UM Digest - June 29, 2026

UM News Digest - June 29, 2026

LGBTQ leader retires | Help for Venezuela | Northeastern responds

“At the end of the day, I knew that queer people are wonderfully made by God and blessed with gifts for the church and world.” — Jan Lawrence reflecting on her time as executive director of Reconciling Ministries Network.

Jan Lawrence addresses Reconciling Ministries Network’s convocation held July 24-27, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in downtown Madison, Wis. File photo by Joscie Cutchens, UM News.

LGBTQ leader retires after pivotal changes
ROME, Ga. (UM News) — As executive director of Reconciling Ministries Network, Jan Lawrence kept United Methodist advocates organized after the denomination strengthened bans against LGBTQ people and helped lead the way toward removing those longtime bans. Now, the group she has led and the wider United Methodist Church are beginning a new chapter. Heather Hahn has the story.

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Council of Bishops
Bishops call for support for Venezuela
WASHINGTON — Council of Bishops President Ruben Saenz Jr., on behalf of his episcopal colleagues, has written a pastoral letter calling for the wider United Methodist Church to respond to the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. More than 1,450 people have died as a result of the two powerful June 24 earthquakes. Saenz asks United Methodists to pray and “to embody compassion in tangible ways” through the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
Read letter
Donate to UMCOR’s International Disaster Response

Northeastern Seminary responds to removal
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (UM News) — Northeastern Seminary, a Free Methodist-affiliated school that is part of Roberts Wesleyan University, released a statement in response to a decision by United Methodist leaders to no longer include it among the denomination’s approved theological schools for clergy training. “While we hoped for a different result, Northeastern Seminary appreciates the fair and transparent process with which the Commission on Theological Education conducted this review and communicated their reasons for the decision,” the statement said. United Methodist leaders also decided to remove Asbury Theological Seminary from the list at the same meeting.
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Kentucky Conference
Bishop calls for prayer amid deadly floods
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — At least four people have died after torrential rains unleashed flash flooding across Kentucky. In a pastoral letter, Bishop David Graves said the Kentucky Conference Disaster Response Ministry is assessing needs and discerning how it can best respond. In the meantime, the bishop calls for prayer. People also can donate to U.S. disaster response through the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
Read bishop’s letter
Donate to UMCOR’s U.S. Disaster Response

Dakotas Conference
First JAM held at S.D. church
FAULKMAN, S.D. — The first “JAM: Jesus and me” at The United Church of Faulkman allowed children from the fifth grade and up to experience teamwork, creativity and public performance. Participants learned songs alongside adult praise band members, shared their own musical talents and connected with other youth. Rebecca G. Trefz has the story.
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Great Plains Conference
‘Neighbors Kitchen’ opens in Kansas
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — An updated kitchen that will allow local businesses to prepare food to sell in food trucks and elsewhere is up and running after a June 15 ribbon cutting. The Hub Argentine is a nonprofit serving the Argentine neighborhood since 2020 as a community center. Twelve groups, including United Methodist churches and community foundations, donated $650,000 for the project. David Burke has the story.
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Nigeria Episcopal Area
Church brings relief to conflict-torn region
KARIM-LAMIDO, Nigeria — The United Methodist Church in Nigeria has donated relief materials and cash support worth over N200 million (more than US$145,000) to victims of violent communal conflicts in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. The donations are part of efforts to assist affected families in rebuilding their lives and returning to normalcy. The Rev. Filibus Bakari Auta reports.
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Gammon Theological Seminary
Gammon receives key accreditation
ATLANTA — The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has approved Gammon Theological Seminary for regional accreditation. Founded in 1883, Gammon is the only historically Black United Methodist theological institution in the U.S. “Regional accreditation affirms the quality of our academic programs and the transformative impact of our mission,” said the Rev. Candace M. Lewis, president and chief executive officer of Gammon.
Read press release