Top PC(USA) News of the Week

Week of July 13-17, 2026

Presbyterian response to gun violence across the decades General Assembly overtures, magazine articles and interviews, special action alerts and more illustrate a history of activism

Christianity without Christian Zionism Free in-person and online gathering is set for Aug. 6-8 at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville

Partner from Nepal meets with PDA, GEP and others in Louisville The ‘life-giving conversation’ touches on mutual interests such as helping to assist and empower vulnerable communities

Mission Responsibility Through Investment sees all its GA227 overtures related to climate and human rights sail through on the assembly’s consent agenda MRTI will work with investing agencies to help implement CLJ-02, ‘On Changing Course for a Green Future’

Revisiting Milwaukee's historic Big Red Church Calvary Presbyterian Church was designed by the same architect as Milwaukee's City Hall

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202

RNS Morning Report - Maryland residents got a pro-data center text linked to an ‘interfaith’ website. Who’s behind it?

Top Stories Maryland residents got a pro-data center text linked to an ‘interfaith’ website. Who’s behind it? (RNS) — When RNS identified the faith leader behind the text, the Rev. Derrick Green, he said, ‘We're really trying to get information out to people in real ways, in credible ways, so that people can make their own decisions on how they want to move forward with data centers.’ Argentina’s World Cup title run becomes a moment of faith for fans, players and clergy SÃO PAULO, Brazil (RNS) — Some Catholic priests see a missionary opportunity amid the team's success.  Hindu group sues Chicago suburb to build temple, citing 1967 legal barrier (RNS) — Umiya Mataji Sanstha, a Hindu community in Chicago's western suburbs, hopes to build a temple and homes for community members. But a 1960s-era consent decree stands in their way. Will a religious freedom law help their case? Some World Cup fans are blaming Brazil’s loss on evangelicals (RNS) — ‘If we pray like a gringo, then we play like a gringo,’ fans claim in the debate over whether Catholic or Protestant faith favors football champions.       Opinion A faithful call to abolish ICE (RNS) — As people of faith, we must call for the end of this ICE army, which has grown beyond legal accountability or moral control. ICYMI American Jews face a Democratic Party rethinking unconditional Israel support (RNS) — A growing number of Democrats, and a growing number of American Jews, no longer want the U.S. to issue Israel a blank check. Proposed Muslim cemetery splits Southern California residents (RNS) — Supporters of the Crescent Gardens Cemetery, a dedicated Muslim burial site, say they need the graves. But some residents cite concerns about groundwater contamination. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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UM News Digest - July 20, 2026

UM News Digest - July 20, 2026 US Regional Conference plans | Strengthening storytellers | Texas floods “The energy in this group has been off the charts.” — Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, describing the committee that is organizing the U.S. Regional Conference. Members of the Interim Committee on Organization for the U.S. Regional Conference stand together in front of the Upper Room Chapel at the conclusion of their first meeting together July 16-18 in Nashville, Tenn. Photo by JP Penrod, General Council on Finance and Administration. Planners set time for US Regional Conference NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Organizers are beginning to plan The United Methodist Church’s inaugural U.S. Regional Conference, a body that sets policies specifically for the nation’s missional context. While excited about the work, the group faces some big challenges including finding ways to pay for the gathering. Heather Hahn reports. Read story Program strengthens storytelling in Africa MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Dozens of United Methodist communicators from 17 countries gathered at Africa University over the past several weeks to strengthen their storytelling and technical skills and build relationships as part of the first class of a new strategic communications program. The training is a partnership between United Methodist Communications and Africa University. Chadrack Tambwe Londe has the story.  Read story The Africa University choir performs “The Dream Is Alive” during a July 17 graduation ceremony celebrating the United Methodist communicators who completed strategic communications training in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Photo courtesy of Africa University. Communicators serve on front lines of crises MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Eight graduates of the recent strategic communications training share how they plan to use their new skills to serve communities facing conflict, disease and misinformation. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports. Read story ADVERTISEMENT Rio Texas Conference Bishop: Hearts ache over flooding HOUSTON — Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, who leads the Rio Texas and Texas conferences, is asking for prayers for those affected by flooding in Texas Hill Country and promises to let people know about service opportunities there going forward. “Almost one year ago, many of these same communities endured unimaginable loss, and now they face yet another season of grief and uncertainty,” Harvey wrote in a statement.  Read statement See photos of flood response Donate Desert Southwest Conference Bishop responds to Tucson mass shooting PHOENIX — Bishop Carlo Rapanut, who leads the Desert Southwest and New Mexico conferences, released a pastoral message following the mass shooting July 19 that injured 10, including the suspect, in Tucson, Arizona. In his message, the bishop calls United Methodists to respond to gun violence with compassion, courage and action, grounded in church members’ shared commitment to building healthy churches for a healthy world. Read pastoral message CBS News: People injured in Arizona shooting Southeastern Jurisdiction, South Carolina Conference Special session called to unify conferences DULUTH, Ga. — The Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference has called a special virtual session at 7 p.m. U.S. Eastern time Aug. 11. Delegates will vote on the unification of the North Georgia and South Georgia conferences. The newly elected delegations from this year’s annual conference sessions will represent North Georgia and South Georgia. Jessica Brodie of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate has the story. Read story ADVERTISEMENT East Ohio Conference Camp No Limits delivers summer camp experience JEFFERSON, Ohio — Children with disabilities got to experience the summer camp experience at Camp No Limits. Throughout the week, campers enjoyed classic activities including campfires, singing, arts and crafts and hands-on nature activities. Jefferson United Methodist Church also created two dedicated sensory rooms, providing calming, supportive spaces where campers could relax and recharge whenever needed. Lisa Ebersole reports. Read story North Georgia Conference When pipes burst, new ministry formed LaGRANGE, Ga. — At Christmas 2022, the pipes burst and flooded the children’s building at LaGrange First United Methodist Church. In response, United Methodists did what they do best — form a committee. But this committee didn’t just want to rebuild a structure. Members wanted to build up a community, which led to a new ministry for early learners. Meghan Walter has the story. Read story Endowing United Methodist Theological Education Endowment hires part-time staff person ZURICH — The Miracle Sunday Initiative has brought new awareness and strengthened support for the endowment for theological education in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. As the effort moves into a new phase, the endowment’s board announces that it has hired Kristin Schol as a part-time staff person to help with communication and fundraising. The board is paying Schol out of a fund to cover administrative costs. Giving to Miracle Sunday supports scholarships for United Methodist African, European and Filipino theological students.  Read press release Learn more Photo from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News How churches can adopt their own pet ministries Watch video Photo courtesy of the Hamilton campaign On the road with Rev. Adam Hamilton in Kansas Read story Aug. 3 - Sept. 11 Online course: A Life Worthy of the Gospel Aug. 12 Status and Role of Women webinar: How to Do a Salary Study More United Methodist events UMNews.org | UM News Photos