UM News Weekly Digest: New bishop elected in Northern Europe

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UM News Digest - April 4, 2025 Knut Refsdal elected as bishop Gathering supports Asian American clergy Bishop Växby, post-Cold War leader, dies at 80 “I believe we have many opportunities in the time ahead, and I have great expectations. The church is a movement of hope, a hope that we bring to the world.” — Newly elected Bishop Knut Refsdal The Rev. Knut Refsdal receives the episcopal pin from Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank after being elected a United Methodist bishop on April 4 at the Northern Europe and Eurasia Central Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo by Karl Anders Ellingsen, UM News. Knut Refsdal elected as bishop COPENHAGEN, Denmark (UM News) — The Rev. Knut Refsdal, a pastor in Norway, has been elected as a United Methodist bishop by the Northern Europe and Eurasia Central Conference. Refsdal, 55, was elected April 4. He will lead the Nordic-Baltic-Ukraine Episcopal Area, succeeding Bishop Christian Alsted, who is retiring. Karl Anders Ellingsen reports. Read story Gathering aims to help Asian American clergy thrive MCLEAN, Va. (UM News) — A new event aims to celebrate the spiritual heritage of Asian American United Methodist clergy while fostering deeper connections and cultivating innovative leadership within the denomination. The first Southeastern Jurisdiction Asian American Ministers Gathering is scheduled for May 13-15. The Rev. Thomas E. Kim reports. Read story Bishop Hans Växby, who served as a beloved leader in the Nordic and Baltic countries for 12 years before leading Eurasia for another seven, passed away on March 30 at age 80. Photo courtesy of the Council of Bishops. Bishop Växby, post-Cold War leader, dies at 80 HELSINKI (UM News) — United Methodists remember Bishop Hans Växby as a servant leader who played a key role in rebuilding the church in Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine and Russia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The retired bishop, who served both the Nordic-Baltic area and Eurasia, died March 30 at age 80. Read story South Georgia Conference Mosaic: Where broken pieces become whole VALDOSTA, Ga. — On a Sunday evening, a circle of hands stretches wide. Some are calloused from years of work; others are ink-stained from college note-taking. They hold tight as voices rise together in song. This is Mosaic United Methodist Church — one of South Georgia’s newest church starts. The Rev. Stephanie Smith has the story. Read story South Carolina Conference Men gather for Rise Up! retreat COLUMBIA, S.C. — Jesus took 12 ordinary men and changed the world. Imagine what he can do with us if we can surrender our hearts and make ourselves fully available to him. With that message, Bishop Leonard Fairley helped kick off “Rise Up! Rise Up! Steps of a Good Man,” a daylong men’s spiritual retreat held at Journey United Methodist Church. Jessica Brodie has the story.  Read story The Brunswick News Easter is the Super Bowl for pastors BRUNSWICK, Ga. — Easter is the highest holy day on the Christian calendar, but for First United Methodist Church’s pastor, the Rev. Chip Strickland, it’s “kind of our Super Bowl.” He added that the celebration of Christ’s resurrection is “the reminder to us of God’s love.” Taylor Cooper talks to Strickland about the meaning of Easter. Read story ADVERTISEMENT Church World Service Taking refugee work ‘Beyond the Signature’ WASHINGTON — Church World Service is inviting faith communities to take action to support refugees and immigrants and offering the tools to help them. The group is hosting a webinar, “Beyond the Signature,” at 3 p.m. U.S. Eastern time on April 8. The webinar will feature resources and a panel discussion with faith leaders, including United Methodist Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño. The event supports the Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge that was signed in March by covenant members of Church World Service, including The United Methodist Church, as a way to stand alongside refugee and immigrant neighbors. To register Read declaration Status and Role of Women Promoting a just future NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Two United Methodist leaders will host a webinar titled “Intersectionality & Equity: Shaping the Future of The UMC,” exploring how the church can be more just and equitable. The Revs. Giovanni Arroyo of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race and Stephanie York Arnold of the Commission on the Status and Role of Women will lead the talk. The discussion will highlight two of the constitutional amendments (involving inclusion in membership and fighting racism and colonialism) coming before annual conference voters. The event is set for 11 a.m. U.S. Eastern time on April 8. To register UM News: Church constitutional amendments head to vote Thursday, July 31 - Sunday, Aug. 3 Men’s and Scouting National Gathering Monday, July 7 - Friday, July 11, 2026 Global Young People’s Convocation More United Methodist events Photo by John W. Coleman, UM News Black caucus finds hope in work ahead   LOS ANGELES (UM News) — During the 58th annual gathering of Black Methodists for Church Renewal, members were called to fight for justice and challenge systems of inequality. Chairperson Deborah Bass called for “perseverance, purpose and justice, as we look to our future as a caucus active in the church and in our communities.” John W. Coleman reports. Read story Photo courtesy of the Rev. Ted Campbell New attention for old hymn texts   DALLAS (UM News) — The Rev. Ted Campbell sees Methodism’s classic hymns as an under-appreciated treasure, offering poetry with theological depth. The Perkins School of Theology professor has edited and published a devotional book called “A Core Methodist Hymnal,” which offers the words to 126 hymns, with brief commentaries by Campbell. Sam Hodges reports. Read story Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News Bishop Justo remembered as ‘pillar of faith’   CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UM News) — Retired Bishop Benjamin A. Justo of the Philippines Central Conference is being remembered for his humility, integrity, humor and grace. “To me, he was more than an episcopal leader; he was a shepherd, mentor and pillar of faith,” said Bishop Rodel M. Acdal of the Baguio Area. Justo died March 28 at age 84. Gladys P. Mangiduyos has an obituary. Read story Image courtesy United Methodist Communications ‘Recap’ spotlights worldwide church work    NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The latest episode of “The Recap” spotlights an immunization program for children in Zimbabwe, relief work in Gaza and a unique ministry in Alabama for those who love a good book. Produced by United Methodist Communications, the video series helps congregations gain a better understanding of what is going on in The United Methodist Church and find inspiration in stories of ministry. Watch video