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UM News Digest - Nov. 12, 2025
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The Rev. Aleze M. Fulbright (center) celebrates the growth of The United Methodist Church in Africa as the Commission on the General Conference, meeting in Minneapolis on Nov. 11, considers setting the number of delegates for the 2028 General Conference. Sitting beside Fulbright, the General Conference secretary, are the Rev. Andy Call, the commission’s chair, and Sharah Dass, General Conference business manager. Photo by Heather Hahn, UM News.
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GC2028 delegate count marks historic shift
MINNEAPOLIS (UM News) — No matter what happens at the next General Conference, The United Methodist Church’s legislative assembly will be groundbreaking. General Conference organizers have set the total number of delegates for the next assembly scheduled in 2028. For the first time, most delegates will come from regions outside the U.S. The number of delegates allotted also is significantly smaller than at recent General Conference sessions. Heather Hahn reports. |
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Schoolgirls journey home on a homemade raft they guide down a flooded street in Calumpit, Philippines, after Typhoon Carina in July 2024. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.
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Bishops prioritize creation care
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s bishops remain committed to caring for God’s world, and they call on fellow United Methodists to join in this urgent work. During its fall meeting, the Council of Bishops adopted a response to the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement’s open letter asking the bishops to prioritize creation care and environmental stewardship. Julie Dwyer has the story.
Read story |
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Ask The UMC
Understanding regionalization
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — What’s next now that annual conference lay and clergy members worldwide have voted to ratify regionalization — a package of amendments to The United Methodist Church’s constitution that authorize a more decentralized and less U.S.-centric model of governance? The Rev. Taylor W Burton Edwards with Ask The UMC outlines the changes that are now in effect and two issues relating to regionalization that remain outstanding.
Read story
UM News: New United Methodist Church structure ratified
Baltimore-Washington Conference
Parking lot becomes holy ground again
SILVER SPRING, Md. — More than 150 people gathered on Nov. 5 in a parking lot to mark the lives of people once laid to rest there. The site housed Mt. Zion Cemetery, the resting place for Black residents of Sligo, from 1862 to 1963. Although six burials were officially moved when the property was sold, church leaders have since identified at least 38 individuals whose graves were never relocated. The service, held jointly by Silver Spring and Van Buren United Methodist churches, served both as a prayer and a step toward reparations. Alison Burdett reports.
Read story
Global Ministries
Agency seeks help with funding gaps
ATLANTA — The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries has been analyzing its resources, global partners and available funding to try to fill some of the gaps after the United States shut down most of its $34 billion budget for the U.S. Agency for International Development. Programs for maternal and child health, HIV and AIDS, malaria and hospital and clinic operations that receive U.S. federal funds are struggling to survive in the wake of the budget cuts. Christie R. House has the story.
Read story |
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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. |
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Wooden crosses are presented as a special recognition to several participants in the celebration of the 120th anniversary of La Trinidad United Methodist Church in May. Photo by the Rev. Gustavo Vasquez, UM News.
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La Trinidad epitomizes Hispanic legacy in the church
SEGUIN, Texas (UM News) — La Trinidad United Methodist Church is marking 120 years of history and stands as an example of faithful witness in the face of adversity. “In these challenging times for the Hispanic-Latino community inside and outside the church, this congregation is a symbol of struggle, faithfulness and resilience,” said Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, who leads the Rio Texas Conference. The Rev. Gustavo Vasquez offers an analysis on the church’s challenges and legacy.
Read story |
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Church and Society
United Nations honors agency leader
NEW YORK — The Rev. Liberato “Levi” C. Bautista, an executive with the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, received the 2025 Spirit of the United Nations Award in the non-government organization category. Bautista oversees United Nations and international affairs for the agency. The award honors individuals whose lives and work embody the founding vision and spiritual values of the United Nations.
Read press release |
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Discipleship Ministries
Lectionary 2026 available
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The 2026 Revised Common Lectionary is available in a free two-page document to help with weekly and longer-term worship planning. The lectionary is a three-year cycle of Scripture texts following the liturgical year and is designed to be used in worship week by week.
Learn more
Download lectionary
United Methodist Rural Advocates
Grants available for rural churches
CONCORD, N.C. — United Methodist rural churches may apply for $750 grants for new or emerging social justice ministries. United Methodist Rural Advocates will approve six of the grant applications submitted by Jan. 20. Churches can enter justice-oriented ministries developed within the last six months or those they would like to develop in response to needs in the community.
Learn more
To apply (PDF) |
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Screenshot photo courtesy of the Council of Bishops Facebook page
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Bishops plan gathering to follow Spirit’s lead
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Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News
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Mission hospitals give hope to expectant mothers
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United Methodist News is sent by United Methodist Communications
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