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Compendium Links: November 2022 through February 2023
Tweet via Texas Conference (UMC): “Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey announced today the appointment of five District Superintendents to the nine districts of the Texas Annual Conference, effective July 1.” In a downsizing plan following disaffiliations, most DS’s will cover two districts. (Added 2-28-2023)
“When Jesus Prays for Unity” by Carolyn Moore. “And in our prayers, unity means bringing those who are on the heart of Christ to the foot of the cross, and agreeing in Christ over their lives.” (Added 2-28-2023)
[Updated] “What is Actually Happening with the GMC in Congo?” by Ben Ilunga Banza (PDF). North Katanga clergy: “Let us work to create, when the [appropriate] time comes, a GMC decided by all Methodists whether good or bad, leaving a United Methodist Church led by those who today find that homosexuality is no longer an abomination; a [UMC] where self-avowed, practicing homosexual Bishops are elected, sit and declare themselves to be our Spiritual Fathers and Mothers! Unacceptable!” (Added 2-28-2023)
Tweet by Keith McIlwain: “Disaffiliating churches should speak of their #UMC years with gratitude & affection, with hope that orthodox & progressive Methodists can find ways to work together in the future. And progressives should also speak with affection regarding their departing colleagues.” (Added 2-28-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley. “The New York Times has given more direct coverage to the Asbury Revival than has the United Methodist Church, which’s maybe as it should be.” (Added 2-28-2023)
“Methodist Gaps” by Riley B. Case via Juicy Ecumenism. A further exposition on Methodism’s “mediating elite” and the gap between the pews and those running the denomination. (Added 2-28-2023)
“See which Mississippi Methodist churches are leaving the UMC fold” by Ross Reily via Mississippi Clarion-Ledger. A list of churches leaving the UMC and a feature on one church that is staying. (Added 2-28-2023)
“An Update on the Florida Lawsuit” by Jay Therrell via WCA. The case is in the hands of Judge Wright after arguments in courrt on February 21. (Added 2-28-2023)
“The Peculiar Difficulty of the Methodist Pastor” by Daniel Ethan Harris via Firebrand Magazine. Mainline Christianity is an open modality and John Wesley’s project was a committed sodality. Methodism is both. (Added 2-28-2023)
“Bishop Scott Jones moves from ‘extreme center’ of UMC to new Global Methodist Church” by Emily McFarlan Miller via Religion News Service. A round-up of reactions to Bishop Jones moving to the GMC: “The Jones family is truly one of the first families of Methodism in our church,” said Will Willimon, a retired
” United Methodist bishop, “This family has been a family of leaders of our church, and it’s such a shock to have one of the members of the family leading churches out of our church.” (Added 2-27-2023)
“Our ‘Discernment’ Process Was Chaotic and Heart-breaking” by Karen Alford House Morrison via UM Insight. A lay person’s view of the discernment and voting process at First UMC, Katy, TX. (Added 2-27-2023)
“Sunday Was a Long Day” by Richard Bryant via UM Insight. Progressive NC Clergy: “I’ve got to get away from disaffiliation. The problem is that there’s nowhere to hide. Like the COVID pandemic that preceded it, this virus seems to be everywhere. God help us all.” (Added 2-27-2023)
“Growth for Some Churches Staying United Methodist” by Sam Hodges via UMNS. “Those arriving from disaffiliated churches tend to be knowledgeable about and committed to United Methodism, and many have church leadership experience.” (Added 2-27-2023)
Collierville UMC Voting Results. 2700-Member Tennessee-Western Kentucky Congregation: “A total of 773 church members voted. The result was 493 votes in favor of disaffiliation and 280 votes against disaffiliation. The resolution to disaffiliate failed with 64% voting in favor, less than the required 67%.” (Added 2-27-2023)
Post by Lauren Porter via WCA Mississippi Facebook Page. A list of 116 Mississippi Conference churches that are disaffiliating. (Added 2-27-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “2 largest United Methodist churches in South Carolina vote to exit by 97 & 96 percent respectively. Mt. Horeb voted 1520 yes, 42 no. Chapin UMC voted 721 yes, 24 no.” (Added 2-27-2023)
“WCA Pathways Webinar: Remaining in the UMC” via Holy Conversations Podcast (WCA). Two clergy planning to stay in the UMC are interviewed by Bob Kaylor. (Added 2-27-2023)
“Bishop Emeritus Mike Lowry” via Firebrand Magazine Podcast. Bishop Emeritus in Residence at United Theological Seminary (also a former UMC bishop) is interviewed on the state of the Methodist movement. (Added 2-27-2023)
“Church of the Resurrection Confronts Uncertain Future” by Bill Tammeus via Flatland. “’So, part of what’s been frustrating and painful is listening to the marketing and public relations from the new denomination (GMC) explain why people should leave (the UMC),’ Hamilton says.” (Added 2-26-2023)
“Attorney David Gibbs and Jay Therrell recap the day’s events outisde the Bradford County courthouse in Starke, FL.” via Florida WCA Facebook (video). Comments by Jay Therrell and David Gibbs after 2/22/23 arguments before a Florida judge on a lawsuit against the Florida Conference of the UMC. (Added 2-25-2023)
“Interview with Complainant Against Bishop Karen Oliveto – Rev. Robert Barnes” via PlainSpoken Podcast. “This conversation covers the handling of the complaint process by the bishops responsible for oversight. Rev. Barnes is able to share some details that are at once illuminating and concerning about the state of disciplinary adherence among our denomination’s leadership.” (Added 2-25-2023)
“Text of Episcopal Address to Liberia Annual Conference 2023 by Bishop Quire” via West African Writers. Bishop Quire: “As mentioned last conference year-2022, the issues before us still remain. However, in order to prepare ourselves adequately, we will use this year to educate the entire Conference through the various auxiliaries of the Liberia Episcopal Area. Let us not get wearied, but keep on praying for God’s intervention.As Liberian United Methodists, we cast judgment on no one, neither do we condemn. However, we are of the conviction that certain behavior relating to same gender relationship in marriage is incompatible with the teaching of Jesus Christ and to that we hold on! Amen!” (Added 2-25-2023)
“The Asbury Revival: Timothy Tennent, Alisa Childers & Gavin Ortlund – is this a new move of God?” via Unbelievable? Podcast. “Thousands have been flocking to Asbury University in Kentucky after a chapel service turned into a 24/7 revival outpouring. Justin is joined by guests as he asks: What are the true marks of revival? What are the blessings and concerns that accompany this student-led awakening?” (Added 2-25-2023)
