UM News Weekly Digest

UM News Digest - March 21, 2025 United Methodist hospital staff attacked in Congo Amid war, central conference practices ‘shalom’ Church in the Wild connects faith, nature “Several patients, staff and companions were left in a state of deep trauma.” — Dr. Jimmy Kasongo, medical director at United Methodist Irambo Health Center. Nurse on duty Bienfait Kabeya Ntumba (right) recounts how he was beaten during an attack on the United Methodist Irambo Health Center on the night of March 18 in Bukavu, Congo. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News. United Methodist hospital staff attacked in Congo BUKAVU, Congo (UM News) — Staff at two United Methodist medical facilities are picking up the pieces after violent attacks by armed gunmen in eastern Congo. The storming of the church’s Majengo Health Center in Goma and Irambo Health Center in Bukavu on March 15 and March 18, respectively, comes amid growing insecurity in the region, exacerbated by the capture of those towns by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports. Read story United Methodists at the Central and Southern Europe Central Conference gathered in Winterthur, Switzerland. Photo by the Rev. Jörg Niederer, Central and Southern Europe Central Conference. Amid war, central conference practices ‘shalom’  WINTERTHUR, Switzerland (UM News) — United Methodists in a region that stretches from North Africa to Poland gathered for a meeting that focused on bringing peace in a time of strife. The central conference also began preparations for the annual conference in the Czech Republic to become an autonomous church. Urs Schweizer has the story. Read story Church in the Wild connects faith, nature NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Church in the Wild takes worship out of the church building and into the natural world. Feet on the earth, open skies above and connection to all living things puts individuals in touch with God in a non-traditional way. In a new episode of the “Compass Podcast,” the Rev. Corey Turnpenny gives an insider’s look into this outdoor faith community. Listen to podcast Global Ministries Easing water crisis in West Virginia LECKIE, W.Va. — Strip-mining has compromised the water in McDowell County, and United Methodists are trying to help. They have delivered thousands of gallons of fresh water to residents, and are involved in other efforts to improve the situation, including advocating for clean water, land access and economic development. Christie R. House has the story. Read story ADVERTISEMENT Great Plains Conference For this Nebraska church, the pies have it TEKAMAH, Neb. — Linda Bisanz is the self-proclaimed “pie lady” (even her email address says so). She helped get Tekamah United Methodist Church’s pie ministry off the ground. For 35 years, church members have made pies for special events and to sell to the community. David Burke has the story on the church, where every day is pie day.  Read story South Georgia Conference Church makes impact through generosity IRWINTON, Ga. — What started as a simple clothing rack on the sidewalk, offering free clothing to anyone passing by, has evolved into a well-established Clothes Closet at Irwinton-Toomsboro United Methodist Church. The church’s outreach also includes a food bank and quilting group. Kelly Roberson has the story of how the church’s impact has grown. Read story National Public Radio Faith leaders divided on transgender rights WINFIELD, Kan. — The Rev. Charles McKinzie, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church and a lifelong Republican, is among the religious leaders speaking against state bans on gender-affirming care. “We all bear divine image,” he said. Rose Conlon reports on McKinzie as well as faith leaders who laud laws restricting the rights of transgender people. Read and listen to story UM News: Church broadens defense of human rights United Women in Faith Women’s group unveils Assembly website NEW YORK — United Women in Faith has launched its website for Assembly 2026 with the theme “Dream it! Believe it! Do it!” The once-every-four-years gathering for United Methodist women is scheduled for May 15-17, 2026, in Indianapolis. Registration opens Sept. 1. Visit website ADVERTISEMENT Monday, April 21 - Friday, May 2 Bridging the Gap: Engaging “Nones” With Spirituality and Faith Monday, April 21 - Friday, May 16 A Journey Through the Old Testament: Rebuilding the Temple More United Methodist events Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News United Methodists react to Duterte arrest   CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UM News) — United Methodists are voicing a mixture of relief and resolve for justice following the arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. The arrest follows years of investigation into the thousands of extrajudicial killings committed under Duterte’s controversial “war on drugs.” The deaconesses who started Rise Up for Life and for Rights, a coalition of victims’ families and advocates, say the arrest is a powerful moment for the families and Philippine society. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports. Read story Photo by Jérôme Ndayisenga, UM News Borehole offers hope to Burundi town   RUBURIZI, Burundi (UM News) — To combat water-borne diseases common in the region and to protect women and girls, The United Methodist Church drilled a well in the Burundi Conference. Five thousand people living in the area now have access to drinking water. The borehole is the result of a project funded by the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Jérôme Ndayisenga has the story, which coincides with World Water Day, an annual United Nations observance on March 22 that highlights the importance of fresh water. Read story Photo by Priscilla Muzerengwa, United Methodist Communications Africa Central Conference elects 4 bishops   JOHANNESBURG (UM News) — The Africa Central Conference has elected four new bishops to lead the Burundi-Rwanda, East Angola, Zimbabwe and Mozambique episcopal areas. The Rev. Emmanuel Sinzohagera of Burundi was the first elected on March 15, followed by the Rev. Moisés Bernardo Jungo of Angola; the Rev. Gift Kudakwashe Machinga of Zimbabwe; and the Rev. João Filimone Sambo of Mozambique. Eveline Chikwanah reports. Read stories Image courtesy of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference Youth respond at IGNITE   OCEAN CITY, Md. — For some, it was the emotional worship that made IGNITE a memorable event. Other young people cited the speakers, music, games, art and even mosh pits as highlights of the March 7-9 conference for youth. The theme was “&Go,” with the hope that the Spirit will lead participants in new directions in their homes, churches and communities. Melissa Lauber reports for the Peninsula-Delaware Conference. Read story