UM News Digest - Oct. 30, 2026

UM News Digest - Oct. 30, 2026 Madagascar churches | New pastor at Highland Park | Richard Allen tribute “We didn’t know how our good Lord could open a way like this to plant a United Methodist church in the North, a vision we had upon our arrival in Madagascar.”  — The Rev. Eric Kalumba Nkulu, a Global Ministries missionary assigned as a church planter in Madagascar. The Rev. Eric Kalumba Nkulu, a Global Ministries missionary assigned as a church planter in Madagascar, receives the first stone of a new United Methodist church building from a local construction worker in Sambava, Madagascar. Photo by Rosette Viviane, UM News. New churches take root in Madagascar ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (UM News) — United Methodism continues to expand in Madagascar as the church lays the foundation for two new church buildings on the island nation. The Sambava congregation in the North has grown from five members to more than 130 and helped establish five additional congregations in surrounding communities. Esdras Rakotoarivony and Vanessa Rakotonirina have the story. Read story Bishop names new pastor to Highland Park DALLAS (UM News) — Bishop Rubén Saenz Jr. is making plans to care for Highland Park members who wish to stay United Methodist. In letters to both Highland Park lay leaders and congregants, he also maintained that this week’s congregational vote to cut ties with the denomination is not valid under church law. Heather Hahn reports. Read story   African Methodist Episcopal and United Methodist leaders hold a banner for the Bishop Richard Allen Way street renaming celebration Oct. 7 at Historic St. George’s United Methodist Church in Philadelphia. Photo by John W. Coleman, UM News. United Methodists help honor AME Church founder PHILADELPHIA (UM News) — United Methodists joined in a historic tribute to the former slave who founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church, as Philadelphia’s mayor renamed a street in honor of Bishop Richard Allen. The celebration began at Historic St. George’s United Methodist Church, where Allen was a licensed preacher serving the church’s growing Black membership until racial segregation prompted him and others to depart in 1787. John W. Coleman has the story. Read story Northern Illinois Conference United Methodists, Muslims connect over dinner BARRINGTON, Ill.  — United Methodists and their Muslim neighbors broke bread Oct. 13 at Barrington United Methodist Church as part of a campaign titled “Hope in Action: Standing Together Against Hate and Division.” The dinner was designed to encourage participants to build relationships across faith traditions and put compassion into practice. Lisa Smith reports. Read story Global Ministries Solar power shines in wildfire response SPOKANE, Wash. — Fifteen “solar suitcases” were distributed in eastern Washington state after wildfires damaged land and homes, forcing 67,000 people to evacuate in August. The new solar tools generate electricity for United Methodist Early Response Teams, reducing the need for gas generators and limiting emissions. Beverly Touchton has the story. Read story ADVERTISEMENT Religion and Race A call for equity as General Conference site added WASHINGTON — Following the Commission on the General Conference’s selection of Harare, Zimbabwe, as a site beyond Minneapolis for the 2028 General Conference, the top executives of seven general agencies and the Connectional Table have issued a call for equity and full participation. “We call on the Commission on General Conference to offer deliberate and prayerful consideration for how to offer these concurrent sites with as much equity as possible for all involved; and if equity is not possible, to prioritize those most often disenfranchised.”  Read statement UM News: Zimbabwe added as 2nd General Conference site Reconciling Ministries Network Group shares safety concerns with new location SWAMPSCOTT, Mass. — Reconciling Ministries Network, a group that advocates for LGBTQ equality in The United Methodist Church, also is responding to the choice of Zimbabwe as a second site for General Conference 2028 with questions and concerns. “Our questions center around the safety of delegates and other Conference attendees and for the integrity of our shared commitments,” the group said in a statement. “The legal landscape in Zimbabwe is not uncertain for the LGBTQ+ people who call it home. We are learning from them, and want to understand what delegates would face should GC 2028 be held there.”  Read statement ADVERTISEMENT Church and Society Election eve prayer service planned WASHINGTON — On the eve of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, the United Methodist Board of Church and Society is hosting Faithful in This Hour, a virtual service of prayer and discernment. Through worship and intentional prayer, participants are invited to listen to members of the faith community and reflect on voting their values with humility and care, supporting equitable civic participation and renewing their commitment to the work of justice beyond Election Day. The service is at 7 p.m. U.S. Eastern time Nov. 2. Learn more Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News Top court delays ruling related to California church closure Read story Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News Gathering offers 16 ideas for church future Read story Nov. 4 National Webinar: Resistance from the Borderlands Nov. 14 SBC21 Presents: Renewing Our Faith Summit More United Methodist events UMNews.org | UM News Photos