news / Communications

Editorial Policy

The content, news, events, and other information published on the Upper New York Conference website), in the Weekly Digest electronic newsletter, UNY notes, district newsletters, and the UNY UMC app must conform to the principles and policies of The United Methodist Church (UMC) and the Upper New York Conference.

Official Publications and Purpose

The Upper New York Conference’s official communication channels—including the Weekly Digest, the UNY UMC app, and the conference website—serve to share the news and stories of how United Methodists in Upper New York are living the Gospel of Jesus Christ and embodying God’s love to their neighbors.

These stories highlight people, programs, ministries, and local churches. They also interpret and share news of the wider connectional church and its diverse constituencies to promote the welfare of the church and encourage spiritual growth among individuals and congregations.

Submissions

Items for inclusion in these official publications may be submitted by any conference member or ministry. All submissions must include the author’s name and email address for verification or clarification. Electronic submissions are preferred and should be sent to news@unyumc.org.

Editorial Review and Decisions

The Director of Communications reserves the right to accept, edit, or reject any submissions that do not conform to the principles and tenets of The United Methodist Church as outlined in The Book of Discipline. All submissions are subject to editorial approval by the Resident Bishop and/or the Director of Communications.

Editorial decisions will be guided by the following principles:

• Is the news about or related to an official Upper New York Annual Conference (UNYAC) organization, agency, or board? (The Director of Missional Engagement maintains the official list of such bodies.)
• Is the news about an official United Methodist Church organization, agency, or board?
• If the item is not directly about an official UNYAC organization, is it clearly related to UNYAC’s mission, work, or community?
• Is the content divisive or contrary to the official doctrine, polity, and social teachings of The United Methodist Church? Official positions of the UMC are defined in the Book of Discipline and the Book of Resolutions. 
• Is the news, opinion, or commentary piece true, accurate, balanced, relevant, and significant to UNYAC readers?
• Does it respect and reflect the diversity of viewpoints within The United Methodist Church?
• For death notices: does the person have a clear connection to UNYAC as clergy, clergy spouse or family member, or layperson who made a significant contribution to the ministry of this conference?
• For financial appeals: is the request designated by The Book of Discipline, recognized Advance Specials, or approved by the Conference Council on Finance and Administration?

Political Content

The Upper New York Conference does not publish or distribute content that endorses, promotes, or opposes any political candidate, party, or partisan organization. Editorial content may address social or public issues consistent with the Social Principles and Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, provided it remains educational, nonpartisan, and grounded in Christian teaching. Paid political advertisements or partisan statements are not permitted in any Conference communications.

In keeping with a statement from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on August 5, 2025, clergy, laity, and church leaders are reminded that the mission of The United Methodist Church is rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, not in partisan politics. While church platforms may not be used to endorse or oppose political candidates or parties, United Methodists are called to offer a prophetic and faithful witness on issues such as justice, peace, poverty, racism, creation care, and human rights. Click here to read the full statement.

Conference communications will therefore:

• Encourage United Methodists to learn about and engage social issues through a faith-based, Wesleyan perspective.
• Maintain a clear distinction between education and advocacy on public issues and partisan political activity.
• Promote dialogue that reflects grace, truth, and respect for the diversity of viewpoints within the body of Christ.

External Links and Content

Official Conference publications may include links to external websites for reference or convenience. Please note that the Upper New York Annual Conference does not control or endorse the content, policies, or practices of external websites, and cannot regulate or guarantee their accuracy or appropriateness. We encourage users to review the privacy and editorial policies of any external sites they visit.

Non-sponsored Groups, Gatherings, Programs, and Events 

The Upper New York Conference values the many ministries and initiatives that enrich our connection. Alongside conference-sponsored bodies and events, United Methodists in Upper New York may participate in groups and initiatives that are not formally sponsored by the annual conference. 

Editorial Consideration 

Content from non-sponsored groups may be considered for publication in conference communication channels at the discretion of the Director of Communications. Conference-sponsored bodies, agencies, programs, and events receive editorial priority. 

Publication of non-sponsored content is informational and does not imply endorsement or sponsorship by the Upper New York Conference. 

Naming and Identification 

Non-sponsored groups should not identify themselves as the “Upper New York Annual Conference,” “Upper New York Conference,” or imply official conference sponsorship. Groups are encouraged to use descriptors such as “of Upper New York” or “in Upper New York” to reflect their connection. 

Submission Guidelines 

Submissions from non-sponsored groups should: 

• Clearly identify the group as non-sponsored. 
• Demonstrate relevance to the mission and ministries of United Methodists in Upper New York. 
• Be appropriate for a conference-wide audience. 

All submissions must include the author’s name and email address for verification or clarification and are subject to editing for clarity, length, style, and alignment with conference communication standards. Electronic submissions are preferred and should be sent to news@unyumc.org. 

Additional Information 

For guidance on sponsorship, use of conference resources, or events held in conjunction with conference sessions, please refer to the Policy Regarding Non-sponsored Groups, Gatherings, Programs, and Events of the Upper New York Annual Conference. 

Privacy Policy

To view Upper New York’s full privacy policy, click here.