UM News Digest - Sept. 8, 2025

UM News Digest - Sept. 8, 2025

African bishops celebrate growth, affirm unity
After division, church sees new life
Love of music takes student to the mountains

“It is time that we as the United Methodists submit to the Holy Spirit so that our church can be turned into pools of water that will bring about transformation in our various communities.” — North Katanga Area Bishop Mande Muyombo.

All 14 active bishops in Africa and three retired bishops pose for a photo at the Africa Colleges of Bishops meeting, held Sept. 1-4 in Luanda, Angola. Photo by Geraldo Martins, West Angola Conference.

African bishops celebrate growth, affirm church unity
LUANDA, Angola (UM News) — United Methodist bishops in Africa are celebrating the growth of the church on the continent, including the creation of two new episcopal areas and a new central conference. During the Africa Colleges of Bishops meeting Sept. 1-4, they also affirmed their support for regionalization as “a faithful and strategic path forward.” Eveline Chikwanah reports.

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Bishop Knut Refsdal, who leads the Nordic-Baltic-Ukraine Area, baptizes Aksel, as the baby’s parents, Håkon and Astri Helen Madland, look on. The newly elected bishop chose Flekkefjord, Norway, as his first visit in a strong sign of solidarity with the United Methodists there. Photo by Karl Anders Ellingsen, UM News.

Bishop Knut Refsdal, who leads the Nordic-Baltic-Ukraine Area, baptizes Aksel, as the baby’s parents, Håkon and Astri Helen Madland, look on. Photo by Karl Anders Ellingsen, UM News.

After division, church sees new life and local honor
FLEKKEFJORD, Norway (UM News) — After last year’s General Conference, a United Methodist church in Norway saw much of its congregation leave. Now, the church is rebounding and receiving recognition for its inclusive stance toward LGBTQ people in the community. Karl Anders Ellingsen has the story.

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Holston Conference
Love of music takes student to the mountains
BLACKSBURG, Va. — Anna Beeken has known since age 3 that she loved singing in the church choir. Her love took her to United Methodist-related Emory & Henry to study music and religion. After four years of singing (and preaching) in United Methodist churches throughout Southwest Virginia, Beeken is now headed to seminary. Annette Spence has the story.
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Holston Conference: Internships inspire new church leaders

Mississippi Conference
Conference remembers Hurricane Katrina
GULFPORT, Miss. — First United Methodist Church of Gulfport hosted a worship service to mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. The sanctuary’s balcony was lined with T-shirts from United Methodist Volunteers in Mission teams that helped those affected recover from Katrina’s devastation. Jasmine Haynes reports.
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UM News series: Hope Beyond the Storm

Sierra Leone Conference
Bishop opens youth camp in Sierra Leone
MOYAMBA DISTRICT WEST, Sierra Leone — Sierre Leone Conference Bishop James Boye-Caulker officially opened the conference’s Youth Camp 2025 in a ceremony held at the Harford School for Girls. In his keynote address, the bishop urged the campers to be “transparent and accountable as a royal priesthood from a chosen generation.” Conference staff report.
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Upper New York Conference
Conference responds to pastor’s arrest
HARPURSVILLE, N.Y. — The Upper New York Conference announced that it stands ready to cooperate with any ongoing investigations following the Aug. 29 arrest of the Rev. Ronald Wenzinger. According to New York State Police, Wenzinger is charged with attempted rape in the second degree. He was serving as pastor of Harpursville United Methodist Church and was scheduled to retire on Aug. 31. The conference also calls for prayer for all affected.
Read conference statement
Read New York State Police release

WTVF-News Channel 5
Church helps homeless after library fire
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — When the Nashville Public Library’s downtown branch closed after a fire, McKendree United Methodist Church stepped up to fill a critical gap for people experiencing homelessness who had lost their daily refuge. The church has expanded its already active meal ministry. Kim Rafferty has the story.
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United Women in Faith
Lamenting National Guard deployments
NEW YORK — The National Guard should not be weaponized against its own people, said the executive for racial justice at United Women in Faith. “People of color, persons who are unhoused, immigrants and persons with mental health conditions are uniquely vulnerable,” said Emily Jones. “At a time of overall angst over the direction of the country, the administration should work to create calm, not pandemonium.”
Read statement

North Georgia Conference
Red Cross awards conference $1 million grant
ATLANTA — The American Red Cross has awarded The United Methodist Church’s North Georgia Conference a $1 million grant to support long-term disaster recovery in the Augusta area between now and July 31. The funding will go toward case management staff and the purchase of building materials for homes damaged by Hurricane Helene.
Read press release