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UM News Digest - June 27, 2025
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“People were starting to die because of the famine, and today the church, through UMCOR, has just donated food. It’s a big step.” — Zacky Kabunga, deputy in charge of projects in the Kivu Conference.
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Community representative Janvier Murhula (left) thanks The United Methodist Church during the distribution of food supplies in Bukavu, Congo. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News.
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United Methodists provide vital aid in Congo
BUKAVU, Congo (UM News) — The United Methodist Church has provided a lifeline of support for families in war-torn eastern Congo, amid a humanitarian crisis that has millions facing acute hunger. The United Methodist Committee on Relief provided two $10,000 solidarity grants for food distribution in Goma and Bukavu, with each supporting 100 households. Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports. |
High court: Church can sue for SMU control
AUSTIN, Texas (UM News) — Texas law authorizes The United Methodist Church’s South Central Jurisdictional Conference to sue to retain some control over Southern Methodist University, the state’s Supreme Court ruled. The high court’s ruling deals a setback to the Dallas university’s move to sever church ties. A concurring opinion encourages the parties to repair their relationship without further litigation. Heather Hahn reports. |
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Michigan Conference
Civil War-era bell rings again
DOWAGIAC, Mich. — The historic bell at Dowagiac: First United Methodist Church rang out for the first time in six years on Easter Sunday. The bell was forged in 1864 during the Civil War at the Meneely Foundry in West Troy, New York. The bell has been given new life by church member Gary Carlile, who set it amongst new landscaping. John E. Harnish has the story.
Read story
WJBF-ABC
Conference continues Helene recovery
MARTINEZ, Ga. — Groups from around the country are working through the North Georgia Conference to help repair homes in Augusta as the recovery from Hurricane Helene continues. “I really felt like, you know, this was a God thing,” said the Rev. Matt Merriman, pastor of United Methodist Church in Brunswick, Ohio. Isabella Moody reports.
Read story
New 2025 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2025 annual conference reports. New this week are the Illinois Great Rivers, Mississippi, Missouri, North Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Western Pennsylvania and Zambia conferences.
Read reports
Correction
An item in the June 25 digest on a new partnership between Africa University and the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries misspelled the name of Roland Fernandes, the mission agency’s top executive. The partnership supports the university’s research in agriculture and public health. United Methodist News regrets the error.
Read press release
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| UM News includes in the Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff. |
MSNBC
Why a church sought Mahmoud Khalil’s freedom
NEW ORLEANS — The Rev. Shawn Anglim, pastor of First Grace United Methodist Church, writes about why a delegation from the congregation joined in protests outside the Jena, Louisiana, detention center where Mahmoud Khalil was held. Khalil, who has been a U.S. legal resident, was detained after his participation in protests on behalf of people in Gaza. A judge ordered his release on bail.
Read commentary
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Higher Education and Ministry
Strengthening United Methodist school ties
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Church’s University Senate held a joint meeting with the North American Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities on June 19. In the meeting, the University Senate reaffirmed and deepened its connection with church-related educational institutions focusing on their United Methodist identity, academic excellence and social justice in higher education.
Read press release
California-Pacific Conference
Tran departs church court for conference role
PASADENA, Calif. — The Rev. Luan-Vu “Lui” Tran, who served on the Judicial Council for the past nine years, has stepped down from the denomination’s top court to take on a new role with the California-Pacific Conference. He will serve as the conference’s assistant chancellor for church law, while continuing his ministry as pastor and assistant director for the conference’s South District. The Rev. Tim Bruster, the Judicial Council’s first clergy alternate, will succeed Tran on the church court.
Read press release |
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Monday, July 14 -
Friday, July 25
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Monday, July 21 -
Monday, Sept. 15
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Photo by John W. Coleman, UM News
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Church embraces its Muslim tenants as neighbors
BRYN MAWR, Pa. (UM News) — St. Luke United Methodist Church near Philadelphia is developing a friendship with Muslim neighbors who use its fellowship hall for Friday prayers, children’s classes and special events. Together they are fulfilling a denominational commitment to bridge the apprehensive divide that exists between many people of the Christian and Islamic faiths. John W. Coleman has the story.
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Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News
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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.
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Photo by Chenayi Kumuterera, UM News
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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.
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Photo illustration by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications
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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.
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United Methodist News is sent by United Methodist Communications
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