UM News Digest - April 30, 2025

UM News Digest - April 30, 2025

Man blesses many by fulfilling mother’s dying wish
Church court sets special session
United Methodists gather for immigration summit

“Ray Kaukonde’s love for his church is extraordinary. As a product of the church, Ray’s wish is to make The UMC the best church in Zimbabwe.” — The Rev. Phanuel Razo.

Patricia and Ray Kaukonde join hands with Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa to celebrate the dedication of Donzwe United Methodist Church near Mudzi, Zimbabwe, in December 2024. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Man blesses many by fulfilling mother’s dying wish
MUDZI, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Honoring the wishes of his late mother, church member Ray Kaukonde has been giving back to The United Methodist Church and his community for years. In addition to supporting United Methodist pastors, he’s helped to build two new sanctuaries, financed parsonages, purchased motorbikes and other vehicles for pastors and educated orphans and vulnerable children up to the university level. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.

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Janemary Muzika, Ray Kaukonde’s grandmother, told Ray that when she died, she wanted her funeral to be held in the church that her husband began constructing in 1977 but was unable to finish. Her grandson helped complete the sanctuary. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Judicial Council
Church court sets special session
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Judicial Council has scheduled a special online session June 2 to take up a question from the Southeastern Jurisdiction bishops related to the denomination’s church-closure provision. Briefs are due on May 20, and reply briefs will be due on May 28.
See docket
See more dockets

Great Plains Conference
United Methodists gather for immigration summit
OMAHA, Neb. — Eight weeks after the federal government announced that churches could no longer be sanctuaries for undocumented immigrants, the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race hosted its inaugural immigration summit. Nearly 150 people representing 44 of the 52 annual conferences in the United States as well as Puerto Rico participated. The event included worship, speakers, panel discussions and the development of action plans. “We live in a nation where fear is manufactured and weaponized,” said the Rev. Giovanni Arroyo, top executive of Religion and Race. “For many of us in this room, they are not theoretical debates; it is personal.” David Burke reports.
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United Methodist Communications
Historian discusses ‘Wesleyan Vile-tality’
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — It’s time to get uncomfortable, says Ashley Boggan, author of “Wesleyan Vile-tality: Reclaiming the Heart of Methodist Identity.” The book challenges United Methodists to reclaim their Methodist roots, embrace holy disruption and live out radical, inclusive love. A new episode of the “Get Your Spirit in Shape” podcast welcomes Boggan, who is also the top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History.
Listen to podcast

Religion and Race
Vermande, advocate for disabled, dies
INDIANAPOLIS — Tim Vermande, a faithful advocate and dedicated member of the United Methodist Disability Ministries Committee, died April 24 at age 70 after a brief illness. Vermande also was a member of the United Methodist Committee on Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Ministries. His work, grounded in a deep commitment to justice and equity, helped advance the church’s ongoing efforts to dismantle ableism, racism and sexism. The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race shared a tribute by Darolyn “Lyn” Jones from during his life. Legacy.com has his obituary.
Read tribute
Read obituary

USA Today
Church’s tree-planting efforts halted
MILWAUKEE — This spring, Solomon Community Temple United Methodist Church in Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood was going to get greener. The church, which is heavily invested in protecting the environment, had secured nearly $28,000 to plant and care for 16 native trees on its property with the hope of bringing more shade to the neighborhood. It was to be a small but important step toward making sure all city neighborhoods reap the health and environmental benefits trees provide, not just wealthier ones. As the Trump administration reviews federal climate funds, the project and others like it are in limbo. Madeline Heim reports.
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Higher Education and Ministry
Statement defends academic freedom
ATLANTA — Roland Fernandes, top executive of the United Methodist boards of Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries, joined more than 500 higher education leaders, including some from United Methodist-related schools, in signing “A Call for Constructive Engagement.” The statement from the American Association of Colleges and Universities defends the essential freedoms of U.S. colleges and universities against political interference and coercive government overreach.
Read press release
Read statement

Status and Role of Women
Three jobs open at restructured agency
CHICAGO — The United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women is restructuring and revisioning. The agency has three full-time positions open that align with its goals for the new quadrennium. It is seeking directors of sexual ethics, leadership development and community engagement, and monitoring and resource development.
Read press release