Church were supposed to work on a Habitat home. Instead, they helped at a Red Cross shelter. Erik Alsgaard has the story for the Baltimore-Washington Conference.
Read story

 

Victory for Native Americans at Vanderbilt

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Krystal Tsosie recently received her Master in Public Health from Vanderbilt University. She was one of the very few Native American students at the university. She writes about how a United Methodist leader helped her and other Native American graduates celebrate their achievement in a way that honors their heritage.
Read commentary

 

2016 annual conference reports

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist News Service is posting reports from all the annual conference sessions. New reports this week include Arkansas, Greater New Jersey, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Texas, Oklahoma, Peninsula-Delaware, Red Bird, South Carolina, Susquehana and Wisconsin.

Read reports

 

Looking ahead

Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.

 

Tuesday, July 5

Deadline to register for four United Methodist Communications online courses to be offered July 6 – Aug. 17 — The courses are “Communicating Faith in the 21st Century;” “Moodle: Basic Training;” “Welcoming Ministry;” and “Your Church Website: Rethinking Your New Front Door.” Costs vary. Details

 

 

More upcoming United Methodist events


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 12, 2025

Minneapolis chosen for 2028 General Conference; Planning more help for Haiti; Churches raise funds to house flood survivors

UM News Digest - May 9, 2025

African women speak against gender violence; Los Angeles church sees renewal under new pastor; Top stories from the week

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

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved