UM News Digest - March 11, 2026

UM News Digest - March 11, 2026 Prenatal care transforms grief into joy in Congo New space better serves unhoused community What comes next after ‘Faithful Resistance’ march? “The program continues to work to ensure that every pregnancy is a promise of life and not a source of anxiety.” — Dr. Marie-Claire Manafundu Diandja, coordinator of The United Methodist Church’s Maternal, Newborn and Child Health program in eastern Congo. Marie Otshumba, one of the beneficiaries of The United Methodist Church’s Maternal, Newborn and Child Health program, holds son Amisi alongside nurses at Lokole United Methodist Hospital Center in Kindu, Congo. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News. Prenatal care transforms grief into joy in Congo KINDU, Congo (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s health program in Congo is restoring hope to women who have suffered repeated miscarriages. Supported by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, the program combines clinical care, health education and family support to ensure a continuum of care from pregnancy through the early years of a child’s life. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports. Read story Minnesota Conference New space better serves unhoused community MINNEAPOLIS — People who are experiencing homelessness in Minneapolis have an improved option though Simpson Housing Services, a shelter started by United Methodists. The shelter has moved into a new building with 72 shelter beds, 42 apartments and services including improved dining options and a medical clinic. “I heard from one of our shelter guests that this space gave them the best night of sleep they’ve ever gotten,” said Elisabeth Loeffler, director of advancement and communications at Simpson. Reid Baumann has the story. Read story WTXL-ABC Church’s free pickleball keeps kids connected QUINCY, Fla. — Centenary United Methodist Church outside Tallahassee is offering free pickleball lessons for kids every Tuesday, giving them a chance to stay active and build community connections. The Rev. Danielle Upton says the program is designed to benefit both kids and their parents. “I think all the kids really like it. And they’ve been building relationships with each other, which is valuable to us,” she said. Tatyana Purifoy reports. Watch video and read story Illinois Great Rivers Conference Bishops offer update on shared leadership DES MOINES, Iowa — Bishop David Bard will remain primary bishop for the Illinois Great Rivers Conference until the end of this quadrennium. It was originally planned for Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai to take on the primary role for the last two years as part of a shared leadership arrangement. The decision was made in the interest of continuity, the bishops said in a joint statement on March 9. Bigham-Tsai will continue to lead efforts in Illinois Great Rivers to connect with United Methodist institutions of higher learning, Wesley Foundations and other extension ministry sites, as well as nurture justice ministries and special initiatives.  Read update ADVERTISEMENT 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. What comes next after ‘Faithful Resistance’ march? SICKLERVILLE, N.J. (UM News) — After the mountaintop experience of the Feb. 25 United Methodist-led “Faithful Resistance” march for immigrant justice in Washington, we now must do the work in the valley, writes the Rev. John W. Coleman. Next steps can include getting to know immigrant neighbors, offering them support, attending prayer vigils and engaging with lawmakers. “How can we be transfigured with newly inspired faith and fortitude for this ongoing struggle?” he asks. Read commentary Higher Education and Ministry One-stop catalog details Course of Study classes NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry has launched a new Course of Study Catalog that brings together course offerings from nine sites in one easily accessible location. The consolidated catalog features courses offered across three academic terms, helping licensed local pastors and conference leaders plan more effectively for the year ahead. Wendy R. Cromwell reports. Read press release See Course of Study catalog Council of Bishops Webinar explores ‘leading courageously’ NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Council of Bishops, in collaboration with United Methodist Communications, has scheduled the webinar “Wesleyan Leadership: Lead Courageously” at 9 a.m. U.S. Central time March 21. The online event is the last of three webinars focusing on the denomination’s new vision statement to love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously. A recording will be available to the public. Learn more and register UM News: Commitment to serve joyfully defines church Graphic by Ben Ward, photo by Mike DuBose, UM News. UM News podcast: Finding unity in diversity  Read story Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News Church trains young people to promote peace Read story Monday, March 16 - Sunday, March 29 Online course: Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century Monday, April 6 - Friday, April 17 Online course: Embracing Personal Prayer More United Methodist events UMNews.org |  UM News Photos

