The Latest Breaking News from the United Methodist Church

Called to ministry, Latina leaders are reshaping the United Methodist Church in Texas

A handful of women provide one answer to years of schism and decline in the denomination.

The Texas Tribune · Jul 15

United Methodist Pastor Comes Out As Transgender Mid-Sermon — Who Is Rev Phil Phaneuf And What Was The Church's Response?

Rev Phil Phaneuf came out as transgender during a sermon, drawing support from church leaders and sparking debate on gender identity in Methodist communities.

International Business Times UK · Dec 3, 2025

United Methodist Church can fight to prevent split with SMU, Texas Supreme Court rules

The school sought to leave the church because of differences over gay marriage and clergy. The court did not decide whether SMU could be prevented from separating.

The Texas Tribune · Jun 27, 2025

United Methodist Church Overturns Ban On Gay Clergy

The United Methodist Church overturns its 40-year ban on gay clergy, marking a historic shift towards LGBTQ inclusion.

Top News · May 1, 2024

United Methodist Church lifts bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings

Meeting at their worldwide General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., United Methodist delegates voted overwhelmingly to allow LGBTQ clergy and for Methodist ministers to officiate at same-sex weddings.

WEKU · May 1, 2024

United Methodist Church begins reorganization over LGBTQ+ issues

The United Methodist Church has voted to restructure itself in a way that could allow for LGBTQ+ clergy and same-sex weddings.

WEKU · Apr 26, 2024

United Methodists will again debate LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings

The United Methodist Church is holding its first General Conference since the pandemic and will consider whether to change policies on several LGBTQ issues.

WEKU · Apr 23, 2024

How to deal with same-sex unions? It's a question fracturing major Christian denominations

Reaction among Catholics around the world is sharply divided over the Vatican's recent declaration giving priests more leeway to bless same-sex couples

The Independent UK · Jan 7, 2024

Why have thousands of United Methodist churches in the US quit the denomination?

The United Methodist Church has been undergoing a major upheaval as more than 7,000 congregations across the country decided to leave the denomination

The Independent UK · Dec 15, 2023

California bishop acquitted in first United Methodist court trial of its kind in nearly a century

A United Methodist Church court has acquitted a California bishop of all charges in the first trial of one of the church’s bishops in nearly a century

The Independent UK · Sep 22, 2023