The Central Conference Theological Education Fund (CCTEF) awarded $992,594 in grants to support theological education across The United Methodist Church. During its spring 2026 meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, commissioners reviewed $3.9 million in funding requests and made awards from a total allocation of $1.03 million. The final grant list was released in August.

Kathleen Norris writes about her students’ reflections on silence. Silence is sometimes scary. To hold silence is to let go of control. Sometimes we do not know what will follow after silence

The School of Mission for Young People (SMYP) brought together more than 30 leaders in the UMC to engage in conversations and experiences around mission in Asia.

Last May, I had the honor of leading a group of chaplains and campus ministers on El Camino de Santiago in Spain. The experience was life-changing for all participants. After we completed El Camino, I took a few days off to meet my sisters in Barcelona for a weekend together. While there, I visited La Sagrada Familia Basilica. Being in and around the building was a deep spiritual experience.

The most ubiquitous tools on El Camino are walking sticks. They are reminiscent of a traditional depiction of St. James as a pilgrim with a walking stick. Attached to it is a gourd, his own version of a water bottle. He also wears a large hat, a robe, and a satchel with the things he needs for a long journey.

Last May, I took 10 chaplains and campus ministers on a pilgrimage. We walked the last 72 miles of Spain’s El Camino de Santiago. This is one of the oldest pilgrimages in Christendom. It began in the 9th century with the claim that the remains of St. James were found in a nearby forest. Since then, pilgrims have walked El Camino in search of deeper meaning in their lives.

During its June meeting, the University Senate of The United Methodist Church updated the list of approved non-United Methodist theological schools, based on University Senate requirements for preparing candidates for ordination in The United Methodist Church.

In May, nine United Methodist chaplains and campus ministers stepped onto Spain’s El Camino de Santiago, not simply to walk, but to listen for God more deeply. The journey created sacred space for discernment, renewal and connection among leaders who spend their days guiding others. The eight-day pilgrimage, supported by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), was part of the Office of Collegiate Ministries Spiritual Development program, which provided $2,000 stipends for the nine participants.

As students face mounting financial pressures from cuts in student support programs on U.S. university campuses, the General Boards of Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries will offer campus food and hygiene insecurity grants for United Methodist-related colleges to help provide food and essential supplies to their students.

As many who speak truth to power, I often wonder, where did their courage come from? On a more personal note, I ask myself, if I needed this much courage, where would I find the strength to have it?