|
UM News Digest - June 25, 2025
|
“The impact of contextualization goes beyond The United Methodist Church but to all African Methodists. It brings back our contextual theology which Africa is known for.” — Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel, on the impact of regionalization.
|
|
The Kenya Prison Service band leads procession at the start of the Africa Methodist Council’s heads of Methodist conferences summit on May 14 in Nairobi, Kenya. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.
|
Methodism emerges stronger in Africa
NAIROBI, Kenya (UM News) — A United Methodist bishop and other church leaders met to chart a way forward for Methodism in Africa. During the meeting, convened by the Africa Methodist Council, the heads of 55 denominations pledged to support each other as Methodism continues to thrive and grow on the African continent despite myriad challenges. Regionalization was a big topic of conversation. Eveline Chikwanah reports. |
|
Members of the Harare (Zimbabwe) Inner-City United Methodist Church’s junior Sunday school class pose with some of their gifts for the local hospital’s pediatric unit. Appliance salesperson Roper Chakava stands second from right. Photo by Chenayi Kumuterera, UM News.
|
Children team up to help sick kids in Zimbabwe
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Children from Harare Inner-City United Methodist Church worked together to gather money and supplies to help sick children in Harare Hospital’s pediatrics unit. With support from their parents, teachers and other well-wishers, the youth raised $2,500. Chenayi Kumuterera has the story. |
|
|
|
Council of Bishops
Bishops call for peace in Middle East
WASHINGTON — In light of the recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East, the United Methodist Council of Bishops echoes the wisdom of the prophet Micah, who implored people to “act justly, love mercy and walk humbly” (Micah 6:8). The bishops also share their prayer for peace.
Read statement
South Georgia Conference
Church sponsors Justice Walk
WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — For Trinity United Methodist Church, serving, loving and celebrating connections and cultures is central to how the congregation shares the Gospel. Recently, church members helped organize a Justice Walk, where participants learned about the history of Juneteenth and shared stories and traditions related to faith and culture. The Rev. Abra Lattany-Reed has the story.
Read story
Church and Society
Agency laments Supreme Court decision
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the denomination’s social-witness agency, laments that the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Tennessee law that restricts gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The United Methodist Social Principles “support the rights of all people … to make decisions about their own bodies and be supported in those decisions, to receive comprehensive sexual education, to be free from sexual exploitation and violence, and to have access to adequate sexual healthcare.”
Read statement
UM News: Church broadens defense of human rights |
KBIA, Missouri Conference
Town’s Juneteenth celebration has church roots
FAYETTE, Mo. — This small town drew more than 100 people to its 25th Juneteenth celebration. The annual gathering was started by a United Methodist pastor and still has church at the heart of its planning and festivities. Rebecca Smith and Katelynn McIlwain have the story for KBIA public radio. Fred Koenig has event coverage from three years ago in The Missouri Methodists.
Read KBIA story
Read The Missouri Methodists story
World Council of Churches
Christians unite in climate-justice work
GENEVA — With prayer, reflections and deep commitments from those gathered at the World Council of Churches central committee meeting, the ecumenical organization began an Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action on June 21. Church leaders spanning six continents united in pledging commitments to climate work. United Methodist Ann Jacob joined in a panel on the initiative. WCC staff have the story.
Read story |
|
|
Global Ministries, Africa University
New partnership supports Africa University
MUTARE, Zimbabwe — Gaps in funding caused by the loss of international aid for agriculture and public health initiatives at Africa University will be partially filled under a four-year partnership between the school and the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. “Though we cannot fill the full funding gap caused by these massive funding cuts, we hope to help mitigate some of the impact,” said Roland Fernandes, top executive of Global Ministries. “This will allow AU to continue vital work in education, health and sustainable agriculture.”
Read press release
UM News: USAID freeze strikes Africa University |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Photo by John W. Coleman, UM News
|
|
Church embraces its Muslim tenants as neighbors
|
|
|
World graphic by Josy Dom Alexis; image for Annual Conference Reports, UM News
|
|
2025 annual conference reports
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
United Methodist News is sent by United Methodist Communications
810 12th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37203-4704
Email: [email protected]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
