UM News Digest - March 20, 2026

UM News Digest - March 20, 2026 Church, SMU resolve legal dispute Across US, churches plan Palm Sunday protests Advancing equality on World Water Day “The board of trustees, the university, and I are pleased we have reconciled with the (South Central Jurisdictional Conference).” — Jay C. Hartzell, Southern Methodist University president. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Church, SMU resolve legal dispute DALLAS (UM News) — A United Methodist jurisdictional conference and Southern Methodist University have reached an agreement that ends a long-running lawsuit filed after the university’s board moved to alter its relationship with the denomination. The settlement preserves SMU’s connection to the South Central Jurisdictional Conference and, by extension, The United Methodist Church. Heather Hahn reports. Read story Read press release Palm leaf image by studio2013, courtesy of Pixabay; illustration by Laurens Glass, UM News Across US, churches plan Palm Sunday protests NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodists are among the Christians helping to organize rallies and processions in at least 13 states on Palm Sunday. Just as Jesus humbly entered Jerusalem on a donkey, organizers hope their mass actions will counter rising authoritarianism with Christ-like humility and neighborliness. Heather Hahn has the story. Read story Learn about Palm Sunday Faith Actions Global Ministries Advancing equality on World Water Day ATLANTA — Commemorations for World Water Day on March 22 focus on the ways that safe and accessible water and sanitation can improve gender equality. For decades, the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries’ Water, Sanitation and Hygiene projects have concentrated on communities that lack access to clean water, but particularly to ease the burdens for women and children. Last year, Global Ministries awarded 12 new WASH grants totaling nearly $622,000. Christie R. House reports. Read story Western North Carolina Conference Volunteers clear Helene-damaged cemetery ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The Rev. Peter Constantian, pastor at Longs United Methodist Church in Canton, organized a group of friends to join with civic groups to begin clearing trees that Helene dropped on a portion of the cemetery at Alexander Chapel United Methodist Church. Constantian shared how important this work is to respect the African American ancestors buried in the church yard. The Western North Carolina Conference’s Disaster Recovery Ministry has the story.  Read story Scarritt Bennett Event explores healing through jazz and blues NASHVILLE, Tenn. — “Sometimes healing begins when you let the pain sing.” With those words, the Rev. Sondrea Tolbert welcomed those gathered for Healing Blues and Jazz 2026. Scarritt Bennett, a United Women in Faith retreat center, joined with the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference in organizing the event. Selby Ewing has the story. Read story Watch recording on Facebook ADVERTISEMENT Religion and Race         Equity, tribalism explored at Burundi roundtable BUJUMBURA, Burundi — African bishops attending a roundtable made plans to establish committees across the continent to advance the work of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race, and develop mediation and reconciliation initiatives to train leaders. The meetings took place March 11-15. The bishops reflected on the realities facing their regions and the opportunities for strengthening the church’s ministry in Africa.  Read press release United Theological Seminary Teasdale named president of United DAYTON, Ohio — United Theological Seminary has elected the Rev. Mark R. Teasdale as its new president effective July 1. Teasdale currently serves as the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, where he is also director of the Master of Divinity degree program. He succeeds Kent Millard, who is retiring after a decade of service. United is one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries in the U.S. Read press release Deaf & Hard of Hearing Ministries Deaf ministry grants available until March 31 WASHINGTON — The Deaf & Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee of The United Methodist Church invites churches to apply for grants that provide accessibility, discipleship and inclusion of Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind and DeafDisabled individuals in the life of the church. The application deadline is March 31. Learn more and apply ecoAmerica Free seminar on faith and climate issues WASHINGTON — The National Faith and Climate Forum on April 25 is billed as a free opportunity to get the tools, inspiration and community needed to lead faithfully and effectively on climate action in congregations and communities. There is a class option geared for The United Methodist Church. The event can be accessed online or at host locations across the country. Read press release Register See host locations Photo courtesy of Marvin United Methodist Church Church merger results in win-win-win-win Read story Photo courtesy of Rubylin Litao United Methodists defend deaconess, drug war victims Read story Tuesday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 7 Harnessing AI for Good Monday, April 20 - Friday, June 12 Methodist Identity: Our Beliefs More United Methodist events UMNews.org |  UM News Photos