UM News Digest - May 20, 2026

UM News Digest - May 20, 2026

Assembly wrap-up • Methodism in Latin America • Supporting jeepney drivers

“Can you imagine the light that you could shine if we all agreed to shine it in a way that creates abundant life for all people?” — The Rev. Stephanie York Arnold, during closing worship at the United Women in Faith Assembly.

Dancers from Dance Kaleidoscope perform during the United Women in Faith Assembly in Indianapolis on May 15. The gathering drew some 3,000 people mostly from the United States.Photo by Paul Jeffrey, United Women in Faith.

Dancers from Dance Kaleidoscope perform during the United Women in Faith Assembly in Indianapolis on May 15. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, United Women in Faith.

United Methodist women called to be ‘unstoppable’
INDIANAPOLIS (UM News) — At a time of rising threats to basic rights, the United Women in Faith Assembly 2026 called participants to put love into action so all people can have the abundant life promised by Jesus. The nearly 3,000 attendees also went deep into Scripture, joined in worship and explored mission opportunities. Heather Hahn has the story.

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Leaders of the Council of Evangelical Methodist Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean say the historic autonomy of churches in the region has helped the council navigate divisions within The United Methodist Church. Pictured from left are Bishops Juan de Dios Peña (president of CIEMAL) and Frank de Nully Brown (vice president) and Horacio Mesones, the council’s executive secretary. Photo illustration by the Rev. Gustavo Vásquez, UM News.

Latin American Methodists stress unity
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The changes experienced by The United Methodist Church in recent years also have had repercussions in Latin America and the Caribbean. However, leaders serving on the executive committee of the Council of Evangelical Methodist Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean say member churches have managed to preserve regional unity while strengthening their shared identity. The Rev. Gustavo Vásquez reports.
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United Methodist Communications
Ministry supports jeepney drivers as fuel costs rise
MANILA, Philippines — As fuel prices rise, jeepney drivers in the Philippines are feeling the strain, earning less as costs climb. Members of Wesley United Methodist Church are supporting these public transport drivers through the “Hapag sa Wesley” or “Wesley’s Table” ministry, which serves meals with compassion and care. Kyla Ragasa with UMC TV reports.
Watch video

Council of Bishops
Voting rights decision sparks great concern
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Council of Bishops expresses concern about the recent decision of the U.S. Supreme Court to deny protection to Section Two of the Voting Rights Act. “This decision carries grave implications for the protection of voting rights and the full political voice of Black, Brown and Indigenous communities across parts of the United States,” writes Council of Bishops President Ruben Saenz Jr. on behalf of the bishops.
Read statement
Read Church and Society statement
Read Bishop Holston’s message

Desert Southwest Conference
Conference holds leave-taking service
PHOENIX — The Desert Southwest Conference held a service of leave-taking to reflect on its Conference Center’s legacy and to bless the transition into a new season of ministry. Conference staff members have called the center home for about 33 years but now have moved to a remote-work model. Christina Dillabough reports.
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Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign
Faith leaders decry attack on mosque
SAN DIEGO — The Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign, which includes the United Methodist Council of Bishops and Board of Church and Society, has condemned the deadly violence committed at the Islamic Center of San Diego and joins in prayers for safety and healing. The multifaith coalition also denounces the anti-Muslim rhetoric that has been on the rise.
Read statement

Consultation on Common Texts
Ecumenical group supports Festival of Creation
DECATUR, Ga. — The Consultation on Common Texts, which drafts the lectionary used by United Methodist and other denominations’ churches, supports an ecumenical Festival of Creation. The group also made editorial changes in the alternative Scripture readings for Holy Week, Easter Season and early Pentecost. The new annual festival is set for Sept. 1, or the Sunday following Sept. 1.
Read press release
UM News: Stopping anti-Judaism in lessons about Jesus

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.

West Ohio Conference
When grace came ashore at Ganghwa
WORTHINGTON, Ohio — A century after Ohio Methodists helped plant the Gospel in Korea, Bishop Hee-Soo Jung reflects on how God transformed Ganghwa Island from a place of conflict into a testimony of grace, reconciliation and enduring mission.
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Archives and History
Video series explores Methodism, birth of US
MADISON, N.J. — A video series from the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History and the New York Conference explores Methodism and the birth of the United States as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. “From Crown to Conferencing: Methodism and the New Republic” reflects on the roles Methodists have played leading up to and after the Declaration of Independence was signed. The free resource is designed for use by Sunday School classes, small groups, youth groups or individual study.
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