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UM News Digest - April 16, 2025
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“Her very being holds the truth we proclaim in our Gospel: What is often cast aside will be raised up, what is often thought less of will be deemed whole, who we often don’t want to include or listen to will likely hold the message of life for us.” — The Rev. Stephanie York Arnold, discussing Mary Magdalene.
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“Called by Name,” at left, is by contemporary American artist Laura James. At right is “Mary Magdalene Proclaims Resurrection!” also by James. Images courtesy of Laura James. Used with permission.
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The quite contrary story of Mary Magdalene
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Mary Magdalene long has had the reputation as the Gospels’ bad girl. But that reputation does not match the biblical record. United Methodists think what the Bible actually says about her role as Jesus’ apostle offers lessons for today when women face a growing backlash around the globe. Heather Hahn reports. |
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Bishop Rubén Saenz (center) prays for delegates to the annual meeting of the United Methodist Mission in Honduras during the closing session on March 18 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Photo by the Rev. Gustavo Vasquez, UM News.
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Honduras mission welcomes new leader, sets goals
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (UM News) — Gathering for the first time since the pandemic, pastors and lay leaders welcomed their new bishop and set goals for strengthening the United Methodist Mission in Honduras. Bishop Rubén Saenz and mission leaders want to raise awareness in the rest of the denomination and build relationships with U.S. churches and annual conferences. The Rev. Gustavo Vasquez reports. |
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Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Podcast explores immigrant experience
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Cathy Carrillo, a daughter of Peruvian immigrants, talks about the immigrant experience with the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference podcast “Table Talk.” Carillo is the leader of ReMIX TN, a group that works with the migrant community in Tennessee.
Learn more and listen
Northern Illinois Conference
Exhibit shows painful history of Native boarding schools
AURORA, Ill. — About 30 United Methodists gathered at Aurora University for a private viewing of “Away from Home,” an exhibit that looks at Indian boarding schools — some led by churches — that attempted to eradicate Native American culture from indigenous children. Joseph Standing Bear Schranz, an enrolled member of the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Ojibwe Nation and member of Riverside United Methodist Church, shared stories about his own journey and talked about the harm done to Native Americans at the schools. The Rev. Michelle Oberwise Lacock reports.
Read story
UM News: Spotlighting UMC’s role in Indigenous boarding schools
The Associated Press
After fires, Jewish families channel Passover story
PASADENA, Calif. — Aty Rotter lost her family home and her spiritual home in the ravenous fire that scorched a large swath of Los Angeles County earlier this year. Passover, which began at sundown this year, has particular resonance for Rotter and other members of the 104-year-old Pasadena Jewish Temple. Pasadena’s First United Methodist Church has opened its doors to the temple’s members so that they can continue to hold weekly Shabbat services. Deepa Bharath has the story.
Read story
New 2025 annual conference report posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2025 annual conference reports. New this week is the Serbia-North Macedonia-Albania Conference.
Read report |
No Digest on Good Friday
There will be no UM News Digest on April 18 in observance of Good Friday. Feel free to share the above graphic on social media. It’s available in English, Spanish, French and Korean. UM News wishes everyone a blessed Easter.
Download graphics |
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Consultation on Common Texts
Revised Common Lectionary being updated
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Consultation on Common Texts has approved a provisional update on the lectionary used by multiple denominations, including The United Methodist Church. The Revised Common Lectionary is a schedule of biblical passages read on Sundays and major feasts in congregations. The provisional update reconsiders passages of Scripture that have historically been used to justify discrimination and violence against Jewish people. The revision especially addresses anti-Judaism during Holy Week and the Easter season.
Read press release
See update |
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United Methodist Communications
Native American Ministries Sunday is May 4
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist churches plan to observe Native American Ministries Sunday on May 4 this year. However, congregations are encouraged to celebrate on a date that best suits their schedule. The Special Sunday offering benefits Native American ministries within each United Methodist annual conference and provides scholarships for Native Americans pursuing ordained or licensed ministry.
Read story
Download resources
Western Jurisdiction
Webinar set on church constitutional amendments
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — This year’s annual conference gatherings are voting on four ballots containing amendments to The United Methodist Church. To be ratified, the amendments need at least two-thirds of the total votes at all annual conferences. The Western Jurisdiction has scheduled an informational webinar on the amendments at 6:30 p.m. Pacific time May 19.
Learn more and register
UM News: Church constitutional amendments head to vote |
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File photo courtesy of Union Combined Parish |
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Black churches preserve history, shape future
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Photo by the Rev. Fiston Okito, UM News |
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Floods devastate United Methodists in Congo
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United Methodist News is sent by United Methodist Communications
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