Weekly Outlook - Bishop Budde, Bill Maher, and the church's future

Dear readers, Today, I pray that you are able to see the Spirit at work all around you — in community, in creation, in the work of the church. Know that God goes with you into all of the unknowns of this time and Christ's grace covers you. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor P.S. Want a free Ash Wednesday service? We've got you covered.

Inauguration prayers, Bishop Budde, Bill Maher, and the future of the mainline church by Chris Currie Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas war provides opportunity for reflection and education by Gregg  Brekke, Outlook reporting Election 2024: Voters of faith overwhelmingly picked Trump by Gregg Brekke, Outlook reporting After Helene, one Asheville church finds a way to step up by Yonat Shimron In case you missed it... More Light Presbyterians denounces anti-trans executive order, calls for action In a statement, More Light Presbyterians stands firm in faith, denouncing discrimination, defending LGBTQIA+ rights, and affirming the inherent dignity and worth of all people. With federal funds stopped, local faith groups plan to redouble private efforts to settle refugees Moving forward, experts say, private donations and volunteers from local faith groups will be more crucial than ever. — Religion News Service The Message "The essays on the author’s trips abroad felt as if I, too, gazed west toward the Atlantic, where (Ta-Nehisi) Coates’ ancestors were shipped into enslavement." — Alfred Walker How do we move past the logo to the logos? "Lord, help us be the people your grace thinks we are." — Rebecca Messman The Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind and Contemplative Kids "Each of the 42 stories references themes of belonging, being beloved and delight. Clark frames these stories through this lens, tying them together with the thread of God’s love and delight in humanity." — Jo Wiersema Engaging public theology through art Bethany Peerbolte shares how her TikTok, YouTube and Instagram ministry uses art to provide lessons and comfort, and that art comes in many forms. PC(USA) announces major cuts to mission co-workers amid restructuring The PC(USA)'s plans to cut mission co-workers by 50%, spark concerns about global outreach, transparency, and the future of the church’s mission efforts. — Eric Ledermann Ignorance and Bliss: On Wanting Not to Know From a misattribution of the story about the boy Jesus in the temple to the gospel of Matthew to his handling of Paul, (Mark) Lilla seems more interested in pique than in substance. — Rev. Dr. Rocky Supinger Fresh Outlook Bible Studies: “Friendship” Did you know loneliness is America’s most significant health problem, according to Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy in 2022? Explore biblical wisdom and practical steps to cultivate meaningful friendships with this “Friendship” Bible study by Katy Shevel.

Pre-order today! How do we hold space for grief while clinging to hope? Grieving Change and Loss, a daily Lenten devotional from Presbyterian Outlook, embraces the complexity of loss in its many forms — from lost health to fractured friendships — and invites you to encounter the resurrection promise anew. Explore grief’s six stages each week with reflections, Scripture, and prayer.

RNS Morning Report - Despite Vance attack, Catholic bishops press ahead on defending migrants

Top Stories Despite Vance attack, Catholic bishops press ahead on defending migrants Just a week into the Trump presidency, the U.S. bishops find themselves in an unaccustomed position: For the first time in history, their character has been called into question by a Catholic standing at the helm of the U.S. government.   New biography of late Cardinal Pell underscores leadership vacuum on Catholic right (RNS) — The legacy of the church reformer and critic of Pope Francis still looms large in the Catholic Church.   Empathy for immigrants sounds like Christianity 101. Here’s why some say it’s a sin. (RNS) — A small but influential group of evangelicals argues that enforcing the law is as important as mercy, and has come to see Christian charities as the enemy.   Anglican priest Calvin Robinson defrocked over Nazi-like salute (RNS) — Robinson has defended the gesture, with which he concluded his speech at the National Pro-Life Summit last week, as an ‘attempt at dry wit.’   RNS Opinion Paul Rader, who led Salvation Army and Asbury University, was humble, effective and kind (RNS) — Rader spent five years as the international leader of the Salvation Army before becoming president of Asbury University.   Rest, reorientation and hope – the pillars of 2025’s Catholic Jubilee year (The Conversation) — The Catholic Church’s Holy Years have biblical roots, but have been evolving for nearly 1,000 years.   ICYMI Tulsi Gabbard’s religious background is not complicated, say American Hindus (RNS) — Alongside criticisms of her political history, Gabbard has long fielded questions about her particular branch of Hindu faith, which many have referred to as a ‘cult.’   ‘A test of faith’: In Altadena congregations, no family untouched by fire (RNS) — In historically diverse Altadena, where more than 9,000 structures were destroyed in the fire, some congregations have dozens of families who lost homes. In Other News JD Vance reignites GOP’s feud with the Catholic Church over immigration Michigan priest defrocked after making apparent Nazi salute at anti-abortion summit   Talk to Us We want your feedback on the RNS Morning Report — what you think we're doing right and what we should be doing differently. Send us an email at Comments@ReligionNews.com Subscribe to other RNS Newsletters. Forward this email to a friend. View the archive of past newsletters. RNS is free to read, but it's not free to produce. If you value our reporting, please consider making a donation today at religionnews.com/donate. If you prefer to mail a donation, please address to: Religion News Foundation, PO Box 1808, Columbia, MO 65205. Yes, I support the work you're doing! Forward this email to a friend