“Post: UM College Minister Tells Students at Union College they Can’t Use the Chapel for Asbury-like Prayer Gathering” via WRIL Facebook Page. Report: Students at a United Methodist-affiliated Kentucky college are not allowed to use the chapel for a prayer gathering except under the leadership of the UM chaplain. College Minister David Miller has been critical of the Asbury Revival on social media. Students pray on a roadway off campus property. (Added 2-25-2023)
“Amicable separation is Fayetteville church’s objective: Methodists Try New Approach” by Frank Lockwood via Arkansas Democrat Gazette. “In broad terms, this agreement allows for Central to remain a United Methodist congregation on Dickson Street while blessing and financially assisting the launch of a new evangelical independent Wesleyan congregation elsewhere in Fayetteville,” the email said. (Added 2-25-2023)
“PlainSpoken – Friday News Update (Feb 24th 2023)” by Jeffrey Rickman via YouTube. “In this video Pastor Jeffrey discusses disaffiliation and how to do it with integrity, an update on St. Andrew UMC in Plano Texas and the way they attempted to leave the UMC, an update on what is going on with the Asbury Revival/Outpouring, the three jurisdictional resolutions that were recently adopted, a history of disobedience to the book of discipline in the UMC, and how you can help support the efforts to care for those impacted by the earthquakes in Turkey & Syria.” (Added 2-24-2023)
[Updated] “In disagreement with UMC, Trinity church sues to disaffiliate” via the Augusta Chronicle. [paywall] See PDF. (Added 2-24-2023)
“GMC Thursday Night Live with Dr. Sterling Allen & Dr. Janice Gilbert” via YouTube. An interview with Janice Gilbert. (Added 2-24-2023)
“On the Disciplining of Bishops” by Will Willimon via Ministry Matters. A response to David Watson of United Theological Seminary: “Imagine the shock throughout the UMC if an officer of a seminary—planted and faithfully funded by the UMC to produce pastoral leaders for the UMC—was found to be working and for the establishment of a church that has contempt for and aspires to replace The United Methodist Church?” (Added 2-24-2023)
“South Carolina: Disaffiliation Votes End This Week” by Keith Sweat. An essay on the status of church exits in the South Carolina Conference in the UMC. (Added 2-24-2023)
“Are church leaders led by the Holy Spirit or Satan?” by Paul Turner (letter to the editor) via The Mountaineer. “A date was mutually set by District Superintendent, Dr. H. Jae Lee and Long’s Chapel leadership team. Then Dr. Lee postponed the date asking for more data. The information was supplied, but now Dr. Lee is stalling again and wants more input from other groups and in the process has been demeaning to our pastor who is good Christian man and cares deeply for our congregation and our leadership team. The question is, what is DS Lee and Bishop Ken Carter afraid will happen? What drives them: power, control, money? It certainly isn’t the Holy Spirit.” (Added 2-24-2023)
“‘No Celebrities Except Jesus’: How Asbury Protected the Revival” by Daniel Silliman via Christianity Today. “One street preacher came wearing a T-shirt condemning gay sex and a plan, according to staff, to shout at students about perversion. He was escorted off the property. Another person wouldn’t stop praying aggressively and was told he had to go outside.” (Added 2-24-2023)
“United Methodist Church asks court to dismiss Harvest lawsuit” by Richarrd Everett via WDHN. “According to the UMC, Harvest did not conduct the vote to disaffiliate in accordance with the Book of Discipline, which outlines the rules of the UMC, and the church has not followed the disaffiliation process required by the AWFC and UMC.” (Added 2-24-2023)
“Here I raze my Ebenezer” by Dan Wilcox via GNW Conference (UMC). On broken relationships due to disaffiliation: “I continue in my support of full inclusion of our queer siblings because of Scripture and my accountability to the Spirit’s work in me… And so, I raze my Ebenezer – tear down the parts of memory and nostalgia that I sometimes think of as the foundation of my faith. Replacing the memories and people with the grace and mercy God has shown me through them, I’m reminded that Samuel’s Ebenezer was not about the people and memories but about what God has done.” (Added 2-24-2023)
“Mid-Term State of The United Methodist Church Address set for March 2nd” via UMC Council of Bishops. COB President Bickerton will deliver a State of the UMC Address at the mid-way point in his term, March 2 at 1 pm. (Added 2-24-2023)
“A Freshening Breeze or a Squall Line” by Scott Field via Northern Illinois WCA. On the Asbury Awakening: “Batten down the hatches or raise the sails? Wait until it blows over or get ready for the freshening breeze to move you? I’d encourage us to take the risk. After all, the Good Ship UMC is tilting toward capsize. Take a pause in the denominational dystopia and join the prayer of so many others, “Come, Holy Spirit!” (Added 2-23-2023)
“Amid budget woes, church sees slight rise in giving” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “Rising church disaffiliations also are a contributing factor both in current giving patterns and the plans for a record-low general church budget.” (Added 2-23-2023)
“Texas Megachurch Relents, Follows UMC Rules to Exit Denomination” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “The resulting firestorm of criticism against St. Andrew grew to such a point that Bishop McKee issued a letter instructing North Texas clergy and members to stop talking about the St. Andrew situation because confidential discussions were under way.” (Added 2-23-2023)
“Lent Message: Time to Reclaim, Revive and Renew our UMC” via UM Council of Bishops. ““There is no doubt that as we absorb the realities of splintering, disaffiliation, and post-Covid, it is time for us as United Methodists to make the pivot away from what was into new and concerted efforts to reclaim, revive and renew The United Methodist Church throughout the world,” Bishop Bickerton said in the Lent message released today on Ash Wednesday.” Full Statement. (Added 2-22-2023)
“Statement On St. Andrew’s Disaffiliation Vote” via North Texas Conference (UMC). Texas megachurch agrees to a formal disaffiliation vote and approves disaffiliation by 98.6%. See context here. (Added 2-22-2023)
“Bishops Against United Methodist Congregations” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “Bishops and their subordinates have also brought United Methodist congregations needless additional confusion and anxiety from unclear communication about disaffiliation, sudden changes to deadlines and requirements, and glaring inconsistencies.” (Added 2-22-2023)
“Things I’m Giving Up For Lent” by Richard Bryant via UM Insight. List includes biblical literalism, being driven bats%$#*crazy by disaffiliation, the using the word “Global.” (Added 2-22-2023)
“United Methodists start new congregations where churches disaffiliated” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. Bishop Wallace-Padgett tours new UM church starts. “More disaffiliations are expected to be ratified at a special meeting of the North Alabama Conference on May 11. About 45 congregations in the conference have voted to leave and are waiting to be approved for disaffiliation at that meeting.” (Added 2-22-2023)
“Revival!” by Walter Fenton via GMC Crossroads. “We celebrate the movement of God at Asbury University which has spread to so many other places around the world. As I have read testimonies, viewed videos, and watched the livestream, I have been filled with great joy, praising God for what He does through a simple gathering of God’s people,” said the Rev. Keith Boyette, the Global Methodist Church’s Chief Connectional Officer. “Our fervent prayer is that this Divine Moment will result in millions of encounters with the God who sets captives free, and energizes fresh moves of God in our homes, churches, the streets of our communities, and throughout the world.” (Added 2-22-2023)
“More thoughts on revival/outpouring at Asbury, etc.” by Ross King via Facebook. A word to CCM artists: “But if we’re not careful, we’re going to miss what’s happening with a generation of dynamic, sold-out Jesus followers because we were too busy trying to write un-offensive songs for their parents.” (Added 2-21-2023)
“Hunger for God on Display at Revival” via UMNS. A “top story” link to a Kentucky Conference article on the Asbury Revival. (Added 2-21-2023)
“Some Rose-Glasses, Silver-Linings thoughts on the UMC Schism” by Scott Shaffer via Facebook. Positives and hopes related to UM division, written from an affirming perspective. (Added 2-21-2023)
“Splinter explainer: Why church property plays major role in split of United Methodist Church” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean (PDF). “Amid disagreements over theology and church policy, including dealing with LGBTQ rights, property ownership has become a major dispute within the splintering of the United Methodist Church.” (Added 2-21-2023)
“Statement of the Global South Fellowship of Anglican on the Church of England’s Decision Regarding the Blessing of Same-Sex Unions” via GSFA. Primates of the Global South: “The GSFA is no longer able to recognise the present Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Hon & Most Revd Justin Welby, as the ‘first among equals’ Leader of the global Communion.”… “GSFA Primates will carefully work with other orthodox Primates to provide Primatial and episcopal oversight to orthodox dioceses and networks of Anglican churches who indicate their need and who consult with us.” (Updated 2-21-2023)
“On Disaffiliating Well” by David Donnan via Juicy Ecumenism. A repost of an earlier blog about things to remember during disaffiliation. (Added 2-23-2023)
“When Streams of Living Water Become a Flood: Revival at Asbury University” by Suzanne Nicholson via Firebrand Magazine. Professor of New Testament at Asbury Seminary offers an extended reflection on the revival. (Added 2-21-2023)
“Good Fruit and New Wine: On the Asbury Revival” by David Watson via Firebrand Magazine. “The disenchanted and politicized gospel of American Christianity struggles to envision a move of God at all, much less one that does not directly serve our agendas.” (Added 2-21-2023)
“Setting the Record Straight: No Trust Clause in the GMC” by Jay Therrell via WCA. “With Bishop Haupert-Johnson’s very public campaign against misinformation, imagine my surprise as I was watching an interview she did for the Virginia Annual Conference where she now serves, where she shared actual misinformation. (The comments come around the 13-minute mark.) Haupert-Johnson said, “And quite frankly I’ve heard WCA and Global Methodist Church folks say the first thing they’re going to add is a trust clause because if you don’t have a trust clause whatever the ruling faction in your church is controls the church.” (Added 2-21-2023)
Tweet by Liam Adams. Religion Reporter: “After 1,800+ congregations left the United Methodist Church in 2022, more churches will do the same this year, mainly during regional conference special sessions. That 2023 special session season has already begun, so I’m starting this new thread with updates. #UMC” (Added 2-20-2023)
“Why A Methodist Would Join the Ordinariate” by Paul Caleb Roland. A Roman Catholic option for Methodists. (Added 2-20-2023)
“The Revival We Need” by Jack Harnish. “…without a companion commitment to social justice they can become little more than emotional highs which feel good, but produce little.” (Added 2-20-2023)
Tweet by Brad Scott. “As a traditional-minded clergy member of the United Methodist Church I do not recognize as bishop or pastor those who stand against and continue to ignore the stated positions of the United Methodist Church as written in the Book of Discipline, 2016 and 2019.” (Added 2-20-2023)
“Bishop Scott J. Jones Joins Truett Seminary’s Wesley House of Studies” via Baylor University. ““I couldn’t be more thrilled with the appointment of Bishop Scott Jones to serve in the Wesley House of Studies at Truett Seminary,” said Leah Hidde-Gregory, president pro-tempore of the Mid-Texas Conference of the Global Methodist Church. “He will not only provide our students with excellent academic instruction but he will also offer practical, pastoral counsel to help guide their journey in ministry.” (Added 2-20-2023)
“Thomasville FUMC votes to disaffiliate, new group forms” by Jim Holloway via Thomasville Times Enterprise (GA). [Yahoo News]. South Georgia Conference lay leader interviewed. (Added 2-20-2023)
“33 churches disaffiliated at Special Called Annual Conference” by Madeline White via The Virginia Conference (UMC). “The Annual Conference body voted “no” on the ratification of the disaffiliation of New Town UMC, Mission Rivers District, with a 54% to 46%.” List of churches. (Added 2-20-2023)
Post by Bishop Scott Jones via Facebook. A GMC Crossroads Provisional Conference is planned for Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, with Scott Pattinson named as the president pro tem. (Added 2-18-2023)
“Special Message from Bishop Burgos – Disaffiliations” via Upper New York Annual Conference (UMC). A statement of status and expectations related to disaffiliations from the UNY conference. (Added 2-18-2023)
