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UM News Digest - April 20, 2026
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“We want every United Methodist to know that we are actively working to ensure that the General Conference experience will support the mental and physical well-being of participants to do the work of the Church.” — The Rev. Aleze Fulbright, the General Conference secretary.
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The skyline of Minneapolis, which is scheduled to host the 2028 General Conference. Photo by Lane Pelovsky, courtesy of Meet Minneapolis.
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Planners shorten GC2028, discuss Minneapolis
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Organizers are reducing the 2028 United Methodist General Conference to eight days but pressing forward with Minneapolis as the main host. The Commission on the General Conference, which met online April 17-18, is taking steps to protect delegates amid heightened immigration enforcement. The commission is also working on having a second site in Canada for delegates unable to secure a U.S. visa. Heather Hahn reports. |
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United Methodist leaders pray during a Feb. 27-28 summit in Nashville, Tenn., focused on the future of episcopal leadership. Photo by Andrew Jensen, General Council on Finance and Administration.
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Church leaders chart new future for bishops
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — As they wait for a big decision by The United Methodist Church’s top court, church leaders say they are already collaborating like never before to strengthen the episcopacy. The denomination’s finance agency has asked the Judicial Council how to interpret changes made by the 2024 General Conference to the allotment of U.S. bishops. Heather Hahn has the story.
Read story |
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Louisiana Conference
Bishop responds to Shreveport shootings
BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Conference Bishop Delores J. Williamston expressed devastation after the shooting deaths of eight children April 19 in Louisiana. The shooter, father of all but one of the children, died after a police pursuit. “Once again, we are left grieving the loss of children, asking why, all the while trying to catch our breath after the initial news, and we ponder what is going on in the life of a person that provokes a violent response,” Williamston wrote in a pastoral letter.
Read statement
United Women in Faith
Safe Haven in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO — Housing is very expensive in San Francisco, resulting in the ministry of the Mary Elizabeth Inn, a United Women in Faith National Mission Institution. The inn houses more than 70 women, a rare safe and affordable place to live with supportive services to help clients achieve emotional, financial and housing stability. “Our mission remains steadfast: to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness for women in the Bay Area, empowering women at all stages of life to achieve self-sufficiency and security,” said Tanquiesha Kairy, executive director of the inn. Nile Sprague and Audrey Stanton-Smith have the story.
Read story
Higher Education and Ministry
Black College Fund helps power new era at Paine College
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Paine College is experiencing a renewal, thanks in part to the enduring support of The United Methodist Church’s Black College Fund, which has helped cover scholarships, tuition discounts and operating expenses, ensuring students — many of them first-generation and low-income — could continue and graduate. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is spotlighting each of the 11 United Methodist-related Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S., supported by the Black College Fund. Wendy R. Cromwell has the story.
Read story
Read series |
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Commission on the General Conference
Jun named as worship director for GC 2028
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Commission on the General Conference has elected YoungKwang “YK” Jun of the Greater New Jersey Conference as worship and music director for the 2028 General Conference. Jun will lead worship planning and implementation for the global gathering of the denomination’s top policy-making body, which convenes in May 2028.
Read press release |
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Church and Society
Free youth lectionary available
WASHINGTON — A free updated youth lectionary curriculum is available, offering a way to engage junior and senior high school students about the intersection of faith and justice. The resource was created by a diverse team of pastors, educators, emerging leaders and laypersons from across the connection. Each one-hour lesson includes a centering moment, Scripture study, group activity and closing reflection.
Learn more |
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Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News
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4 church agencies propose unifying into one
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Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News
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Church high school launches uniform factory
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