UM News Digest - March 13, 2026

UM News Digest - March 13, 2026

Minnesota ‘Wisdom Council’ lifts all voices
Bishops name US Regional Conference organizers
Probe underway of pastor who worked for Epstein

“There is something wonderful and beautiful and holy about folks who had been harmed by the church who chose to stay in to be part of the redeeming work of the church.” — Bishop Lanette Plambeck, on the work of the Minnesota Conference’s “Wisdom Council.”

Pastor Laquaan Malachi of Brunswick United Methodist Church in Crystal speaks to the appointive council of the Minnesota Conference and to fellow members of the “Wisdom Council,” a panel designed to make sure historically underrepresented people have a say in the Minnesota Conference. Image from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Minnesota ‘Wisdom Council’ lifts all voices
MINNEAPOLIS (UM News) — Bishop Lanette Plambeck says she saw an opportunity for “transformational leadership through deep listening” to inform the work in the Minnesota and the Dakotas conferences. Lilla Marigza takes viewers inside a meeting with the “Wisdom Council,” a group of people who bring viewpoints from historically underrepresented voices.

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Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi speaks during opening worship for “Faithful Resistance: A Public Witness for Immigrant Justice” on Feb. 25 at Capitol Hill United Methodist Church in Washington. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Bishops name US Regional Conference organizers
WASHINGTON (UM News) — Bishops have named 25 United Methodist leaders from across the U.S. to organize the first session of the U.S. Regional Conference. The newly named group is responsible for planning the first United Methodist assembly that will make decisions affecting only church members in the U.S. Heather Hahn reports.
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Probe underway of pastor who worked for Epstein
COLUMBIA, Mo. (UM News) — United Methodist leaders learned this week that an ordained elder from Missouri worked briefly as a property manager for convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. For now, Missouri Conference Bishop Robert Farr has suspended the elder from clergy duties while an investigation moves forward. Heather Hahn reports.
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Read Missouri Conference statement

Michigan Conference
United Methodists reach out to tornado survivors
UNION CITY, Mich. — The Michigan Conference Disaster Response Team leapt into action March 6 when four tornadoes struck southwest Michigan and left four dead. First responders worked to save lives and protect property, while the response team began assessing the situation and engaging in discussions with government agencies to determine next steps. James Deaton has the story.
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California-Nevada Conference
Church showcases ‘Reading Rainbow’ host
ELK GROVE, Calif. — Members of Elk Grove United Methodist Church know to “take a look, it’s in a book, a Reading Rainbow.” The church on Feb. 7 hosted an all-ages story time and discussion with Mychal Threets, new host of the rebooted children’s television show, “Reading Rainbow,” now on YouTube. The Rev. April Sousa, the church’s pastor, said the congregation saw this event as more than just a community partnership, but also as an outreach opportunity. Hanna Widlund has the story.
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KLAS-CBS
Church’s demolition does not mean closure
LAS VEGAS — After nearly six decades at the same location, University United Methodist Church will be demolished after the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, purchased the property last year. However, the church is moving — not closing. “Churches are always in transition,” the Rev. Stephen Govett said. John Langeler has the story.
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