UM News Digest - July 22, 2026

UM News Digest - July 22, 2026 Churches defend immigrants | Caring for camp staff | Rise up and love boldly “It is a time for the church to reflect on what kind of neighbors we have been to our immigrant neighbors and communities.” — The Rev. We Hyun Chang, New England Conference director of connectional ministries. Friends and relatives in Bucaramanga, Colombia, hold a vigil July 14 for Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a Colombian national who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Maine. Photo by Jaime Moreno, AP. Amid ICE killings, churches defend immigrants NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodists are caring for frightened neighbors after federal immigration enforcement fatally shot two people in less than a week. Church members also are working to help Haitians and Syrians in their communities who have seen their legal protections stripped. Heather Hahn reports. Read story Holston Conference Camp builds discipleship for staffers  FRIES, Va. — The 16 staff members of Camp Dickenson, ages 18 to 21, are carrying a lot more on their shoulders besides backpacks and wet towels this summer. They’re carrying a big responsibility for care and discipleship of the young campers in their charge. A new ministry at the camp focuses on the spiritual care and discipleship of the young adult staff members themselves, while also inviting them to consider the question, “What does God want you to do with your life?” Annette Spence has the story. Read story Nigeria Episcopal Area Church breaks ground on health clinic BANSUWE, Nigeria — The Nigeria Episcopal Area has begun construction on a new healthcare facility in Taraba State, as part of efforts to improve access to quality medical services in rural areas. The proposed United Methodist clinic will serve as a hub for residents of Bansuwe and surrounding communities, many of whom travel for more than an hour to access medical services. The Rev. Filibus Bakari Auta has the story. Read story ADVERTISEMENT Great Plains Conference Retired pastor confronts abuse in memoir TOPEKA, Kan. — A retired elder has written a book about the childhood sexual abuse he suffered when he was in third and fourth grade. The Rev. James “Mic” McGuire has published “Chasing Mickey: Running and Hiding in Plain Sight Until I Uncovered a Treasure.” In the book, he talks frankly about the abuse he suffered by a relative living in his home. “When I became a pastor, oh man, it was like Jesus said, ‘Mickey, Mickey, Mickey, those are wrong things, and you should speak out about those things. You need to be my advocate for those injustices,’” McGuire recalled. David Burke has the story. Read story Church and Society Agency mourns passing of Jeff Corey WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society is mourning the death of colleague Jeff Corey, who served as the agency’s senior executive director of communications. He died on June 13. “Jeff’s attention to advancing the cause of justice and inclusion went beyond his required responsibilities,” said Bishop Julius C. Trimble, the agency’s top executive. Read obituary ADVERTISEMENT UM News includes in the Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff. Rising up and loving boldly EXETER, Pa. (UM News) — During the Susquehanna Annual Conference, members celebrated the 70th anniversary of women receiving full clergy rights in The United Methodist Church. In light of conversations taking place elsewhere in the Christian world regarding women serving in pastoral leadership, the Rev. Mark Obrzut asks how United Methodists might rise up and love boldly in this moment. Read commentary Michigan Conference  Convocation points youth toward ministry LUDINGTON, Mich. — Young adult William Thomsen attended the Global Young People’s Convocation in Dublin earlier this month. In his reflections on the event, Thomsen shares that he was inspired by the experience to go into ministry. He is a member of Ludington United Methodist Church. Read commentary UM News: Young people’s gathering energizes connection Global Ministries Mission agency, UMCOR release impact report NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and the United Methodist Committee on Relief have released the 2025 Impact Report, showcasing how The United Methodist Church answered God’s call to mission through partnership and service. The report highlights how the mission agency and its relief arm continued to accompany vulnerable communities amid increasing conflict, displacement and reductions in international aid.   Read press release Photo by JP Penrod, General Council on Finance and Administration Planners set time for US Regional Conference Read story Photo courtesy of Africa University Communications program strengthens storytelling in Africa Read story Aug. 2-5 SCD 2026: Rise Up Aug. 12 Form I-9 Training Webinar More United Methodist events UMNews.org | UM News Photos