UM News Digest - Oct. 21, 2026

UM News Digest - Oct. 21, 2026

Leadership Gathering | Immigration suit | John Wesley’s works

“Each of you has been invited into this space because of your experience, your expertise, your love, your frustration, your fighting with — and your fighting for — The United Methodist Church.” — Stephanie Henry, speaking to those at the Leadership Gathering.

Ashlee Vitz (left) and Teri Watanabe raise their arms in praise during opening worship at the United Methodist Leadership Gathering at Knox United Church in Calgary, Canada. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Gathering begins to imagine church yet to be
CALGARY, Alberta (UM News) — More than 280 United Methodist lay and clergy leaders from four continents gathered in a 114-year-old sanctuary and online to begin the work of praying, listening and striving for The United Methodist Church of the future. But first they had to grapple with the denomination’s realities of the present. Heather Hahn has the story.

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Bishops Rodel M. Acdal (left) and Rubén Saenz Jr. preside over Holy Communion during the United Methodist Leadership Gathering on Oct. 21 at Knox United Church in Calgary, Canada. Saenz is Council of Bishops president and co-convener of the event’s design team. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Court revives suit to block ICE from churches
WASHINGTON (UM News) — A U.S. federal appeals court ruled that an interfaith coalition, including United Methodists, has grounds to sue to curb immigration enforcement activities at houses of worship. United Methodist churches already have experienced ICE agents targeting their ministries. Heather Hahn reports.
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This year marks the 25th anniversary of a special consultation in Bristol, England, focused on “Las Obras de Juan Wesley,” the Spanish translation of John Wesley’s works. The publication of “Las Obras” in 1998, and the 2001 consultation were both aimed at supporting Latino and Hispanic pastors and congregations. Photo courtesy of the Wesley Heritage Foundation.

Photo courtesy of the Wesley Heritage Foundation

Rediscovering John Wesley’s works in Spanish
ANNANDALE, Va. (UM News) — This year marks the 25th anniversary of a special Bristol, England, consultation focused on “Las Obras de Juan Wesley,” the Spanish translation of John Wesley’s works. Scholars are celebrating that milestone by publishing an upcoming volume of selected writings. Rebeca Martinez Ervin has the story.
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Oregon-Idaho Conference
A faithful response to school shooting
BEND, Ore. — The Rev. Jen Stuart of Bend United Methodist Church and other faith leaders are coming together to support their community in the wake of a shooting Oct. 15 at Silver Rail Elementary School that left three young children and one teacher dead, along with the 16-year-old shooter. Stuart was among clergy invited to offer pastoral support to Silver Rail families. “It was absolutely sacred to be there with people mourning their loss of safety and their children,” she said. “I haven’t had the chance yet to fully process this. It’s a lot to hold.” Kristen Caldwell has the story.
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United Methodist Communications
VBS event in Burundi welcomes 2,500 kids
BUJUMBURA, Burundi — For one week in August, churches across Burundi became classrooms, sanctuaries and gathering places as 2,500 children and youth came together to discover the Christian faith. More than 870 teachers and staff members led the Burundi Conference’s national vacation Bible school. The program took place in 11 parishes. Arcade Igiraneza reports.
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WTOC
Church back home after long ceiling repairs
SAVANNAH, Ga. — For the first time in 15 months, the congregation of Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church worshipped in its own sanctuary after a ceiling collapsed. For over a year, the congregation held services inside a local synagogue. “When you’re not in your physical place … you have a yearning to go home, and that God is calling you always to come home,” said Heather Whitaker, a choir and congregation member. Julianne Sheehan reports.
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Global Ministries, Higher Education and Ministry
‘This Moment Matters’ granting tops $38 million
ATLANTA — More than $38 million in grants to support agriculture and food security, education, health, migrants and peace have been awarded through the “This Moment Matters” initiative of the United Methodist boards of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry. Across 681 grants, the support “demonstrates the United Methodist connection at work and the capacity of our agencies to deploy resources in response to urgent global needs,” said Roland Fernandes, top executive of both boards.
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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.

United Methodist Men
Why men must stand with women against abuse
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For many congregations, it will pass with a bulletin insert and a moment of prayer. The Rev. Dr. Rick Vance, the top executive of United Methodist Men, asks men of the church for more than that. “Violence against women will not end until men decide it is our issue, too,” he writes.
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Discipleship Ministries
Dallas to host United Methodist youth event
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A national gathering for United Methodist youth will be held July 11-14 in Dallas. YOUTH 2027 is intended to be a space for youth and their chaperones to experience community and connectionalism. The event is open to youth entering sixth grade through those graduating high school in 2027.
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