Overheard: Newtown (VA) disaffiliation was rejected at a 2/18/23 special session by 54/46% margin amid questions about the value of the property and intent of the land donors. Another 33 disaffiliations were approved as a group. (Added 2-18-2023)
Overheard: A group motion approving the disaffiliation of 33 churches (Newtown being narrowly removed for separate consideration) was accepted by a special session of the Virginia Annual Conference by 88%. (Added 2-18-2023)
Overheard: A motion from the floor of the special session of the Virginia Conference sought to remove Newtown from the combined list of churches seeking disaffiliation. Donated to the conference, the valuable land is in a planned community where additional land is not available. The removal from the list was approved 699/692. Newtown will be considered separately. (Added 2-18-2023)
Overheard: A special session of the Virginia Conference of the UMC rejects a motion from the floor to shut down the conference disaffiliation process due to the presence of misinformation. The vote was 28/72%. Bishop Haupert-Johnson allowed this vote as in general keeping with the call of the special session. She disallowed a motion from the floor to extend the disaffiliation timeframe. (Added 2-18-2023)
“Hearing from our New Bishop” by Scott Field via Northern Illinois WCA. Response to statements by the new bishop of the Northern Illinois Conference. (Added 2-18-2023)
“Special Called Annual Conference February 18, 2023” via Virginia Conference YouTube Channel. Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson convenes a special session to consider 34 disaffiliations. (Added 2-18-2023)
“What’s Going On In The Kentucky UMC Annual Conference?” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken Podcast. Reporting on Bishop Fairley electing not to provide a fall special session, effectively closing the disaffiliation window earlier than other conferences. (Added 2-18-2023)
“‘We Cannot Walk With you Unless You Repent,’ African Archbishops Tell Church of England” by Fredrick Nzwili via Ministry Watch. ““The Church of England is very good at making contradictory statements and expecting everyone to believe both can be true at the same time. That’s what they have done with this decision,” said Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu of Uganda in his statement.” (Added 2-17-2023)
“A Reason for Optimism” by Richard Bryant via UM Insight. “I sense, see, and feel a degree of optimism in defiance of the grievance-based assault on United Methodism and mainline Christianity. Why?” (Added 2-17-2023)
“GMC Thursday Night Live with David Watson” via GMC Thursday Night Live Facebook Group. Interview with the Dean of United Theological Seminary (a GMC clergy). (Added 2-17-2023)
“A Divine Moment for Gen Z” via Good News Magazine. A round-up of reactions to the Asbury Awakening. (Added 2-17-2023)
“Thoughts on The Asbury Revival from a Current Asbury seminarian” by Jake Dickerson. Jack Harnish shared this critique of the Asbury Revival as a “valuable reflection.” An Asbury Seminary M.Div. student frames the revival as anti-Wesleyan and links it to disaffiliation. (Added 2-17-2023)
“Asbury Revival a ‘Spontaneous Outpouring’” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. “There is no political angle here. Participants tell of a deep sense of joy, but the prayer and worship itself is quiet. Those concerned at the prospect of excessive exuberance can themselves calm down.” (Added 2-16-2023)
“Disaffiliation Questions” via Mountain Sky Conference. Q&A with Bishop Oliveto, including her sermon about Jesus needing. to change her mind. Says she needed a bodyguard for 18 months. (Added 2-16-2023)
“A letter from BWC leadership on church conferences and disaffiliation” by Bishop Latrelle Easterling via Baltimore-Washington Conference. “The most important notification a member can receive is the call to participate in the church conference where information will be shared, questions will be answered and, if necessary, a vote will be taken. District offices must have current membership contact information to fulfill this responsibility.” This follows on an earlier request for the address information of local church members that some wonder if connected. (Added 2-16-2023)
“Jimmy Asbell Sermon” via Chapelwood UMC. The South Georgia “why we are not voting” sermon arguing against the validity of disaffiliation by traditionalists in conferences upholding the Discipline. This word from the chair of the conference trustees is being widely shared among UM institutionalists. (Added 2-16-2023)
“We Love the Church of England” via The Church of England Evangelical Council. A call for structural separation in the wake of a decision on same-sex marriage. A call to create space for evangelicals to do ministry with like-minded bishops. (Added 2-16-2023)
Tweet by Chris Ritter. “There is no list of denominations “recognized” by the #UMC General Conference. There are denominations with whom we have full communion and other agreements, but approved service by our clergy has never been limited to these groups. (The UCC stands in example.)” (Added 2-16-2023)
“130 North Georgia congregations join lawsuit against conference” via North Georgia WCA Facebook Page. “Our team has done everything in our power to avoid the need for litigation. We have made efforts to work with the conference leadership to get our 2553 process back on track. Up to this point, conference leaders have not relented. Meanwhile, more than 130 churches in North Georgia have joined the NCLL and are now being legally represented as we simultaneously prepare for litigation and discuss with conference leaders what it will take to get our process back on track.” (Added 2-16-2023)
“Friday, February 10, 2023 UMC News Digest” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken Podcast. A round-up of UMC/GMC dust-ups from the previous week. (Added 2-16-2023)
“Asbury Revival 2023 – Interview with Dr. Jonathan Powers” via PlainSpoken Podcast. And interview with a professor at Asbury Seminary. (Added 2-16-2023)
Overheard: Bishop Harvey has rescinded a Texas Conference agreement that would allow short-term GMC/UMC cross-denominational appointments. She has also rescinded a TXUMC/ETXGMC agreement that would allow UM campus ministries to serve (and receive funding from) both groups as they commit to proclaim what the two denominations hold in common. In doing so, Bishop Harvey has commented that the GMC is a creedal church and the UMC is a non-creedal church. (Added 2-16-2023)
