UM News Digest - Nov. 13, 2026

UM News Digest - Nov. 13, 2026

Hamilton interview | Highland Park name | Africa University

“I want to figure out who are the people on the other side of the aisle that we can build relationships with to be able to bring about change.” — Sen.-elect Adam Hamilton.

The Rev. Adam Hamilton poses in front of his temporary office in Washington, D.C., during new senator orientation the week of Nov. 8. Photo courtesy of the Adam Hamilton for Kansas Facebook page.

Rev. Hamilton goes to Washington
WASHINGTON (UM News) — The Rev. Adam Hamilton, a United Methodist pastor and the newly elected junior senator from Kansas, hopes to model a more mainstream view of Christianity in Washington, and be a unifier in bringing Republicans and Democrats together to address tough issues. In an interview with UM News, he talks about his faith and priorities in Congress, as well as his plans for staying connected to Resurrection, the United Methodist church he leads in Kansas. Jim Patterson has the story.

Read story

Debate heats up over Highland Park name
DALLAS (UM News) — After voting to cut ties with The United Methodist Church, Highland Park Methodist is asking the court to stop those who remain United Methodist from using the Highland Park name. Meanwhile, the Highland Park United Methodist congregation is moving locations to the campus of Southern Methodist University. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story

Bishop Tracy S. Malone (left) and the Rev. Peter Mageto attend worship service with other Africa University board members and the community during the board’s fall meeting in October. Photo courtesy of Africa University Public Affairs Office.

Africa University board reelects vice chancellor
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — The Rev. Peter Mageto was reelected to lead Africa University for the next five years during the university’s fall board meeting. “I see it as an opportunity to continue to transform Africa University to become a leading institution,” he said. Board members also celebrated a second grant from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries that will help resuscitate the pan-African university’s farm. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
Read story

Gathering celebrates gifts of transgender people
EVANSTON, Ill. (UM News) — An ecumenical initiative brought together diverse Christian traditions to affirm the dignity of transgender people and recognize their place in the liturgy and life of the church. The “Sacred, Trans and Blessed” Hymn Festival featured music, art, prayer and theological reflection centered on the spirituality and experiences of transgender people. The Rev. Gustavo Vásquez reports.
Read story

Higher Education and Ministry
Ireson, former higher ed leader, dies at 86
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Roger Ireson, president emeritus of the International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities and former top executive of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, is being remembered for his devotion to Methodist education and ministry as a pastor. Ireson died Nov. 6 in Austin, Texas, at age 86.
Read obituary

Wisconsin Conference
Conferences join for leadership training
GREEN LAKE, Wis. — More than 250 clergy from the Wisconsin and Northern Illinois conferences gathered in October for three days of leadership development, connection and innovation. The two conferences now share a bishop. In his welcome address, Bishop Dan Schwerin urged attendees to lean on each other amid church and societal transition and challenges. Karyn Saemann has the story and photos.
Read story and see photos

Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate
Mother’s grief inspires graphic novel
DALLAS — It had been eight years since the death of her beloved son Willie from osteosarcoma when Lisa Tichenor was asked a question by renowned pastor the Rev. Adam Hamilton: What practical tips can you give me to help friends deal with the loss of their child? That conversation led to “A Chance to Mend,” a graphic novel illustrating how to support people experiencing grief. Carol Toler has the story.
Read story

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
$125M campaign aims to shape seminary’s future
EVANSTON, Ill. — Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, one of 13 United Methodist-affiliated seminaries in the U.S., has announced the public phase of Abundant Spirit: Garrett’s Next Century, a $125 million campaign designed to strengthen the seminary’s capacity to prepare Christian leaders for a rapidly changing world. A community of donors has already committed $81 million to the campaign, which will advance three priorities: making theological education more accessible, deepening Garrett’s relationships with churches and communities, and securing the financial resources necessary to sustain and strengthen its mission.
Read press release and watch video