https://www.umnews.org/The latest news from the United Methodist News Service. UM News: Fair. Faithful. Trusted.enCopyright 2024 United Methodist Communicationsnewsdesk@umcom.org (Julie Dwyer)https://www.umnews.org/-/media/umc-media/2024/03/11/15/36/umnews-logo-1000px.png?h=367&w=1000https://www.umnews.org/60{B76708C3-3584-48D4-A7C2-B76CD011B82A}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/stephen-ministries-marks-50-years-of-training-caregiversThe ecumenical ministry is hosting nationwide training events to equip church members, including United Methodists, to provide one-on-one support to people facing life’s challenges.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 16:52:00 -0600{D0BB0396-E65F-4C47-9AB3-DEBF1770C1D0}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/bishops-urged-to-pray-gods-future-into-beingCouncil of Bishops President Rubén Saenz Jr. preached about the power of the Lord’s Prayer as the bishops joined online for their first meeting since the Leadership Gathering offered ideas for The United Methodist Church of tomorrow.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 13:36:17 -0600{34D92977-C9E7-4E90-9E16-DD0A6F377994}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-showers-unhoused-neighbors-with-loveHot showers, fresh meals and plenty of helping hands — see how one Tennessee congregation is taking ministry beyond the church doors.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 10:35:03 -0600{45A27C0F-7F48-44FB-A2F1-72B9F3BE3C39}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/pastor-remembered-as-humble-leader-devoted-to-youth-justiceThe Rev. Francis Onusamba Lunge, a United Methodist pastor in Massachusetts and son of Bishop Daniel Lunge, died Oct. 8 at age 41. Those who knew him remember his faithfulness, love for youth ministry and commitment to justice.Fri, 30 Oct 2026 13:03:26 -0500{4811B318-5ABE-4382-BA5E-E56FD1214100}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodists-help-honor-ame-church-founderPhiladelphia renamed the street in front of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church as Bishop Richard Allen Way, honoring the formerly enslaved Methodist preacher who founded the denomination in 1816.Fri, 30 Oct 2026 12:00:01 -0500{BFA76007-5F2A-4000-AA20-B90EC35B3110}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/new-churches-take-root-in-madagascarUnited Methodists continue evangelism efforts on the island nation, breaking ground on two new buildings for congregations in the north and west.Fri, 30 Oct 2026 09:17:00 -0500{09802D67-2D14-4A97-B5D3-A75BC4B32206}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/bishop-names-new-pastor-to-highland-parkBishop Rubén Saenz Jr. is making plans to care for Highland Park members who wish to stay United Methodist. In letters to both Highland Park lay leaders and congregants, he also maintained that this week’s congregational vote to cut ties with the denomination is not valid under church law.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:57:00 -0500{4367914E-62DE-4F59-BB08-304E0DA66829}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/zimbabwe-added-as-2nd-general-conference-siteFor the first time, organizers plan for The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking assembly to take place across two locations, and in another historic move, one of those locations will be on the African continent. Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:29:04 -0500{A93C228F-50D9-4455-881E-9BB64C6FB6DE}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/top-court-postpones-ruling-over-hispanic-church-closureThe United Methodist Judicial Council will continue deliberations on Nov. 16 concerning a decision of law by Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank regarding the closure of La Trinidad United Methodist Church in California. Tue, 27 Oct 2026 10:12:36 -0500{B90A6EA9-4688-45E4-BA7D-706DB7941E91}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/highland-park-votes-to-leave-united-methodist-churchAfter two days of voting, members of the Dallas congregation overwhelmingly approved a resolution severing ties with The United Methodist Church. More than 90% voted in favor of the move, according to the church.Mon, 26 Oct 2026 19:18:11 -0500{6A9864AA-847F-43BD-8EBA-CB06FA99B855}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/eglise-soutient-les-familles-touchees-par-la-guerre-au-congoUnited Methodist Committee on Relief distributes monthly food kits to 300 vulnerable families and a church orphanage in Goma.Mon, 26 Oct 2026 10:41:00 -0500{1F8FFB3F-C2A0-4004-887F-C93F942EA786}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/gathering-offers-16-ideas-for-church-futureAfter long hours of small-group discussion, Leadership Gathering participants revealed their recommendations for The United Methodist Church yet to be. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 09:33:24 -0500{86727F59-B873-4DF7-BBB6-BAD29B96CEA1}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/ideas-for-future-church-start-to-take-shapeUnited Methodists at the Leadership Gathering began to imagine a church that, in the best Wesleyan tradition, connects passionate evangelism with prophetic witness that disrupts the global rise of tyranny.Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:02:45 -0500{79C261A0-25D2-442A-ACA5-1FA326E7325F}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/emotions-high-as-highland-park-vote-loomsLeaders at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas are hoping to lead their congregation away from The United Methodist Church and have set up a vote on the issue for Oct. 25-26. Fri, 23 Oct 2026 13:49:14 -0500{00AB8CA3-1C25-4E61-AB60-1E0123A9B3B2}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/gathering-explores-new-practices-for-churchParticipants at the Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering spent their second full day together moving from naming the realities facing The United Methodist Church to reflecting on ways to help it thrive. Thu, 22 Oct 2026 17:41:00 -0500{0EF651BF-98F3-45C7-A8FC-3A9DF5DFB9ED}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/haunted-ministry-welcomes-restless-soulsRestless Souls Haunted House is serving up scares with a purpose: See how a collaborative effort by four New York United Methodist churches turns Halloween thrills into a ministry that brings the community together.Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:01:00 -0500{3CF824C7-4007-4517-B0CE-09161A87526D}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/gathering-begins-to-imagine-church-yet-to-beLay and clergy leaders from four continents gathered in Canada and online to begin the work of praying, listening and striving for The United Methodist Church of the future. But first they had to grapple with the denomination’s realities of the present.Wed, 21 Oct 2026 16:00:49 -0500{71A93989-B3E6-44AB-8CF1-118DA5258417}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/social-media-graphics-from-um-newsGraphic for Thanksgiving available to download and share on social media. Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:11:00 -0500{0654C07D-9300-4EC5-88EF-0F649123E338}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/court-revives-suit-to-block-ice-from-churchesA coalition of faith groups, including United Methodists, has grounds to sue to curb immigration enforcement activities at houses of worship, a federal appeals court ruled.Wed, 21 Oct 2026 10:44:39 -0500{78F9195B-CDE5-486F-8D1D-37FA63630DC3}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/rediscovering-the-works-of-john-wesley-in-spanishThis year marks the 25th anniversary of a special consultation focused on the Spanish translation of John Wesley’s works. Scholars are celebrating that milestone by publishing an upcoming volume of selected writings.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 17:20:00 -0500{673C6C06-A360-4DBB-ACBA-D7A5A64A38F3}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/motorcycles-strengthen-ministry-in-rural-nigeriaUnited Methodist Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel presented 48 motorcycles to district superintendents in the Nigeria Episcopal Area to ease travel challenges. Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:07:00 -0500{FDAFD862-5EA9-4AB5-B577-56084915A30A}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/what-to-know-about-the-leadership-gatheringAfter many months of preparation, the Leadership Gathering is set to take place this week in Canada to help imagine The United Methodist Church of tomorrow. Here are answers to frequently asked questions. Mon, 19 Oct 2026 11:46:59 -0500{8F49D84E-2EA8-418B-8DA3-0C56B69548DA}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/amid-decline-us-professions-of-faith-riseThe United Methodist Church continued to see its U.S. membership slide in 2025. But data collected by the denomination’s administrative agency also shows signs of growth.Fri, 16 Oct 2026 11:02:39 -0500{8F872BA6-3B58-4398-AB80-FF0BF7B4BB11}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/computer-training-empowers-south-sudanese-refugeesA United Methodist project provides 50 young people in Ugandan refugee settlements with hands-on digital literacy training. Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:27:00 -0500{73AE8636-F390-4D7D-9690-2D0A95627ABC}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodists-korean-methodists-renew-mission-partnership-through-covenantBuilding on 141 years of shared missionary heritage, leaders of The United Methodist Church and the Korean Methodist Church signed a new covenant committing their mission agencies to regular dialogue and deeper cooperation.Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:12:48 -0500{CB11A1AD-5ABF-461F-AF9C-8D7AB6CF5C10}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/trust-clause-affirmed-in-maryland-courtAn appellate court ruled in favor of the Baltimore-Washington Conference in a suit filed by 37 churches seeking to leave The United Methodist Church with property. The opinion could influence other cases winding their way through civil courts.Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:29:55 -0500{5C186F9C-3BE0-473B-A56E-C66282CBE2DB}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/filipino-united-methodists-question-ai-hubThe U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative promises massive economic and technological development for the Philippines, but faith leaders raised concerns about environmental impacts and who really benefits from the development.Wed, 14 Oct 2026 09:48:00 -0500{3E4F2487-7663-47BD-83B0-7C26BF5E1541}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/korean-united-methodists-mark-50-years-make-room-for-the-next-generationThe Korean Association of The United Methodist Church celebrated its 50th anniversary with 315 clergy and lay leaders. Those gathered explored ways to nurture the next generation’s leadership and strengthen partnerships across communities.Wed, 14 Oct 2026 09:31:07 -0500{38D0E01C-716F-4D37-8B62-1BDC05EC2B04}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/highland-park-proposes-leaving-denominationLeaders of the Dallas megachurch, caught in a legal dispute with the Horizon Texas Conference, held a town hall that shared why they think the congregation should break away from The United Methodist Church. But a church exit is not so simple as a congregational vote. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:19:50 -0500{2BF8E446-8ECB-4F3A-A00A-8187DDA20483}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/sand-creek-healing-work-moves-forwardDescendants and United Methodists gathered to advance the denomination’s ongoing commitment to education, accountability and healing around the Sand Creek Massacre.Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:28:36 -0500{EEBFB3D8-D86D-4545-A57E-85D09E941588}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/mens-group-loses-united-methodist-affiliationUnited Methodist Men has ended its affiliate relationship with the National Association of Conference Presidents, a fellowship that supports conference men’s ministries. Still, both groups hold out hope for reconciliation.Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:34:59 -0500{2C32A1AE-1CB1-4B26-9A84-367FBC8DE6DE}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/zimbabwe-hailstorm-destroys-churches-homesUnited Methodists in Masvingo town are counting their losses after a severe hailstorm smashed church properties and members’ homes.Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:48:55 -0500{AAF0D329-5FD2-4736-9640-852244E9840D}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/leadership-gathering-should-focus-on-local-churchUnited Methodist leaders have benignly neglected local congregations for too long, a pastor writes. Any effort to revitalize the denomination must focus on them.Thu, 08 Oct 2026 10:32:28 -0500{255E475D-3F06-4543-B32D-D89E1AF54494}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/in-medical-desert-pop-up-clinics-help-congoleseUnited Methodist bishop funds annual conference checkups for more than 600 people in a region faced with extreme poverty and limited healthcare.Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:14:00 -0500{25FAFFFD-5943-4801-9A20-1BB746045D2F}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/a-vision-for-funding-regional-conferencesEach regional United Methodist conference should contribute according to its capacity. Equal constitutional authority doesn’t require equal financial obligation, writes an assistant chancellor.Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:12:00 -0500{5A72BF3F-9E2A-40F2-9B18-569D109A5DD1}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/50-years-of-turning-faith-into-actionFrom disaster zones to mission fields around the world, United Methodist Volunteers in Mission marks a half-century of making a difference.Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:21:22 -0500{FDA7521D-F39C-4F70-A155-F5DAE116DB78}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/music-leaders-tackle-great-divide-in-worshipOlder church members often prefer the comfort of a traditional worship service. But presenters at the United Methodist-sponsored Fusion 2026 conference talked about modern options that might attract more young people.Mon, 05 Oct 2026 10:21:00 -0500{ADF319D0-A222-48BE-8CF7-BF411AD32227}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodist-elected-federation-world-vice-president“I am driven by passion to support, encourage, empower women and girls and being the voice of the voiceless.”Mon, 05 Oct 2026 09:12:00 -0500{9D8C2066-582C-4B25-9895-96C3D45E1AAC}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/women-put-faith-into-action-across-zimbabweUnited Methodists and other Methodist women are responding to drug abuse, violence, trauma and poverty by offering practical support to women, girls and families.Mon, 05 Oct 2026 09:10:00 -0500{6ECCF204-DC84-40A6-9D00-5B06F62F6128}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/former-lieutenant-governor-suspended-from-ministryThe Rev. Dale Caldwell resigned from elected office and now faces a United Methodist complaint over accusations of inappropriate behavior with women and ethics violations. He denies the allegations. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:05:13 -0500{2EBC3247-D68B-452C-A8F4-DCA9B3D01262}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/an-invitation-to-reflect-on-the-denominations-futureTwo participants in the coming Leadership Gathering raise questions about The United Methodist Church’s structure, leadership and evangelism that could help frame discussions about the denomination’s future. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 10:02:17 -0500{3008F6FA-EA5C-46D3-B25E-45E2E7580C13}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/pastors-ministry-had-length-and-depthThe Rev. Lamar Smith worked into his 90s as a United Methodist pastor, touching lives all along the way. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:26:00 -0500{BAA2864F-31BE-4FF6-9A03-59D178317A74}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/countdown-begins-to-leadership-gatheringOrganizers are providing resources to help all United Methodists engage with the gathering intended to help faithfully reimagine the denomination’s future.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 10:26:53 -0500{FDA18901-48A9-40FA-B351-CCAA8DD539D0}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/be-brave-enough-to-let-the-light-find-youA United Methodist lay member shares how a former pastor’s honesty about depression allowed her to realize she didn’t have to be healed to find a home at church.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:05:00 -0500{F6C778EA-DCD4-4EA7-939C-F6D195BABA4B}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/des-methodistes-unis-perdent-leur-logement-dans-un-incendie-au-congoIn a region already hit by insecurity and an Ebola outbreak, The United Methodist Church is scrambling to shelter those left homeless and assessing other needs.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:04:48 -0500{A472966A-FAD0-4478-BE10-6FFC087291E7}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/atlanta-connection-across-differenceThe UM News podcast “Signs of Life” returns with the story of two congregations in Atlanta that embarked on a study of a Howard Thurman book. One congregation predominately black and the other white, participants explore together a story of new understanding and relationship.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 10:06:17 -0500{C0DA8CFF-7BE6-4B11-B1C9-B05EB865237F}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/um-news-podcast-season-oneThis Fall on season one of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. Mon, 28 Sep 2026 09:48:00 -0500{4F32E440-79E6-4504-B154-297767CA4699}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/walking-the-journey-of-callingThe United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s EXPLORATION offers young people space for discernment and holy wonder.Fri, 25 Sep 2026 13:09:38 -0500{0D296397-18CB-4B79-8ABE-EF73F6EFA12A}https://www.umnews.org/en/news/louisiana-conference-invests-15m-in-churchesAs part of its new Jubilee Initiative, the Louisiana Conference is helping local churches to pay off debt, fund ministries, expand staffing and more. Fri, 25 Sep 2026 10:12:13 -0500