UM News Digest - Feb. 2, 2026

UM News Digest - Feb. 2, 2026 Bishop’s visit signals new hope in Malawi Farm aims to improve lives, draw people to Christ Conferences launch ‘Souper Bowl’ food challenge “The bishop’s inaugural visit definitively signals that the church here is seen and has a shepherd.” — The Rev. Daniel Mhone, Malawi Provisional Conference superintendent. Bishop Gift K. Machinga (right) prepares to cut the ribbon at Mikundi Dairy Farm in Mikundi, Malawi, during his first visit to the country. He is joined by the Rev. Daniel Mhone, superintendent of the Malawi Provisional Conference. Photo by Francis Nkhoma, UM News. Bishop’s visit signals new hope in Malawi BLANTYRE, Malawi (UM News) — Bishop Gift K. Machinga, who oversees the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana Episcopal Area, made his first visit to Malawi to meet with church leaders and laity. The Malawi Provisional Conference has been embroiled in yearslong legal challenges over leadership positions. Machinga called his visit a fact-finding trip to address the conference’s struggles but also an opportunity to see the church’s mission work. Francis Nkhoma reports. Read story Kephus Mtambo, farm project coordinator for Mikundi Dairy Farm, walks in a barn that is under construction. Photo by Francis Nkhoma, UM News. Farm aims to improve lives, draw people to Christ BLANTYRE, Malawi (UM News) — The Malawi Provisional Conference is forging a path toward economic self-sustainability and enhanced spiritual witness through the rapidly growing Mikundi Dairy Farm. The project, supported by a grant from the Yambasu Agriculture Initiative, is focusing on developing its infrastructure. Francis Nkhoma has the story. Read story Pacific Northwest and New England conferences Conferences launch ‘Souper Bowl’ food challenge DES MOINES, Wash. — Whether they are fans of the Seahawks or Patriots, United Methodists in the Pacific Northwest and New England conferences have committed to tackle hunger. The Pacific Northwest Conference has challenged New England to see who can raise the most food/dollars as part of the nationwide “Souper Bowl” food challenge. The Seahawks face the Patriots in the 2026 Super Bowl on Feb. 8. Donation tallies are due by Feb. 9. Both conferences suggest how to contribute.  Read about Pacific Northwest Conference effort Read about New England Conference effort Oregon-Idaho Conference Churchgoers say force ‘excessive’ outside federal office EUGENE, Ore. — Since September, United Methodists and other faith leaders have been gathering at noon Tuesdays outside the federal building in Eugene to sing songs in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactics. The gatherings have been mostly peaceful until Jan. 27 when church leaders report that federal agents responded with a show of force including tear gas and pepper balls. Kristen Caldwell has the story. Paul Jeffrey and Ryan Scott have photos.  Read story ADVERTISEMENT North Carolina Conference State supreme court to review property case GARNER, N.C. — On Jan. 30, the North Carolina Supreme Court agreed to review a decision by the North Carolina Court of Appeals regarding the former Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church in Wilmington. The appeals court had previously reversed a lower court’s dismissal of a lawsuit brought by members of the church, which the conference closed under “exigent circumstances,” citing declining membership and missional activity. The United Methodist Church’s Judicial Council, the denomination’s top court, affirmed the closure process. The North Carolina Supreme Court will now consider whether the Court of Appeals erred in reversing the earlier dismissal. The North Carolina Conference has the update. Read update UM News: Top court backs conference on church closure World Council of Churches Group calls for justice after mine collapse GENEVA — A landslide caused by heavy rain on Jan. 28 collapsed several mines in eastern Congo, leaving at least 200 people dead. “We grieve with all those affected and hold you in prayer as you cope with loss,” said the Rev. Jerry Pillay, the top executive of the World Council of Churches. “We call for an end of the exploitation of mine workers who toil in unsafe environments and who bear the brunt of extractive greed.”  Read story ADVERTISEMENT Finance and Administration Caitlin Congdon named next head of finance agency NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration board has named Caitlin Congdon as the next top executive of The United Methodist Church’s finance agency. She starts her new role April 1. She has been the agency’s chief officer of human resources and professional development for nearly 10 years. She will succeed the Rev. Moses Kumar, who has led the agency for 17 years.  Read press release Church and Society, Religion and Race Public witness planned for immigrant justice WASHINGTON — Several United Methodist agencies — Church and Society, Religion and Race and the United Methodist Committee on Relief — are participating in an ecumenical and interfaith worship service and march on Feb. 25 at the U.S. Capitol, calling for the humane treatment of immigrants. Organizers say the event is an opportunity to show solidarity for immigrants and call upon Christians everywhere to live out Christ’s call in Matthew 25 to “welcome the stranger.” See the schedule and register Baltimore-Washington Conference Early Black Methodists in church history BALTIMORE — February is Black History Month and each week, the Baltimore-Washington Conference’s Archives and History will introduce readers to an underrepresented or overlooked Black Methodist in church history. This week, the conference highlights Mary “Annie” Sweitzer, who was among the members of Strawbridge’s First Class Meeting that sowed the seeds of what became The United Methodist Church. The Rev. Bonnie McCubbin offers this resource.  See resource Discipleship Ministries Feb. 9 webinar looks at US clergy taxes NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Discipleship Ministries plans to give an overview on 2025 federal tax return for U.S. clergy at 11 a.m. U.S. Central time Feb. 9. Leading the webinar will be the Rev. Ken Sloane, director of stewardship and generosity, and Janet Jamieson, a certified public accountant, clergy spouse and recently retired Discipleship Ministries chief financial officer.  Learn more and register Photo by Roque Facela, UM News Church responds to catastrophic flooding in Mozambique Read story Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News Brick by brick, persistent pastor builds own church Read story Monday March 2 - Friday, March 13 Campus Ministry: Empowering Congregations to Support Students Thursday, April 23 - Friday, April 24 Change the World Conference More United Methodist events UMNews.org |  UM News Photos