UM News Weekly Digest

UM News Digest - Jan. 31, 2025 United Methodists killed in Congo conflict Agency restructures for church’s new day Church plans immigration webinar “The restoration of peace to eastern Congo is still possible. Let us all be united in prayer, and our God will work his miracle.” — Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda United Methodists killed in Congo conflict GOMA, Congo (UM News) — At least 100 people, including eight United Methodists, have been killed in fighting between the Congolese armed forces and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in Goma. With the city under attack, displaced people are taking refuge in churches and other makeshift shelters. Chadrack Tambwe Londe and Philippe Kituka Lolonga report. Read story Women receive food during a distribution operation in Beni, Congo. Photo courtesy of the East Congo Episcopal Area disaster management office. Church responds to humanitarian crisis in Congo BENI, Congo (UM News) — With financial support from the United Methodist Committee on Relief, more than 12,000 people displaced by conflict in eastern Congo received food and other needed supplies. Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda condemned the violence and urged all parties to work toward a peaceful resolution. Chadrack Tambwe Londe has the story. Read story Ashley Boggan, top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History, speaks in a video being produced by United Methodist Communications. Photo by Stacey Hagewood, United Methodist Communications. Agency restructures for church’s new day NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — With its budget cut by more than half, United Methodist Communications has restructured with plans to serve the denomination’s needs into the future. The agency is prioritizing technological innovation and its partnerships with agencies and conferences to create a stronger voice for The United Methodist Church. Heather Hahn reports. Read story Read strategic plan Great Plains Conference Super Bowl hunger challenge returns TOPEKA, Kan. — The Super Bowl Sacking Hunger Challenge, a contest to collect food to feed the hungry, is back for its third year. The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Philadelphia Eagles for the championship Feb. 9 in New Orleans. Churches in the Great Plains and Missouri conferences — in the Chiefs’ corner — and Eagles fans in the Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey conferences will compete with each other to contribute the most food. Since the first challenge in 2023, the Great Plains and Missouri conferences have gathered 273,620 pounds of food. Todd Seifert has the story. Read story Global Ministries Agency condemns new US immigration policies ATLANTA — New immigration policies from the Trump administration raise ethical concerns that challenge core religious values of compassion, love and welcome, says Roland Fernandes, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, the United Methodist Committee on Relief and the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. In a Jan. 31 statement, Global Ministries condemns actions that “disregard the fundamental dignity and rights of migrants” and reaffirms the agency’s call on individuals, pastors and local churches to take action. “We must commit to build a future where compassion and justice prevail regardless of passport status.” Read statement   General Council on Finance and Administration Finance agency addresses US funding freeze NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration is aware of concerns about the state of the clergy housing allowance exemption found in the United States Tax Code, following the announcement of a federal “funding freeze.” The agency discusses what happens now that the memo implementing the freeze was rescinded but not the underlying executive orders. Read statement Desert Southwest Conference Mitzie Dew, bishop’s widow, dies ELK GROVE, Calif. — Mitzie Eggers Dew, the spouse of the late Bishop William Dew, died Jan. 27. A memorial service is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 22 at The Table United Methodist Church in Sacramento, California.  Read obituary ADVERTISEMENT The United Methodist Church Immigration webinar set for Feb. 10 WASHINGTON — United Methodist leaders will gather for a webinar to discuss the denomination’s response to immigrant justice. “Solidarity with the Sojourner: Understanding U.S. Immigration and Our Call to Respond” is scheduled for 7 p.m. U.S. Eastern time Feb. 10. The event is a joint effort between the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the Commission on Religion and Race, Immigration Law and Justice Network, the Council of Bishops Immigration Task Force, and El Plan for Hispanic/Latine Ministry, with support from United Methodist Communications. Speakers include Bishops Julius C. Trimble and Minerva G. Carcaño and the Revs. Giovanni Arroyo, Kendal McBroom and Lydia Muñoz. Space is limited and registration is required. Read press release Register 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. Holston Conference If you’re willing, there is another way BRISTOL, Va. — “It’s no secret that our church is navigating a period of deep conflict and widespread apathy, leaving many of us feeling exhausted and uncertain about the future of our churches,” writes the Rev. Clayton Farmer. The pastor of Reynolds Memorial United Methodist Church shares where he has found new life for dry bones.  Read commentary Thursday, Feb. 27 - Saturday, March 1 Fresh Expressions United Methodist National Gathering Friday, March 7 - Sunday, March 9 IGNITE Youth Conference More United Methodist events File photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News Church constitutional amendments head to vote   NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — When United Methodist annual conferences meet this year, lay and clergy voters will determine whether amendments approved by General Conference become part of the denomination’s constitution. The amendments deal with regionalization, church membership, racism and clergy-delegate elections. Heather Hahn has an overview. Read story Photo by Ibrahim Babangida, UM News United Methodists in Nigeria move forward   JALINGO, Nigeria (UM News) — The United Methodist Church in Nigeria has taken steps toward uniting members, while awaiting recourse from the courts regarding legal matters involving former leaders who have joined the Global Methodist Church. Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel has been holding listening sessions across the country. Eveline Chikwanah reports. Read story  Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News Church supports migrant workers in Hong Kong   HONG KONG (UM News) — A United Methodist pastor from the Philippines and a deaconess from the U.S. are working to empower migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong. The migrants are mostly women who often face difficult challenges in both their workplace and relationships to families at home. The Rev. Paul Jeffrey has the story and photos. Read story File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News Richey, influential historian, remembered   DURHAM, N.C. (UM News) — The Rev. Russell E. Richey was praised by colleagues, friends and former students as an amiable yet exacting historian who changed the way United Methodists tell their story. Richey, who taught at Drew, Emory and Duke universities and served as dean at Candler School of Theology, died Jan. 19 at age 83. Jim Patterson reports. Read story