Slideshow: Singing the spirit in Cuba

Surrounded by Caribbean colors and seemingly timeless street scenes, the growing Methodist Church in Cuba is making its presence known. 

Experience lively worship and glimpses of Cuban life with a selection of photos by UMNS photographer Mike DuBose, set to music by Cuban Methodist worship leader Rosmery Díaz.

Writer Linda Bloom and Photographer Mike DuBose traveled to Cuba in November 2016 on behalf of United Methodist News Service to learn more about the Methodist Church in Cuba. Their report, Singing the spirit in Cuba, covers worship, evangelism and ways the church has combined Wesleyan and Pentecostal elements to form a unique identity.

Four-part series debuts Jan. 31 and Feb. 2. Read more.

View  Flickr album.


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
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.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved