Church of the Brethren

The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board in its pre-Annual Conference meeting on Sunday, June 28, adopted two statements on Supreme Court decisions.

The Church of the Brethren Intercultural Ministries held its annual Revelation 7:9 Award presentation during the Mission and Ministry Board meeting on Sunday, June 28. Intercultural director Founa Augustin Badet presented the award, which recognizes church members and congregations for their contributions to a vision of intercultural ministries in their communities, within the denomination, and in the world at large.

The Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference held meetings from Thursday evening, June 25, through Saturday afternoon, June 27, in Fort Wayne, Ind. Annual Conference moderator Don Fitzkee presided, assisted by moderator-elect Dennis Beckner and Conference secretary David Shumate.

The Supreme Court on Thursday, June 25, 2026, issued a decision undermining the humanitarian protection afforded to individuals from Haiti and Syria with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Justices Kagan, Sotomayor, and Jackson-Brown dissented from the 6-3 decision in the case “Mullin v. Doe.”

The Kairos Center, which coordinated an amicus brief in which the Church of the Brethren joined with other denominations and faith groups, has issued a press statement on the case “Mullin v. Al Otro Lado.”

The Mission and Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren on Wednesday evening, June 17, approved a Statement of Intent regarding the future of the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., which is the denomination’s headquarters. The statement announces that “the board is exploring options for relocation of the denominational headquarters and will be pursuing the responsible sale of the current headquarters property.”

On April 24, after two hours of training, the Intercultural Ministries office awarded the participants certificates of completion as new “frontliners.” Four people attended the training that evening, and three were assigned to this role in their districts.

A prayer for the Juneteenth holiday written by Founa Augustin Badet of the Church of the Brethren Intercultural Ministries.

Networking Groups are designed to provide an opportunity for those with similar leadership roles in their congregations to gather for more informal, but facilitated and intentional, conversation to make connections and share mutual support.

In this issue: Remembering Marlene Neher, information about the Celebration of Life Service for Dale Minnich, 'Walking Together' page offers resources to accompany resolution coming to Annual Conference, recordings of ICM Cafe sessions are posted, updates on the Supreme Court case regarding TPS for Haitians, and more

The tradition of young adults gathering for a time of fellowship, worship, and growing in faith together at Young Adult Conference continues! Camp Blue Diamond near Petersburg, Pa., hosted the event on May 22-24, drawing 44 attendees from all over the US. The theme “Identity in Community,” based on Romans 12:4-5, anchored the weekend.

The Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) has begun renting warehouse space at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The Church of the Brethren has welcomed the organization as its new partner at the center, where it is using space formerly occupied by the Material Resources program that ended in 2025.

The daily worship services at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren will be livestreamed and available free of charge with no registration required, although donations will be appreciated. Annual Conference takes place in Fort Wayne, Ind., on June 28 to July 2.

As we collectively prepare to gather at the 2026 Annual Conference in Fort Wayne near the end of this month, the Review and Evaluation Committee has been working diligently on its task of making a comprehensive study of the denominational program.

At the midpoint of its five-year grant initiative, Shine Everywhere is demonstrating how research, partnerships, and innovative resources are helping congregations better support families in sharing faith at home. Shine Everywhere is shaping the future of Shine: Living in God’s Light  Curriculum and deepening the connection between faith practices at church and at home. 

Across the United States, immigrant and refugee families are living in fear while facing increasing violence, detention, deportation, and dehumanizing rhetoric. These actions are impacting not only undocumented immigrants, but also legally present refugees, asylum seekers, green card holders, and naturalized citizens.

In this issue: Global Mission prayer requests, Brethren Volunteer Service fall applications are due, FaithX summer kicks off, job openings with the National Council of Churches, On Earth Peace announces third annual 3,000 Miles for Peace, BMC celebrates 50th anniversary, World Council of Churches renews its commitment to peacemaking, and more

Messenger magazine and the Communications department of the Church of the Brethren received six awards—three awards of excellence, one award of merit, and two honorable mentions—in the Associated Church Press 2025 “Best of the Church Press” contest.

“Well, guess I’m going to jail!” I guess we know where one youth stands about his beliefs in participating in war! On May 17, On Earth Peace invited youth and young adult groups to learn more about conscientious objection

The Church of the Brethren Deportation Defense Response (DDR) is inviting participation in a World Refugee Day Ecumenical Service taking place online on Wednesday, June 17, 6-7 p.m. (Eastern time).