You Can Pray Anywhere – Except in the Capitol Rotunda
United Methodist Insight Updates April 29, 2025
A police officer, right, stands near as the Rev. Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, from left, the Rev. William Barber II and others pray in the Capitol Rotunda, Monday, April 28, 2025, in Washington. (RNS photo/Jack Jenkins)
Prominent pastor and anti-poverty activist William Barber and two others were arrested while praying in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on April 28, an action he said would be part of recurring demonstrations challenging the GOP-led budget bill.
Americans largely oppose President Donald Trump’s actions during his first 100 days in office. A majority (52%) of Americans agree that “President Trump is a dangerous dictator whose power should be limited before he destroys democracy."
UMC Bishops Urged to Confront Rising Cruelty by Heather Hahn
In her address to her fellow bishops, Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone urged United Methodists to address both challenges without retreating into nostalgia or fear.
California-Nevada Summit Brings Action for Divestment by Richenda Fairhurst
The idea of the Fossil Fuel Divestment Summit started with annual conference legislation. The conference climate task force asked for the conference committee on finance to explore the implications of California-Nevada divesting from fossil fuels.
Bishops Given 3% Retroactive Pay Hike by Heather Hahn
The board of The United Methodist Church’s finance agency voted to give bishops a salary increase that starts at the beginning of this year. The vote came after bishops in December asked to forgo a raise in 2025 amid tight budgets denomination-wide.
Ruling: Same-Sex Weddings Solely Up to Pastors by Heather Hahn
The United Methodist Church’s top court ruled that a congregation’s trustees cannot prevent their pastor from using church facilities to perform a same-sex wedding.
Megachurch’s Closure Improper, Ruling Says by Heather Hahn
The United Methodist Church’s top court ruled that the Dakotas Annual Conference improperly used the denomination’s church-closure provision to allow a megachurch to exit with property.