UM News Digest - Mar. 7, 2025
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“Such a reshape and addition of central conferences aligns with the cultural contextual realities as well as the proximity of annual conferences.” — North Katanga Area Bishop Mande Muyombo, on the increase of central conferences on the African continent. |
The United Methodist Church is getting a new map in Africa. Graphic by Ben Ward, UM News. |
Church gears up for new bishops and new mapNASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Four United Methodist central conferences are scheduled in the coming months. By the time they conclude, United Methodists expect to have eight additional new bishops and one more central conference. Heather Hahn reports. |
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South Georgia Conference
How a Georgia church redefines community
THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Grace United Methodist Church wasn’t supposed to exist. The congregation was born from the painful process of disaffiliation, a moment that could have ended in heartbreak but instead became a chance for rebirth. The church has seen its focus shift from preserving structures to strengthening communities. The Rev. Stephanie Smith has the story.
Read story
Michigan Conference
Michigan, Liberia connection helps students
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan congregations have donated more than $320,000 to support students in United Methodist schools in Liberia and in Michigan Conference Freedom Schools. In Liberia, the money provides scholarships at four Readers to Leaders schools. Members from six churches visited two of those schools and other United Methodist-supported projects in February. “It was very evident that the scholarships are making a big difference in the lives of students,” said the Rev. Jon Reynolds, chair of the Liberia Task Force of the Michigan Conference. Kay DeMoss reports.
Read story |
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| Church and Society
Marking International Women’s Day
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society is joining more than 100 nongovernmental organizations in a statement for International Women’s Day on March 8. The push for International Women’s Day 2025 is “Accelerate Action” for rapid advancements in gender equity. “International Women’s Day is a reminder for all of us to strive for a world free from bias and discrimination,” said Camille Henderson-Edwards, Church and Society’s senior executive director for economic, health and gender justice.
Read press release
Read statement (PDF)
Iowa Conference
Bishop decries anti-trans law
DES MOINES, Iowa — Legislation passed by Iowa lawmakers removing civil rights protections from transgender people in the state opens the door to discrimination and harm, writes Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai in a pastoral letter. “A tiny minority that is already disproportionately bullied has been made even more vulnerable. This is not the way of Christ,” she said.
Read letter
United Methodist Higher Education Foundation
Foundation celebrates 60 years
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — This year, the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation celebrates its 60th anniversary. Since 1965, the foundation has supported the higher education of United Methodists and the United Methodist-related institutions they attend. In the past decade alone, the foundation has awarded upward of $25 million in scholarships to more than 10,000 students.
Read press release |
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| | 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. |
Pastor’s legacy holds lessons for today
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (UM News) — Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde and other advocates for human dignity are embodying the legacy of the Rev. Carrie Whitehurst Parrish. A trailblazer for women clergy in The United Methodist Church, Parrish championed equality and fought to tear down barriers in her day. “In a world where religion is often distorted for political gain, Parrish embodied what it truly means to be a leader, have power and live as a person of Christ,” writes her granddaughter Anna Riddle.
Read commentary
Wespath
Calming retirement plan concerns
GLENVIEW, Ill. — In light of a Wall Street Journal article about struggling church-related pension programs, the top executive of Wespath Benefits and Investments is sending a message to its clients that their retirement plans are secure. “For over 115 years, the retirement plans Wespath manages have endured depressions, recessions, market upheavals, wars and pandemics,” writes Andy Hendren. Among the protections in place are a commitment to transparency, fully funded plans, laws it must follow as a fiduciary, independent board oversight and advice from third-party experts.
Read commentary |
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| Georgia Area
Conferences join for Lenten devotionals
MACON, Ga. — As they did during Advent, laity and clergy in the North Georgia and South Georgia conferences have teamed up to share the message of Christ through daily Lenten devotionals. The laity-led effort aims to encourage reflection, repentance and spiritual renewal.
Read devotionals
United Theological Seminary
Seminary plans webinars on emotional intelligence
DAYTON, Ohio — The Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center at United Theological Seminary plans to hold a webinar series on “Emotional Intelligence: Leading and Managing Your Staff/High Capacity Leaders.” The webinars, led by the Rev. John McGill, are set for 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. U.S. Eastern time March 27 and April 3. Individual registration costs $125. United is among the 13 United Methodist seminaries in the U.S.
Learn more and register |
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| File photo courtesy of Central United Methodist Church |
Pouring new wine into old wineskins
PHILADELPHIA (UM News) — In a four-part series, John W. Coleman spotlights legacy Black United Methodist churches that are maintaining their traditions while also doing innovative ministries to serve the present age. First up are Mother African Zoar United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, Asbury United Methodist Church in Washington and Central United Methodist Church in Atlanta. |
| Logo courtesy Council of Bishops |
Bishops’ president offers Lenten message
WASHINGTON — Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone shared a message as Christians around the world began the season of Lent. “The Lenten journey does not require us to turn away from the pain and struggles of the present,” she writes. “Instead, it invites us to bring them before God, whose faithfulness never wavers.” |
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Photo by Lilla Marigza, UM News |
Ministry sends books to prisons
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (UM News) — The little library at Canterbury United Methodist Church is busy throughout the week with volunteers reading letters as part of its Books to Prisons ministry. Each note from an inmate includes a book request. Volunteers fulfill orders and share a personal note. It is an opportunity to show the love of Christ to those who often feel forgotten. Lilla Marigza has the story. |
| Logo courtesy Nigeria Episcopal Area |
Drought-affected families get food relief
TARABA STATE, Nigeria — With support from the United Methodist Committee on Relief, The United Methodist Church in Nigeria has distributed aid to drought-affected communities. “Many people were at the brink of starvation, but with this intervention, they can now feed their families,” said the Rev. Iliya Elisha. Filibus Bakari Auta reports. |
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