Presbyterian Connection Newspaper: Spring Edition 2026

Issue 37, Spring 2026 The latest issue of the Presbyterian Connection newspaper was delivered to all congregations and subscribers in early March. This edition is once again packed with articles and photos from Presbyterian congregations, individuals, ministries and groups across Canada. In this issue you’ll find: A feature article on events at the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul in Montreal A reflection from the Moderator on offering the church’s apology to Indigenous people An update from Transcarpathia, Ukraine A conversation about the New Beginnings program A special report about Presbyterians Sharing An article on a recent mission trip to Nepal Several book reviews Congregational photos from celebrations and special events, plus so much more! View or Download Copies of Prayer Partnership were sent out with the Spring 2026 issue of the newspaper. This edition contains an in-depth Social Action Spotlight, daily prayers and Sunday Mission Moments for April, May and June 2026.

The Presbyterian Connection newspaper is a Christian newspaper that strives to unite Presbyterians across Canada through stories, reflections, interviews and articles, allowing us to share and develop our faith. The newspaper is distributed four times a year, free of charge. The goal is to further equip leaders, connect congregations and missions, facilitate communication and highlight denominational work—strengthening our denominational ties across the country.

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RNS Morning Report - Lawsuit: Texas school voucher program excludes Islamic schools

Skipped schools Texas Gov. Greg Abbott fought long and hard for the state’s new school voucher program, which includes $1 billion that parents can tap for private education. The catch: no Islamic schools have been deemed eligible. Last year Abbott declared Muslim rights group CAIR a “foreign terrorist organization.” In January, Texas Attorney General (and GOP Senate candidate) Ken Paxton ruled that schools with ties to CAIR could be refused voucher funds. Now an attorney whose children attend Houston’s Qu’ran Academy Spring has sued, saying Paxton’s dictum has turned into a “blanket exclusion” of Islamic schools and “a clear violation of the U.S. Constitution.” Read RNS National Reporter Fiona André’s full story below. Top Stories Muslim father sues over exclusion of Islamic schools from Texas voucher program (RNS) — The dispute comes amid growing hostility from Republican elected officials in Texas toward the state’s Muslim residents. Mike Johnson says Rep. Andy Ogles’ anti-Muslim remarks reflect ‘popular sentiment’ (RNS) — Claims that Muslim Americans are seeking to impose Islamic religious law on the country have become popular talking points among Republican lawmakers recently. Chabad ups security, reiterates peaceful mission after Tucker Carlson’s Iran accusation (RNS) — ‘When public figures frame Chabad in conspiratorial terms, it risks turning ordinary rabbis and their families into targets,’ said Rabbi Mendy Chitrik. Pope accepts resignation of Chaldean leaders after US bishop faces felony charges (RNS) — Chaldean Catholic Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta was arrested Thursday at the San Diego International Airport on charges of embezzlement and money laundering. Opinion Which James speaks for you: Carville or Talarico? (RNS) — Both Democrats oppose Trump, but the political consultant and the U.S. Senate candidate take different rhetorical lines. White House’s religious liberty push is exactly what James Madison feared (The Conversation) — The early correspondence of James Madison – who went on to become the fourth U.S president and played a key role in the drafting of the Constitution and Bill of Rights – wrestles with the tensions of religion and public life. It can be instructive for Americans today. ICYMI How one Chinese American healed from growing up in Western evangelicalism (RNS) — The book, releasing April 7, uses the Japanese art of Kintsugi — repairing broken pottery with gold — as a metaphor for a faith that acknowledges wounds rather than hiding them. Muslim leaders call closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan politically motivated JERUSALEM (RNS) — Worshippers' access to Israel’s holy sites came to a sudden halt last week amid safety concerns as Iran retaliated to the joint US-Israeli attack. 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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