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UM News Digest - May 9, 2025
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“We gather not just as individuals but as a united force committed to justice, dignity and the safety of all people, particularly women and girls.” — Patricia Mapani, a United Methodist and area president of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women.
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Hundreds of members of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women march in Gaborone, Botswana, wearing black in solidarity with victims and survivors of gender-based violence. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.
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African women speak against gender violence
GABORONE, Botswana (UM News) — More than 600 Methodist women from Southern and East Africa marched in solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence and those suffering in silence. The issue dominated conversations when women from the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women gathered in Botswana’s capital. Speakers shared sobering numbers and noted that Africa has few shelters for survivors, with the majority seeking refuge in churches. Eveline Chikwanah has the story and Priscilla Muzerengwa has a video. |
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Members of Los Feliz United Methodist Church in Los Angeles pose for a photo celebrating 21 new members joining the church. File photo courtesy Los Feliz United Methodist Church.
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Los Angeles church sees renewal under new pastor
LOS ANGELES (UM News) — Los Feliz United Methodist Church is experiencing a resurgence with the launch of an English-language ministry, expanded multicultural outreach and the addition of new members. The Rev. Brian Suk-Boo Lee credits the congregation for rallying and committing to the church’s future, after a period of struggle that included an attempt at disaffiliation. The Rev. Thomas E. Kim reports. |
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Council of Bishops
United Methodist bishops welcome new pope
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Council of Bishops extends its warmest congratulations to Pope Leo XIV (previously Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost) on his election as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. “We are inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s vision for a missionary church that builds bridges and dialogue, with open arms,” said Bishop Tracy S. Malone, president of the Council of Bishops. “His commitment to humility, being close to the people, and seeking ways to embody the gospel message among all people resonates deeply with our values as United Methodists.”
Read statement
Ecumenical group congratulates Pope Leo XIV
South Georgia Conference
New church flourishes in senior living center
MOULTRIE, Ga. — What began as a few faithful friends seeking connection has blossomed into a Spirit-led gathering planted within the heart of a senior living facility. This is Pathfinders United Methodist Church, a new church forming with help from Vineville United Methodist and the South Georgia Conference’s Congregational Development. The Rev. Stephanie Smith has the story.
Read story
Status and Role of Women
Leaders support membership amendment
CHICAGO — Eight United Methodist leaders, representing a variety of denominational ministries, have signed a statement in support of an amendment to the denomination’s constitution that would add “gender” and “ability” to the list of characteristics that do not bar people from church membership. The amendment to Paragraph 4, Article IV is the second ballot going before annual conference voters this year.
See statement
UM News: Church constitutional amendments head to vote
Great Plains Conference
Bishop Wilke remembered at celebration of life
WINFIELD, Kan. — The family of Bishop Richard Byrd Wilke painted a portrait of him as a loving, Christ-believing father and grandfather during celebration of life services May 6. The retired bishop and co-creator of the popular Disciple Bible Study died Easter Sunday morning at age 94. David Burke reports.
Read story
Read UM News obituary
Religion News Service
Faith activists arrested in budget protests
WASHINGTON — The Rev. Joel Simpson, pastor at First United Methodist Church in Taylorsville, North Carolina, was among five faith leaders arrested while praying in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on May 5. It was the second time in as many weeks clergy and others have been handcuffed as they speak out against the Republican-led budget bill. According to organizers, also arrested were Shane Claiborne, a longtime activist and co-director of Red Letter Christians; the Revs. Alvin Jackson and Hanna Broome, both affiliated with the activist group Repairers of the Breach, and Ariel Gold, USA director of the interfaith The Fellowship of Reconciliation. Jack Jenkins reports.
Read story |
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Finance and Administration
Handbook delves into denomination’s budget
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration, the United Methodist finance agency, has compiled the United Methodist Church Budget Handbook, previously known as the Financial Commitment Booklet. This document is a compilation of budgetary items passed by General Conference in 2024.
Learn more and download handbook
Reconciling Ministries Network
Advocacy group plans convocation in July
MADISON, Wis. — Reconciling Ministries Network, a group that advocates full inclusion of LGBTQ people in The United Methodist Church, plans to hold its Convocation 2025 on July 25-27 at First United Methodist Church of Madison. The theme will be “Uncharted: Becoming the Church We Need Right Now.” Pre-Convocation worship and workshops are scheduled July 24.
Learn more and register |
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Photo by Rick Wolcott, Council of Bishops
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Bishops work to put new vision into action
CHICAGO (UM News) — United Methodist bishops spent much of their spring meeting exploring how they can help fellow churchgoers to love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously. Their meeting looked at loving boldly through an embrace of the Nicene Creed, serving among immigrant populations and empowering church leaders. Heather Hahn reports.
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Photo by Sam Hodges, UM News
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‘World shifted’ with move to full inclusion
DALLAS (UM News) — A May 1 celebration of the one-year anniversary of The United Methodist Church’s move to full inclusion for LGBTQ people drew nearly 200 people to Greenland Hills United Methodist Church. One speaker said “the world shifted” when General Conference made policy changes on ordination and more. Sam Hodges reports.
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Photo by Rick Wolcott, Council of Bishops
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Bishops respond to same-sex wedding ruling
CHICAGO (UM News) — United Methodist bishops seek to ease concerns after the denomination’s top court ruled that trustees cannot bar a pastor from officiating at same-sex weddings within church walls. In a statement approved on the last day of their spring meeting, the bishops note that the decision does not take away rights from central conferences to set their own rules on marriage. Heather Hahn reports.
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Photo courtesy South Carolina Advocate
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Church ‘gives sight’ to 250 in Guatemala
IRMO, S.C. — A Midlands church has made it possible for more than 250 people in Guatemala to see. Union United Methodist launched a “Give Sight” campaign in February to raise funds for Healing Guatemala’s Cataract Camps. Healing Guatemala is a medical mission in Guatemala supported by the Columbia District and founded by Dr. Luke Rhyee, a United Methodist pastor. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate’s Jessica Brodie reports.
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United Methodist News is sent by United Methodist Communications
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