UM News Digest - Feb. 2, 2026

UM News Digest - Feb. 2, 2026

Bishop’s visit signals new hope in Malawi
Farm aims to improve lives, draw people to Christ
Conferences launch ‘Souper Bowl’ food challenge

“The bishop’s inaugural visit definitively signals that the church here is seen and has a shepherd.” — The Rev. Daniel Mhone, Malawi Provisional Conference superintendent.

Bishop Gift K. Machinga (right) prepares to cut the ribbon at Mikundi Dairy Farm in Mikundi, Malawi, during his first visit to the country. Machinga says the church-run farm is a beacon of the income-generating projects he envisions for his episcopal area, which includes Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana. He is joined by the Rev. Daniel Mhone (center), superintendent of the Malawi Provisional Conference, Kephus Mtambo (left), the farm’s project coordinator, and community members. Photo by Francis Nkhoma, UM News.

Bishop Gift K. Machinga (right) prepares to cut the ribbon at Mikundi Dairy Farm in Mikundi, Malawi, during his first visit to the country. He is joined by the Rev. Daniel Mhone, superintendent of the Malawi Provisional Conference. Photo by Francis Nkhoma, UM News.

Bishop’s visit signals new hope in Malawi
BLANTYRE, Malawi (UM News) — Bishop Gift K. Machinga, who oversees the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana Episcopal Area, made his first visit to Malawi to meet with church leaders and laity. The Malawi Provisional Conference has been embroiled in yearslong legal challenges over leadership positions. Machinga called his visit a fact-finding trip to address the conference’s struggles but also an opportunity to see the church’s mission work. Francis Nkhoma reports.

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Kephus Mtambo, farm project coordinator for Mikundi Dairy Farm in Blantyre, Malawi, walks in a barn that is under construction. The farm is being transformed from a previously neglected irrigation facility into a modern livestock center with support from the Yambasu Agriculture Initiative, a United Methodist Board of Global Ministries program. Photo by Francis Nkhoma, UM News.

Kephus Mtambo, farm project coordinator for Mikundi Dairy Farm, walks in a barn that is under construction. Photo by Francis Nkhoma, UM News.

Farm aims to improve lives, draw people to Christ
BLANTYRE, Malawi (UM News) — The Malawi Provisional Conference is forging a path toward economic self-sustainability and enhanced spiritual witness through the rapidly growing Mikundi Dairy Farm. The project, supported by a grant from the Yambasu Agriculture Initiative, is focusing on developing its infrastructure. Francis Nkhoma has the story.
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Pacific Northwest and New England conferences
Conferences launch ‘Souper Bowl’ food challenge
DES MOINES, Wash. — Whether they are fans of the Seahawks or Patriots, United Methodists in the Pacific Northwest and New England conferences have committed to tackle hunger. The Pacific Northwest Conference has challenged New England to see who can raise the most food/dollars as part of the nationwide “Souper Bowl” food challenge. The Seahawks face the Patriots in the 2026 Super Bowl on Feb. 8. Donation tallies are due by Feb. 9. Both conferences suggest how to contribute.
Read about Pacific Northwest Conference effort
Read about New England Conference effort

Oregon-Idaho Conference
Churchgoers say force ‘excessive’ outside federal office
EUGENE, Ore. — Since September, United Methodists and other faith leaders have been gathering at noon Tuesdays outside the federal building in Eugene to sing songs in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactics. The gatherings have been mostly peaceful until Jan. 27 when church leaders report that federal agents responded with a show of force including tear gas and pepper balls. Kristen Caldwell has the story. Paul Jeffrey and Ryan Scott have photos.
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North Carolina Conference
State supreme court to review property case
GARNER, N.C. — On Jan. 30, the North Carolina Supreme Court agreed to review a decision by the North Carolina Court of Appeals regarding the former Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church in Wilmington. The appeals court had previously reversed a lower court’s dismissal of a lawsuit brought by members of the church, which the conference closed under “exigent circumstances,” citing declining membership and missional activity. The United Methodist Church’s Judicial Council, the denomination’s top court, affirmed the closure process. The North Carolina Supreme Court will now consider whether the Court of Appeals erred in reversing the earlier dismissal. The North Carolina Conference has the update.
Read update
UM News: Top court backs conference on church closure

World Council of Churches
Group calls for justice after mine collapse
GENEVA — A landslide caused by heavy rain on Jan. 28 collapsed several mines in eastern Congo, leaving at least 200 people dead. “We grieve with all those affected and hold you in prayer as you cope with loss,” said the Rev. Jerry Pillay, the top executive of the World Council of Churches. “We call for an end of the exploitation of mine workers who toil in unsafe environments and who bear the brunt of extractive greed.”
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Finance and Administration
Caitlin Congdon named next head of finance agency
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration board has named Caitlin Congdon as the next top executive of The United Methodist Church’s finance agency. She starts her new role April 1. She has been the agency’s chief officer of human resources and professional development for nearly 10 years. She will succeed the Rev. Moses Kumar, who has led the agency for 17 years.
Read press release

Church and Society, Religion and Race
Public witness planned for immigrant justice
WASHINGTON — Several United Methodist agencies — Church and Society, Religion and Race and the United Methodist Committee on Relief — are participating in an ecumenical and interfaith worship service and march on Feb. 25 at the U.S. Capitol, calling for the humane treatment of immigrants. Organizers say the event is an opportunity to show solidarity for immigrants and call upon Christians everywhere to live out Christ’s call in Matthew 25 to “welcome the stranger.”
See the schedule and register

Baltimore-Washington Conference
Early Black Methodists in church history
BALTIMORE — February is Black History Month and each week, the Baltimore-Washington Conference’s Archives and History will introduce readers to an underrepresented or overlooked Black Methodist in church history. This week, the conference highlights Mary “Annie” Sweitzer, who was among the members of Strawbridge’s First Class Meeting that sowed the seeds of what became The United Methodist Church. The Rev. Bonnie McCubbin offers this resource.
See resource

Discipleship Ministries
Feb. 9 webinar looks at US clergy taxes
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Discipleship Ministries plans to give an overview on 2025 federal tax return for U.S. clergy at 11 a.m. U.S. Central time Feb. 9. Leading the webinar will be the Rev. Ken Sloane, director of stewardship and generosity, and Janet Jamieson, a certified public accountant, clergy spouse and recently retired Discipleship Ministries chief financial officer.
Learn more and register