“Pray that We Will be Kind” by Carolyn Moore. “While I don’t believe progressive and orthodox United Methodists can remain in the same tribe due the wide theological gap between us (nor should we; it holds no integrity), I am praying with many others that our separation can look more like multiplication than division and that we can honor one another in the process.” (Added 2-16-2023)
Tweet via Keith McIlwain: “Loss of the #UMC Connection didn’t start with disaffiliation votes or the GMC; it started with mass unfaithfulness by UM pastors, churches, Bishops, conferences, & jurisdictions across the country. Everyone needs to be honest; unfaithfulness is what broke the UM Connection.” (Added 2-16-2023)
“Blameless” by John Feagins via UM Insight. On watching an online disaffiliation discernment session: “This external stimulus, amplified by propaganda, provided the sole warrant for unleashing a congregationalist trial process they acknowledge will bring destructive and traumatic consequences to their church regardless of who wins.” (Added 2-16-2023)
“Delegates Don’t Fear Challenges to Resolutions Adopted at Jurisdictional Conferences” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “Delegates from the North Central, South Central and Southeastern Jurisdictions issued a statement Feb. 9 affirming their work while the denomination waits for its “high court,” the Judicial Council, to rule on the constitutionality of the resolutions. Challenges were mounted at the jurisdictional conferences primarily against the “queer delegates” plea for LGBTQ inclusion in the church.” (Added 2-16-2023)
“Tullahoma First United Methodist Church announces disaffiliation from UM organization” via The Tullahoma Times. Quote: ““As widely reported in church news circles, the UM denomination is trending towards some major changes. The (new) Tullahoma First Methodist Church, while leaving the UM denominational organization, will remain the same loving Methodist church it has always been. They will continue to follow the same tenets of traditional Wesleyan Methodism they always have.” (Added 2-16-2023)
“FAQ’s on Disaffiliation” via The New England Conference (UMC). Updated FAQ’s by Bishop Peggy Johnson. (Added 2-16-2023)
“Disaffiliation Shouldn’t Result in Lost History” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “Church archivists worry that congregations disaffiliating from The United Methodist Church will fail to make arrangements to preserve the papers that tell their story.” (Added 2-16-2023)
“Thoughts on the Asbury Awakening” by Timothy Tennent. “Despite the endless coverage in social media and the regular media which is calling this a revival, I think it is wise to see this, at the current phase, as an awakening. Only if we see lasting transformation which shakes the comfortable foundations of the church and truly brings us all to a new and deeper place can we look back, in hindsight and say “yes, this has been a revival.” An awakening is where God begins to stir and awaken people up from their spiritual slumber.” (Added 2-15-2023)
Overheard: A third Oklahoma church is being prevented from disaffiliating. New Covenant in Edmond is denied a church conference date as DS Sam Powers argues their reasons for leaving under Par. 2553 are not sufficient. Key conference officials are said to attend New Covenant. (Added 2-15-2023)
“Letter to United Methodists in Oklahoma” by Bishop Jimmy Nunn. The UMC bishop in Oklahoma reacts to a letter circulated by the OK WCA. (Added 2-15-2023)
“‘Is the United Methodist Church Really…?’ Part Nine” via UM Communications. This latest installment of a FAQ series covers disaffiliation limitations and clergy matters. (Added 2-15-2023)
“Learn about Conference “stay” groups, their play book and what your church should do.” via Dalton & Tomich via YouTube. The “Steeplejacking” playbook. (Added 2-14-2023)
“Kentucky Conference Disaffiliation Statement from Bishop Fairley” via Kentucky Conference (UMC). An earnest plea to stay in the UMC, paired with an announcement there will be no special called session in the fall (extending the practical timeframe for disaffiliations. (Added 2-14-2023)
“The Excitement of Orthodoxy, the Boredom of Progressivism” by Jay Therrell via WCA. “As I reflected on what Bishop Haupert-Johnson said, my heart broke. I was sad for her and sad for anyone who truly believes what she espoused. I was sad because I truly believe that standing for orthodoxy is exciting, hard, challenging, and right. I think standing for a changing, shifting, progressive church is boring, easy, and bankrupt.” (Added 2-14-2023)
“The Asbury Revival: A First-Person Account” by Jason Vickers via Firebrand Magazine. “I grew up going to revivals and camp meetings. I’ve seen people shout, run the aisles, and tightrope the backs of pews. I sometimes refer to this sort of thing as “swinging from the chandeliers.” That isn’t what is taking place at Asbury University in Wilmore, KY. I know, because I just left Hughes Auditorium.” (Added 2-14-2023)
“Revival at Asbury University” by Peter Bellini via Firebrand Magazine. “What is most surprising is that there is a revival without a “revivialist.” No leader is front and center “bringing” the revival or featured in this awakening. There is no key human personality orchestrating, organizing, packaging, and dispensing revival. It is like God is saying, “Ministers move out of the way, so this can be done right.” (Added 2-14-2023)
“Asbury Professor: We’re Witnessing a ‘Surprising Work of God’” by Tom McCall via Christianity Today. “There is no pressure or hype. There is no manipulation. There is no high-pitched emotional fervor. To the contrary, it has been mostly calm and serene. The mix of hope and joy and peace is indescribably strong and indeed almost palpable—a vivid and incredibly powerful sense of shalom. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is undeniably powerful but also so gentle.” (Added 2-14-2023)
“New church springing out of United Methodist denomination begins services in Gainesville” by Jeff Gill via The Gainesville Times. “The denomination was “going more and more progressive, and that is not my theology,” said Wiliamson. “I’m very basic in my theology. I’m very conservative.” He said he felt called by God to help start a Global Methodist Church in Gainesville. The end result was Asbury Chapel, which began meeting regularly on Jan. 8.” (Added 2-14-2023)
“Redeeming Denominational Division: What To Do When You’ve Lost Your Spiritual Home” by Christopher Backert and Michael Beck via Fresh Expressions. “Almost every denominational leader or official we have ever met, consulted, or interviewed tends to fight against these seemingly inevitable forces at work, typically under the call that the existing denominational families are ‘better together.’ Truthfully, they would be better if they were together. Yet, the lack of togetherness is plain for all to see. Mostly, our experience of what denominational leaders mean is that they are ‘bigger” together.'” Authors say it is better to embrace a smaller scope. (Added 2-13-2023)
