UM News Digest - April 27, 2026

UM News Digest - April 27, 2026

Bishops urged to stop looking backward
Church court overturns bishop funding structure
Congregation blesses its local farmers

“There is a difference between honoring our history and being governed by it. We give thanks for what has been. But we cannot build the future by trying to recreate what no longer serves the mission of God.” — Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone.

Screen shot courtesy of the Council of Bishops

Bishops urged to stop looking backward
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (UM News) — Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone challenged fellow United Methodist leaders to let go of fear-driven institutional preservation and listen to where the Holy Spirit is leading. She spoke to bishops preparing for a first-of-its-kind gathering intended to bring United Methodists around the world to discern a new direction for a denomination rocked by disaffiliation. She also stressed the ways the denomination still bears witness to justice. Heather Hahn reports.

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Retired Bishop Marcus Matthews and other United Methodist bishops process into the opening worship service of the United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., on April 23, 2024. File photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.

Church court overturns bishop funding structure
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s top court has ruled unconstitutional changes the 2024 General Conference made that give U.S. jurisdictions more responsibility in paying for their bishops. The Judicial Council did leave in place some changes that affect the allocation of U.S. bishops. The church court also released two other rulings from its spring 2026 session. Heather Hahn reports.
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South Georgia Conference
Congregation blesses its local farmers
CAMILLA, Ga. — Earlier this year, members of Bethany United Methodist Church decided their next outreach project would be honoring the local farmers who sustain their community. As a result, the church welcomed farmers for a day that included relaxation, fellowship and a meal. The South Georgia Conference has the story.
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Council of Bishops
Bishops condemn shooting at event with Trump
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The United Methodist Council of Bishops, holding its spring meeting, expressed deep sorrow and grave concern following the April 25 shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner where President Donald Trump was in attendance. “As followers of Jesus Christ, we affirm the sacred worth of every person and the moral imperative to protect spaces where dialogue, disagreement and public engagement can occur without threat,” the bishops said in a statement.
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Global Ministries
Initiative disperses $24M in grants
ATLANTA — The United Methodist boards of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry have distributed $24 million in grants to help fill gaps resulting from cuts from the U.S. government to vital programs around the world. Part of the This Moment Matters granting and fundraising initiative, the grants focus on five areas of urgent need: agriculture and food security, education, global health, migration and peace. “This is a tiny drop in the enormous $32 billion annual gap resulting from USAID funding reductions,” said Roland Fernandes, top executive of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry. “And yet, we are called to act.” Sara Logeman reports.
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Kentucky Conference
Reaching families who feel cut off from church
CRESTWOOD, Ky. — Families with neurodivergent children are finding acceptance and safe spaces at Crestwood United Methodist Church. Through sensory-friendly open gyms, movie days and intentional care, the church is creating room for belonging, connection and faith to take root. The Kentucky Conference has the story.
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Desert Southwest Conference
Conference leads new approach to property
PHOENIX — As the Desert Southwest Conference prepares for the potential sale of its Conference Center, the moment also reflects a broader shift in how the conference stewards church property and resources. The conference is placing greater emphasis on how properties and resources can continue to support ministry, rather than assuming they will be sold. Christina Dillabough has the story and answers frequently asked questions.
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Conference Center sale process underway

Religion and Race
Join book study on Christian nationalism
WASHINGTON — A free online book study about Christian nationalism is available from the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race. The study is based on “The Flag and The Cross: White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy” by Philip Gorski and Samuel Perry. There are five sessions available, and the book must be purchased separately.
Learn more
Download study

The BTS Center
Webinar highlights church climate action
PORTLAND, Maine — The BTS Center, the successor to Bangor Theological Seminary, plans to hold a free online event from 7 to 8:30 p.m. U.S. Eastern time April 30 on research that involved two United Methodist churches. Cape Elizabeth United Methodist in Maine, and Main Street United Methodist in New Hampshire were among 12 New England congregations that spent five months rigorously discerning what they have to offer in a climate-changed world.
Learn more and register
See report preview (PDF)