Churches, Denominations and Religions: UM News Digest

UM News Digest - March 2, 2026

Dare to take risks to move church forward, pastor says
Bishops call for prayer and peace amid new war
Chicago church continues housing legacy

“If you’re not feeding the hungry, if you’re not clothing the naked, if you’re not interacting with people unlike yourself, I would say you’re not growing.” — The Rev. Stephen Handy, pastor of McKendree United Methodist Church in Nashville and an urban cohort district superintendent.

The Rev. Stephen Handy (center) sits with Tommas Bolton (left) and Kevin Haas during a community meal at McKendree United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Dare to take risks to move church forward, pastor says
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — It’s time that churches were measured more by the effectiveness of their ministries and less by financial or membership statistics, says the Rev. Stephen Handy in an interview with United Methodist News. The pastor and urban cohort district superintendent has other ideas on how the church can blossom again. Jim Patterson has the story.

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James, a client at the Clothing Restore ministry of McKendree United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn., picks out a shirt with the help of volunteer Abby Kiesow. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Angelo Gardner paints the birdhouse he built in the vocational training program of the Judge Dinkins Educational Center, housed at McKendree United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Northern Illinois Conference
Chicago church continues housing legacy
CHICAGO — When members of Humboldt Park United Methodist Church realized they could better worship and serve their neighbors in a smaller space, they decided to sell their 98-year-old building. But they wanted the space — which housed 12 apartments — to continue to bless the neighborhood. LUCHA, an organization that provides advocacy and affordable housing development, particularly for Latino and Spanish-speaking populations, bought the building in 2018 and is now transforming it into affordable housing. The Rev. Victoria Rebeck reports.
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Council of Bishops
Bishops call for prayer and peace amid new war
WASHINGTON — Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone has called for prayer amid ongoing military strikes by the U.S., Israel and Iran. “As followers of Christ, let us be steadfast in prayer for those whose lives were taken that they may rest in God’s eternal peace,” she wrote on behalf of the bishops. “Let us pray for the wounded that healing and comfort may surround them. Let us pray for families and communities in mourning that they may find strength for the days ahead.”
Read statement

United Methodist Communications
Rethinking wealth and Christian responsibility
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Elizabeth Mae Magill, church planter, leader in creative ministry and advocate for the unhoused, has a new book that explores how people can use their possessions to make the world a better place. “When Did We See You?” encourages people to evaluate their “stuff” and consider how material privilege shapes relationships with God and neighbor. Laura Buchanan has the story.
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Great Plains Conference
Bishop Wilson shares thoughts on anti-trans law
TOPEKA, Kan. — Great Plains Conference Bishop David Wilson is asking all United Methodists to pray with him for the peace of mind and safety of transgender people after Kansas enacted a law that invalidates previously approved changes to identification documents. He noted that the new law offers no grace period, essentially making it illegal for people to drive to the Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain a new driver’s license.
Read bishop’s statement
Reuters: Kansas sued over transgender ID law
UM News: Church broadens defense of human rights

Status and Role of Women
Calling for ‘Solidarity in the Age of Epstein’
GLENVIEW, Ill. — The United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women stands with survivors of sexual abuse, harassment and assault. “We lament not only the harm done to victims and survivors, but the additional harm caused by silence, complicity and re-traumatization,” reads a Feb. 26 statement issued by the commission. The agency also called for church leaders to condemn sexual harassment, abuse and assault and make tangible efforts to stop sexual harm. “We must turn our stated commitments into real practices.”
Read statement

Finance and Administration
Board hears update on 2025 giving
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration board met Feb. 25 to hear updates on the 2025 fiscal year-end for the denomination. The end-of-the-year collection rate for all conferences was 83.9%, with 19 of 51 annual conferences within the U.S. paying 100% or more of apportionments, and nine of 22 episcopal areas within Africa, Asia and Europe paying 100% or more of apportionments.
Read press release

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation
Scholarship application deadline extended
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Students now have until March 20 to apply for scholarships from the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. The foundation awards more than $2 million in financial assistance to students attending United Methodist-related colleges, universities and seminaries.
Learn more and apply