[UPDATED]”United Methodist Bishop Calls for Pause in Churches Withdrawal Process” by Carla Hinton via The Oklahoman (PDF). Two prominent downtown OKC (but very different) churches face similar response by Bishop Nunn. (Added 2-13-2023)
“Revival Underway at Asbury University in Kentucky: ‘The Holy Spirit Was Tangible in the Room’” via CBN News. “For days, people have been giving testimonies, reading scripture, and praying in the ongoing revival. The paper says students, professors, and local church leaders have taken part.” The “fire is spreading” to other campuses. (Added 2-13-2023)
“Methodist Misinformation and Oklahoma’s Discerning Churches” via OK WCA. “Why would the conference gradually increase the pressure to stay, delay the process, and open the possibility of pulling the rug out from under churches that have gone through the process in earnest? An answer that will continually float into the ether is the concern of misinformation. We need to aggressively get to the bottom of these accusations and make sure there are no misunderstandings.” (Added 2-13-2023)
“What is the Cost of a Pastor in the GMC?” by Jeff Pospisil via 10-minute Treasurer. The former treasurer of theDakotas Conference discusses clergy costs in the Global Methodist Church. (Added 2-12-2023)
“All eyes focus on (another?) Asbury revival” by Mark Maynard and Hannah Julian via Kentucky Today. “Time will tell if the revival unfolding on the campus of Asbury University will have the impact of one from 1970. The comparisons, though, are uncanny.” (Added 2-12-2023)
“In Chattanooga and beyond, United Methodist Church split echoes Presbyterian past” by Andrew Schwartz via Chattanooga Free Press. “Today, America’s largest mainline Christian denomination, the United Methodist Church, is splitting up over social issues that some see as flash points of a deeper theological disagreement. Fifty years ago, Presbyterians in Chattanooga and beyond went through something similar. What happened next showed the messy ways money, race and culture shape — and sometimes hinder — the efforts of different Christian communities to establish a common ground on the basis of faith.” (Added 2-12-2023)
“Revival Reported at Asbury University in Kentucky” by Kim Roberts via Ministry Watch. “On the morning of February 8, a seemingly normal chapel service took place at the campus’s Hughes Auditorium. It included a message about confession and repentance, according to reports. After the service was over, a group of students stayed behind to continue worshiping. Then more joined them.” (Added 2-10-2023)
“Beginning the Shift: From Disaffiliation to Fruitfulness” by Sterling Allen via Good News. “Still, for those of us who have disaffiliated and have joined the Global Methodist Church, we must get back to the work Christ called us to do. We need to shift our focus from disaffiliation to fruitfulness.” (Added 2-10-2023)
“GMC Thursday Night Live with Dr. Sterling Allen & Dr. Tesia Mallory” via YouTube. A conversation with Dr. Mallory, Dean of Chapel at United Theological Seminary. (Added 2-9-2023)
“Lighthouse Congregations” via Western North Carolina Conference. “Lighthouse Congregations are a part of the UM Collective Movement in the Western NC Conference. These congregations are particularly equipped to welcome anyone whose church has closed or disaffiliated.” (Added 2-9-2023)
“Scouting Ministry in the Global Methodist Church” by Art Collins. “I see the scouting ministry family as a large mission field – one of the largest – and as one who firmly believes that you’ve got to fish where there are fish, I want us to have a presence there. And if we are going to be involved in Scouting Ministry, we should do it intentionally and with full understanding of what we’re up to. That’s the Methodist way, after all.” (Added 2-9-2023)
“Methodism and the Mediating Elite, Part One” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. “Methodism, once a bottom-up religion of common and often poor folk, was in danger of becoming a religious institution run by the mediating elite.” (Added 2-9-2023)
“Convening Conference day 3 – An Historic Day for Methodism” by Howard Huhn via Eastern Texas Conference (GMC). “History was made today at the Eastern Texas Conference Convening Conference as 90 men and women were ordained in what is believed to be the largest class of ordinands in the history of the Methodist movement.” (Added 2-9-2023)
“Resurrection Brings New Life to Katy Methodists” by Howard Huhn visa Eastern Texas Conference (GMC). “Rev. Jason Smith, the founding pastor, is the former senior pastor of First United Methodist Church, Katy, which failed to reach the threshold of 66% at a congregational vote to disaffiliate. Rev. Smith, along with many of his former congregation, answered the call to start a new congregation in the GMC.” 335 founding members. (Added 2-9-2023)
“North Carolina Pastor Sends Out 2nd Booklet” by Mary John Dye via UM Insight. A Western North Carolina pastors releases a second booklet aimed at combatting disaffiliation misinformation. (Added 2-9-2023)
“‘He Gets Us’ Doesn’t Get Him” by Jim Burklo is UM Insight. “[The Super Bowl ads are] an effort to make Jesus look good – funded by the same fundamentalists who have trashed his reputation. HeGetsUs doesn’t get him!” (Added 2-9-2023)
“Methodism overdue for becoming ‘woke,’ author says” by Sam Hodges via UMNS. A interview with William Lawrence on his new book. (Added 2-9-2023)
“Beginning Again: A Guide to Remaining in The United Methodist Church” via Alabama-West Florida Conference. A conference-level guide for UM’s whose congregation is considering disaffiliation. (Added 2-9-2023)
Tweet via Tom Lambrecht: On a spontaneous revival happening at Asbury University that started yesterday: “This revival is continuing. Pray that young peoples’ lives will be transformed by the power of God!” (Added 2-9-2023)
“Church of England votes in favour of blessings for same-sex unions” by Harriet Sherwood via The Guardian. “Conservatives narrowly succeeded in amending the motion to endorse the church’s doctrine of marriage – that it is between a man and a woman – and stating that blessings should not indicate a departure from doctrine.” (Added 2-9-2023)
“S3, E2: ‘What’s Going on with the UMC?’ (Part 1)” by Larry Frank, Adam Penn, Gabe Wanck and Sarah Wanck via Midnight Theology Podcast. Illinois Great Rivers Conference UMC clergy discuss the state of the UMC. (Added 2-9-2023)
