UM News Digest - June 8, 2026

UM News Digest - June 8, 2026

Strengthening ties in Canada | AU graduation | Ebola and ubuntu

“This interim covenant deepens a friendship in Christ that allows The United Methodist Church and The United Church of Canada to walk more closely together in witness, worship and shared mission for the sake of a world God so loves.” — Council of Bishops President Ruben Saenz Jr.

The United Methodist Council of Bishops and leaders of The United Church of Canada have approved an interim covenant between their denominations. Logos courtesy of United Methodist Communications and with permission of The United Church of Canada.

United Methodists bolster ties in Canada
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (UM News) — Leaders of The United Methodist Church and The United Church of Canada, both denominations with Wesleyan roots, have formed an interim covenant with the goal of working toward full communion. Adding urgency to the need for greater cooperation is increased migration of United Methodists to Canada. Heather Hahn reports.

Read story

Read interim covenant (PDF)

Graduates celebrate their achievements during Africa University’s 32nd commencement ceremony on June 6 in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Members of the class of 2026 hailed from 21 African countries and more than 10% received first-class degrees, the highest academic honor. Photo courtesy of the Africa University Public Affairs Office.

Graduates celebrate during Africa University’s 32nd commencement ceremony on June 6 in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Photo courtesy of the Africa University Public Affairs Office.

698 students graduate from Africa University
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Almost 700 students from 21 African countries graduated from Africa University on June 6 in a ceremony that featured the first cohort of the online Global Campus and a record number of students with the highest academic honor. With the graduating class of 2026, the number of Africa University alumni exceeds 13,000, including five United Methodist bishops now serving in Africa. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
Read story

Great Plains Conference
Growing church to call former nightclub home
OMAHA, Neb. — Urban Abbey, a combination bookstore, coffee shop and United Methodist church, is quadrupling its space by moving to a building that once housed nightclubs. Members held their May 31 morning service in the old building and then trekked about six miles down the block to break ground on their new home. David Burke has the story.
Read story

Greater New Jersey Conference
Church responds to fire with faithful action
BUTLER, N.J. — In the middle of Holy Week, the Butler community experienced a massive fire that engulfed businesses and apartments on the town’s Main Street. Butler United Methodist Church quickly became a collection center for donations, and its fellowship hall served as a safe place for the Red Cross to register cases. Food and coffee were served to all who came seeking guidance and a place to process what had happened. Iraida Ruiz de Porras reports.
Read story

United Methodist Communications
Why compassion matters
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Embracing a life led by compassion can ease polarization and restore our shared humanity. It also is following the example set by Jesus, said Frank Rogers Jr. He is the author of “Compassion in Practice: The Way of Jesus,” published by Upper Room Books. Laura Buchanan has the story.
Read story

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.

Harper Hill Global
Ubuntu as a vaccine against Ebola
ITURI, Congo — In the current Ebola outbreak, the medical emergency is obvious, but the informational emergency is being underestimated, writes Firdaus Kharas, founder of Chocolate Moose Media, which has produced two animated videos focused on Ebola prevention. “Ubuntu teaches that a person’s well-being is tied to the well-being of others. … One informed person can protect a family. One informed family can protect its neighbors.”
Read commentary
UM New: Church urges vigilance amid Ebola outbreak

Lake Junaluska
Retreat center announces summer activities
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center has announced its Summer Activities Program, which features free and low-cost activities that celebrate faith, recreation, arts and education for people of all ages. Activities include storytelling, concerts and devotions led by visiting theologians in residence.
See schedule and learn more