Rio Texas Conference
Community Engagement
Annual Conferences Focus on Missions
From personal supplies to gift cards to a "tug-o-love," United Methodist conferences are gathering mission resources at their 2019 annual sessions. Read more
Welcoming the Sojourners in Our Midst: Our Growing Response
The realities of global migration are an ever-present reality for the Rio Texas Annual Conference, which has substantially increased its ministries to migrants in cooperation with other faith-based and government agencies in South Texas. Read more
The Body of Christ at the U.S.-Mexico Border
A Church and Society delegation finds itself deeply moved as the Rio Texas Annual Conference and Bishop Robert Schnase lead them on a trip to America's southern border. Read more
Rio Texas Offers Hurricane Recovery Tour
A tour of areas hard-hit by Hurricane Harvey finds there's still much to repair and a need for plenty of volunteers, writes Sam Hodges of United Methodist News Service. Read more
Rio Texas United Methodists Pass Resolution to Halt Family Separations
The Rio Texas Annual Conference, site of several immigration detention centers, overwhelmingly passes a resolution asking the U.S. Department of Justice to halt the practice of separating immigrant children from their parents. Read more
Photo by Michele Sibley, courtesy Bear Creek United Methodist Church
Churches Shelter Many as Harvey Damage Spreads
Even with church buildings flooded and cut off from supplies, United Methodists rescue and shelter victims of Hurricane Harvey. Read more
Photo Courtesy of Josh Hale
UMCs Aid Evacuees While Harvey Churns On
With floodwaters near 20 feet high in spots and more torrential rain expected, United Methodists are beginning to assist victims of Hurricane Harvey. Read more
Rio Texas Conference Photo
Send Money, Not 'Stuff', for Harvey Victims
As Texas congregations begin to report hurricane damage, church disaster response coordinators say the best way to help victims of Hurricane Harvey is to donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Read more
Photo by R. Crap Mariner CC BY 2.0
UMCOR Prepared for Hurricane Harvey
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) worked with annual conferences to prepare for the onslaught of extreme weather from Hurricane Harvey. Read more
Photo by Sam Hodges, UMNS
Churches, Ministries See Fear over Immigration Policy
As the Trump Administration cracks down on immigrants, churches and ministries find members and clients fearfully avoiding services in San Antonio, Texas, a historic center for Hispanic Methodism. Read more
UMNS File Photo by Mike DuBose
Rio Texas Bishop Resigns
Rio Texas Bishop James E. Dorff has resigned after admitting he had "not upheld" his marriage and ordination vows. Read more
Judicial Council Rulings Examined
The fall Judicial Council rulings show some concerns for United Methodist governance, especially in terms of bishops' accountability and the vulnerability of local pastors, writes the Rev. Jerry Eckert of Associates in Advocacy. Read more
Photo Courtesy of GBHEM
Texas Churchman Donates $1 Million for Seminary Scholarships
United Methodist layman Stan Horwood, a Texas rancher, has donated $1 million for Rio Texas Conference students to attend two seminaries. Read more
National Roundtable Brings Together Advocates to Respond to Immigration Crisis
The United Methodist-related immigratiton ministry, housed in 19 locations across the United States, met at Travis Park UMC in San Antonio, Texas, for education and inspiration. Read more