Post by John J. Godwin via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “Anyone else feel we are defeated? I am beginning to lose all hope in being able to rebuild our denomination. I weep along with Jesus and many of you.” (Added 2-9-2023)
“What happens when a UMC exit vote fails in a congregation?” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. A round-up with multiple responses by UM bishops and a profile of two Texas examples. (Added 2-9-2023)
“Bishop Moore-Koikoi: ‘I am encouraged‘” via Western PA Conference (UMC). “I am also encouraged that congregations whose theology is not consistent with the theology of The United Methodist Church are finding their way to either be independent churches or to be part of other denominations that are more consistent with their theology.” (Added 2-9-2023)
“121 attend first new Houston area multigenerational church service” by Lindsay Peyton via Texas Conference (UMC). A new church is launched from the remnant of two disaffiliated churches. (Added 2-9-2023)
“Methodism Has a History of Splitting and Reforming” by W. Richard Turner via UM Insight. Texas Layman: “Perhaps it’s for the best as it recognizes the realities that have always existed. It will be interesting to see how the new denomination deals with differences in the future, differences that will almost certainly arise within its ranks.” (Added 2-9-2023)
Tweet by Adam Hamilton, replying to Chris Ritter on the UMNS commentary by Lonnie Brooks: “Hi Chris, I disagree with Lonnie (and you?) concerning his post. I think you’ll agree that the far left is vastly outnumbered by centrists in the UMC. And, assuming Jay Therrell is correct, and that 13.4% of UMC’s will leave, there are a lot of traditionalists……that will remain in the UMC. But more than that, Centrists are thoughtful people who value both traditionalists and progressives and agree at points and disagree at others with both “sides”. I’ve appreciated Good News but disagree at points. I’ve appreciated……MFSA and been grateful for their witness, but disagree at points. That’s the beauty of the UMC being a church of the via media. Most centrists lean one way on some issues, the other on other issues. We are progressive evangelicals and evangelical progressives.” (Added 2-9-2023)
Tweet by Chris Ritter: “Hi, Adam. To disagree with Lonnie I would need to see a robust critique by centrists of the prog. agenda for the #umc. The critique so far has seemed uni-directional. Do you see this changing? The raw number of traditionalists doesn’t matter much unless they can get elected.” (Added 2-9-2023)
“Jenga Boom and. theUnited Methodist Church” by Scott Field via Northern Illinois WCA. An illustration involving a toy leads into a reprint of the recent Lonnie Brooks commentary from UMNS. (Added 2-9-2023)
“Roanoke church joins exodus from United Methodists” by Tim Altork via The Randolph Leader (AL). Report. ofFirst UMC in Roanoke, AL voting to disaffiliate. (Added 2-9-2023)
“Jim Snyder: We must be honest in our discussion of a process which is so drastically changing Methodism” via The Daily Times (TN). Attorney and UM Layman: “Some have observed that the United Methodist denomination has increasingly taken more liberal positions on matters about which people of good conscience can reasonably disagree. Rather than continuing to endure the strained relations and unease which has existed, some of the more conservative churches are disaffiliating in acknowledgment that fundamental differences exist between their congregations and the United Methodist denomination.” (Added 2-9-2023)
“Maggie Valley UMC to hold meetings on affiliation decision” via The Mountaineer. Western North Carolina local coverage. (Added 2-8-2023)
“Using our brains: A proposal for General Conference” by Taylor Burton-Edwards via UMNS Commentary. Building a new consensus about the future of the church – a Protocol 2.0 – before General Conference would put delegates in a better position for their work in 2024. “Mr. Feinberg, United Methodists may need your services again.” (Added 2-8-2023)
“FAQs Regarding Church and Conference Disaffiliations” via Wespath. A helpful FAQ document was updated 1/25/2023 related to pensions, annual conference liabilities, and GC2024(2020). (Added 2-8-2023)
[Correction & Addition] Overheard: “The Oklahoma Conference is considering presenting annual conference with different blocks of disaffiliating churches. So, they might present churches who voted 90%-100% to disaffiliate in one block for a vote. Churches who voted 80-89% might be in another block. The conference has also disallowed at least one church from having a vote.” There is concern among otherwise super-majority disaffiliating churches of being “Arkansas-ed.” (Added 2-8-2023)
“United Methodist Church Future” via Covenant United Methodist Church. A Louisiana congregation offers information to its members related to the option of disaffiliation. Pros, cons, and comparisons. (Added 2-8-2023)
“The Good News of Critical Grace Theory” by Richard Bryant via UM Insight. “How, in an era of dissolution and disaffiliation, where these controversies mark an apparent dilution of our message, ministry, and purpose, do we continue to proclaim the revolutionary teachings of a 1st-century rabbi executed by the Romans (in the most brutal form of capital punishment possible), for speaking on behalf the poor, downtrodden, and oppressed?” (Added 2-8-2023)
“Political categories don’t capture work ahead” by Bridget Cabrera via UMNS (commentary). MFSA offers a counterpoint to the Lonnie Brooks commentary predicting a progressive takeover of the UMC: “Denominational politics and categories of centrist and progressive fall flat in the face of the work we have to do together to tell the good news.” (Added 2-8-2023)
“What Attracts Young People to Church These Days?” by Emily Robnett via the Oklahoma Conference (UMC). “Ethan Waquie was recently baptized by Rev. Kathy Brown and Rev. Emily Robnett on January 15, 2023… When asked why he chose to join the UMC—especially as the church is fracturing— Waquie said, ‘Truth be told, I was anxious about the disaffiliation happening in the UMC. I felt that I had finally found a denomination that matches my values but was wary about joining a congregation due to a future that seemed unclear to me. I now believe that the future of the UMC is bright.'” (Added 2-8-2023)
“Exciting Work Happening In West Ohio” by Bishops Gregory Palmer via West Ohio Conference UMC. “The work related to disaffiliation continues. I want to alert you that I intend to call another Adjourned Session of the West Ohio Annual Conference to vote on disaffiliations under par. 2553 of the Book of Discipline. Please hold Saturday October 21, 2023 for this special session. Keep in mind that this heads-up is not the official Call to Conference. Rather it expresses my intention.” (Added 2-8-2023)
