News from the Great Northern District

Introducing the Great Northern District Superintendency Team

"We wanted to take a moment and let you know that we are looking forward to serving among you as the Superintendency Team for Great Northern and also how deeply appreciative we are of the affirmations and support that people have already been extending to us. We are grateful for Bishop Olewine’s confidence in us and for her willingness to think in new and creative ways about how we structure our shared life."

Read the full statement here

United Methodist Church News

From the Connection: Protecting Transgender Civil and Human Rights

March 23, 2026: The United Methodist Church unequivocally supports gender inclusivity, sacred worth and equal protection for transgender and non-binary people. Read the recent statement from the Church's General Board of Church and Society here: https://shorturl.at/L3AG5

United Methodist News - United Methodists lead witness for immigrants in D.C.

Feb. 25, 2026: More than 2,000 people of faith gathered on Capitol Hill to worship, sing and march to bring attention to the plight of immigrants in the United States. The event brought together United Methodist bishops, clergy and laity alongside faith leaders from several traditions to stand in solidarity with immigrants. From our region, pastors from Stockton (Central), Woodland-Knights Landing, Sutter Creek-Ione, and San Jose (Primera) participated in the event.

https://shorturl.at/xQslc

United Methodist Bishops Call for Prayer and Peace in the New Middle East War

March 1, 2026 : "We stand resolute in remembering the uncompromising call of Jesus: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). This calling is a summons to act with courage and with a steadfast commitment to honoring the dignity and life of every human being." https://shorturl.at/VWNBU

United Methodist Bishops Support Latin America and Caribbean Bishops on Venezuela:

January 7, 2026: "We join our Methodist siblings across Latin America and the Caribbean in condemning all acts of violence, military aggression, and violations of national sovereignty. As followers of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we reject every ideology and action that diminishes the sacred worth of human life or deepens cycles of fear, instability, and injustice." Read the full statement at: https://shorturl.at/qJVcD

A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Tracy S. Malone, President, UMC Council of Bishops

1/26/26. "In recent days, events in Minnesota and beyond have caused deep grief, concern, and alarm across our connection. The use of lethal force in public spaces, the detention of naturalized citizens, members of our indigenous communities, children, documented and undocumented immigrants, and the treatment of other vulnerable persons have weighed heavily on the hearts of many in our church. These actions have unsettled communities, strained trust, and intensified fear among those already living at the margins..." Read the full statement at:

https://shorturl.at/BAJNu

Letter from Bishop Lanette Plambeck of UMC Minnesota Conference re ICE shootings

A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Tracy S. Malone, President, UMC Council of Bishops

January 7, 2026: "Across our nation, we are witnessing a troubling willingness to normalize violence as a tool of order and to resist accountability as though it were a threat rather than a safeguard. The church must say clearly: power that is unexamined, unchecked, or unaccountable stands in tension with the way of Jesus Christ." Read the full statement at: https://shorturl.at/MCvJ7

Sept 2025 - UMC Leaders Respond to U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Granting License for Racial Profiling

September 9, 2025: "As United Methodists, we stand against racial profiling and all forms of systemic racism. Our Book of Resolutions (Resolution 3329) makes clear: we are called to hold law enforcement accountable whenever they perpetuate injustice." Read the full statement at: https://shorturl.at/3wLnT from the leadership from the General Commission on Religion & Race, General Board of Church & Society, United Women in Faith, and General Board of Discipleship Ministries

A Pastoral Message On Gun Violence from Bishop Kristin Stoneking

Sept 2025 - UMC Leaders Respond to U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Granting License for Racial Profiling

September 10, 2025: "Just before the violence of this world overtook him, Jesus said, 'Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.' This violence is not our way." To read Bishop Stoneking's full message click here: https://shorturl.at/wS9g4 in response to the two shootings that took place last week within the territory of the Mountain Sky Conference, where she presides as resident bishop.