Glenview, IL — Wespath announces the release of the 2026 Connectional Pension Support (CPS) Report, a biennial publication highlighting how the CPS program helps strengthen The United Methodist Church (UMC) by supporting retired clergy, surviving spouses and families across Africa, the Philippines and Europe. The report provides transparency into the financial condition, administration and long-term sustainability of the worldwide pension plans supported by the CPS program.
Formerly known as the Central Conference Pensions (CCP) program, CPS continues a more than 20-year commitment to retirement security for clergy and their families around the world. Today, the program supports about 3,700 retirees and surviving spouses and serves over 6,600 active clergy through partnerships with each pension plan.
“Wespath’s core mission is caring for those who serve the UMC,” said Andy Hendren, Wespath’s general secretary and chief executive officer. “The CPS program is one way we live out that mission by working alongside regional conference leaders to build sustainable pension plans and support faithful servants of the Church. When clergy and their families have greater financial security and know that they will be cared for in retirement, the Church is stronger and better equipped to carry out its mission of making disciples for the transformation of the world.”
The report highlights a period of significant change across the worldwide Church, including the establishment of new regional conferences and episcopal areas, leadership transitions and ongoing work to strengthen pension plan sustainability. Throughout these changes, the Wespath CPS team has remained focused on building relationships, providing consultation for the conferences, and helping pension leaders navigate evolving opportunities and challenges.
As of September 30, 2026, the CPS program has received more than $28.5 million in generous donations and distributed over $19.4 million in pension support and assistance since its inception. The report provides donors and Church leaders with a clearer understanding of how these resources are used, the progress many individual plans are making, and the challenges that require continued attention and collaboration. The report also features stories from clergy retirees, surviving spouses and donors, whose experiences illustrate the impact of connectional support.
In addition to providing financial assistance, the CPS program supports pension plans through consulting services, investment management guidance and educational opportunities designed to help strengthen long-term sustainability.
“The stories and financial information shared in this report remind us of what is possible when United Methodists work together across cultures, languages and borders,” Hendren said. “The CPS program is a tangible expression of our shared commitment to care for those who serve and to strengthen the Church for future generations.”
Learn more about the CPS program at wespath.org/cps. If you would like to help support retired United Methodist clergy and surviving spouses around the world, please consider donating to the CPS program. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Read the full 2026 CPS Report in English, French or Portuguese.
Contact: Christina Tincher
Managing Director, Communications
(847) 866-5293
This content was originally published by Wespath republished with permission on ResourceUMC.org on November 5, 2026.