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 - March 23, 2020

NEWS AND FEATURES

Group looking at new General Conference dates

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — General Conference organizers met in a teleconference to explore rescheduling the lawmaking assembly in 2021 after the coronavirus-compelled delay. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
Read press release
Church leaders postpone GC2020

BMCR looks at separation plans, leadership views
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (UM News) — Much of the annual meeting of the African American caucus of The United Methodist Church focused on major changes being proposed to the now-delayed General Conference, as well as the views of black church leaders. During its 53rd annual meeting, Black Methodists for Church Renewal endorsed the protocol plan for amicable separation of the church. John W. Coleman reports. 
Read story
Read BMCR press release

LiCAS.news
Filipino United Methodists help frontline workers

MANILA, Philippines — Ramuel Derige, a Filipino United Methodist who works in Dubai, posted an appeal to friends on Facebook to help provide personal protective equipment to hospitals in the fight against the coronavirus. In over 12 hours, he was able to raise about $3,500. Derige and his friends, all members of The United Methodist Church, were able to buy 1,000 N95 masks for distribution at six hospitals in the Philippines. Mark Saludes has the story.
Read story

Florida Conference
Hurricane Irma recovery winds down

VALRICO, Fla. — A loving United Methodist community came together two years ago to help communities ravaged by Hurricane Irma. Now, those rebuilding efforts are ending as finances dry up and volunteers scatter to other areas of need. Yvette C. Hammett reports.
Read story 


PRESS RELEASES

Religion and Race 
Commission denounces ‘Chinese Virus’ language

WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race called President Trump’s description of the coronavirus as the “Chinese Virus” racist and xenophobic. “Not only does this unapologetic use of xenophobia and racial terror create physical, emotional and economic harm to persons of Asian descent, it amplified President Trump’s individual racism with the institutional power of the United States government,” the commission statement said. The commission offers five ways for Christians to respond when they hear or witness racism. 
Read statement


RECENT HEADLINES

In GC2020 delay, leaders see needed pause



EVENTS

Monday, April 13-Saturday, April 25 

Online class: Biblical Storytelling I

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