UM News

News from UM News, the official news reporting organization of the United Methodist Church.

The latest news from the United Methodist News Service.

Disaffiliations approved by annual conferences
Hollering for Change: When it all falls down

“If you live life long enough, you have a moment when it all literally falls down,” writes the Rev. Dr. Tori Butler. She shares the time this happened to her and how she got back up.
Church court deals with General Conference delay

Three United Methodist annual conferences, including one in Africa, have asked the denomination’s highest court to rule on the ramifications of General Conference’s third postponement since the onset of COVID. The Judicial Council also faces more questions about church disaffiliations.
Lack of birth certificate challenges children in rural areas

Representatives of five United Methodist-related primary and secondary schools reported an average 44% of students don’t have birth certificates.
Scholarships help students change Africa

Two-thirds of the students at Africa University receive financial aid or scholarships, according to Jim Salley, president and CEO of Africa University (Tennessee) Inc.
Women’s commission at 50, still a long way to go

The top executive of the agency advocating for women’s equality in the church reflects on how far they’ve come and what work still remains.
Paradox on the plains

When Kansans voted recently to protect abortion rights, they continued a rich history of advocacy.
Church responds as famine threatens Congo

United Methodist Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda, East Congo Episcopal Area, calls for amplifying agricultural activities to fight food insecurity.
Estrella elected Philippines Central’s first female bishop

The Rev. Ruby-Nell M. Estrella, treasurer of the Philippines Central Conference, was the second bishop elected at the Nov. 24-26 meeting.
Philippines Central Conference elects Painit as bishop

The country director of mission in Southeast Asia was the third bishop elected at the Nov. 24-26 meeting.