Video: Puerto Rican bishop gives thanks to UMCOR


In the year since Hurricane Maria swept across Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, 2017, The United Methodist Church has been sending prayers and support. The United Methodist Committee on Relief has contributed more than $20 million, allowing the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico to establish the Renew, Rebuild and Reconstruct (Rehace
program. Bishop Hector Ortiz of the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico expresses his gratitude.

A series of videos produced by Michelle Maldonado of United Methodist Communications shows the impact the church has had.

Video: Methodist program provides both material and emotional support after Maria

Video: Maria survivor: ‘Thank you for returning my happiness’

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Local Church
Graphic by Ben Ward, photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Finding Unity in Diversity: A Church's Journey with the Rev. Daniel Hawkins

The pastor of Martin United Methodist Church in the Horizon Texas Conference says he leads a “purple church,” where people are prioritized over political views. In “Signs of Life,” a new podcast from UM News, Ben Ward talks with the Rev. Daniel Hawkins about bringing diverse church members to the table and having sometimes hard conversations to be in community together. He says the congregation, which is one-third Tongan, is “unified without being uniform.”
Social Concerns
Mei Vader and her grandmother participate in “Faithful Resistance: A Public Witness for Immigrant Justice” in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 25, 2026. Vader is the daughter of the Rev. Stephanie Vader, pastor of Capitol Hill United Methodist Church. The church served as a host for the event. Image from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

United Methodists take immigration concerns to DC

United Methodists traveled great distances to Washington, DC to stand in witness for the rights of immigrants.
Social Concerns
The Rev. Shelby Slowey, pastor of South End United Methodist Church in Nashville explains how United Methodist Social Principles apply to current proposed legislation related to the death penalty in Tennessee. Over 200 United Methodists participated in United Methodist Day on the Hill at the Tennessee Capitol. Image from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Churchgoers take Social Principles to lawmakers

Concerns about immigration, education and criminal justice drive a record number of United Methodists to participate in Tennessee Day on the Hill in 2026.

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