“Texas Global Methodists Turn from Denominational Decline” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. Descriptions of recent GMC annual conference sessions in Texas. (Added 2-8-2023)
“GM Church Officially Recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense as Religious Organization” by Walter Fenton via GMC. “This is an important and encouraging announcement for clergy who want to serve in the U.S. armed forces as Global Methodist Church chaplains,” said the Rev. Gary Clore, the GM Church’s Director of Endorsing Ministries. (Added 2-8-2023)
Post via Plainspoken Facebook Page. Responding to a progressive UMC clergy podcast rant on disaffiliation, Jeffrey Rickman shares comments by Dale Thomas on an episode of “What the Hell is a Pastor?” Podcast (Ethan Shearer and Jo Schonewolf). The episode in question here. (Added 2-7-2023)
“What local United Methodist Churches should do to prepare for the Annual Conference vote?” via Dalton & Tomich via YouTube. A law firm representing disaffiliating churches answers an FAQ. (Added 2-7-2023)
“Bishop Trimble: State Of The Church” via Indiana Conference (UMC) Video via Facebook. Bishop Trimble calls out WCA, GMC, and “Lomperis and men like that.” [4:10]. (Added 2-7-2023)
“How We Got Here: The History of UM Conflict (Part Two)” by Tom Lambrecht via Good News. This part coverage the story following General Conference 2019. (Added 2-7-2023)
“2 local churches join new Methodist denomination” by Sarah Readdean via The Toledo Blade. Local Ohio coverage. (Added 2-7-2023)
Tweet by Stephen Fife. “Is there ANYONE left in the #UMC that is still defending the ridiculously dumb decision to cancel GC2020? It was 100 percent a mistake that could have been avoided.” (Added 2-7-2023)
“With new lungs, he leads a new church” by Sam Hodges via UMNS. Feature on a pastor leading a remnant Texas congregation following a disaffiliation. (Added 2-7-2023)
“Movement Mythology” by C. Don Jones via Patheos. On GMC claims as a “movement”: “People proclaiming a new movement put themselves in the seat of the great leader. It is a dangerous cultish approach that makes more victims than saints.” (Added 2-7-2023)
[corrected] “Offal, Part One” via What the Hell is a Pastor? Podcast. A progressive UM pastor and former pastor share their thinking that there should not be any disaffiliations happening, are critical of conference leaders for not seeing disaffiliation as a war. Want no fellowship or cooperation with the GMC in the future. (Added 2-7-2023)
“Article 3: The Harm Caused by Church Conference Voting to Disaffiliate” by Bishop David Graves. “We are inflicting a lot of harm to each other with these disaffiliation votes. In many places when you vote you are not ending the division, you are only beginning a cyclical process. It will take two or three generations to move past some of what is being done right now in our churches.” (Added 2-6-2023)
“Disobedience didn’t start with sexuality debate” by Lovett Weems via UMNS. Questions why defiance of church restrictions related to homosexuality is seen as different from earlier examples and a reason for church separation. (Added 2-6-2023)
“What’s Going On In The West Virginia UMC Annual Conference?” via PlainSpoken Podcast (YouTube). “While other annual conferences are going through the process of disaffiliation and have been doing so for the last year, but the Annual Conference in West Virginia seems to be taking a different route. In this video we dive into what is going on in West Virginia and how it compares to other United Methodist Annual Conferences in the United States.” (Added 2-6-2023)
“Simple Things: Top Minor Tweaks Offered in the Global Methodist Church” by Bob Phillips via PeopleNeedJesus.net. Less-talked-about changes that make the GMC refreshingly different. (Added 2-6-2023)
Tweet Thread by Jeremy Smith (Seattle). Traditionalists who insist on evidence of the misinformation charged by annual conferences are a barrier to charitable conversation. (Added 2-6-2023)
“United Methodists in Washington form new congregation” via Illinois Great Rivers Conference. A conference launches a new congregation with the 100 or so dissidents from a hard-fought disaffiliation vote. (Added 2-5-2023)
Overheard: Grace Church in Cape Coral/Fort Myers voted 85% to disaffiliate from the UMC. Jorge Acevedo and Wes Olds are the lead pastors. (Added 2-5-2023)
Post by Mindy Briggs Denison via OK WCA Facebook Page. Shares a letter from West Texas A&M Wesley Foundation about their decision to align with the Global Methodist Church. The post complains that Oklahoma Conference campus ministries were not given this option. (Added 2-4-2023)
“Eastern Texas Convening Conference-Service of Ordination” via Global Methodist Church Thursday Night Live YouTube Channel. “The largest ordination class in the history of Methodism” (90) as former UM local pastors are ordained as deacons and elders. (Added 2-4-2023)
“FUMC finalizes separation process” by William Marlow via The Outlook. Local coverage in Alexander City, Alabama where a church with two campuses agrees to divide into two congregations, one UMC and the other GMC. (Added 2-4-2023)
“Attorney defends churches suing UMC over disaffiliation process: Bishop can end lawsuit ‘anytime he wishes’” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. An interview with David Gibbs III of the National Center of Life and Liberty, a legal organization representing many disaffiliating United Methodist congregations. (Added 2-4-2023)
“Ministry happens through relationships, not arguments” by Sky McCracken via The Jackson Post. “It is very tempting to give in to schism, to divest, disrupt, demonize, and divide, instead of making relationships in a hurting world so in need of healing.” (Added 2-3-2023)
Post by Stephen Drachler via Stay UMC Facebook Page (PDF). “Susquehanna Conference Bishops Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Sandra L. Steiner Ball have ordered a Harrisburg-York PA area congregation to delay its vote on disaffiliation after concerns were raised about the fairness of the process and disinformation being used to argue for leaving the UMC.” (Added 2-3-2023)
“Centrist-progressive coalition could soon unravel” by Lonnie Brooks via UMNS Commentary. “The really bad news for centrists is that with the departure of the traditionalists who have maintained the balance with the progressives, the progressives are poised to make a triumphal display of power at the upcoming General Conference in which they will move forward with the entire agenda of the progressive movement.” (Added 2-3-2023)
“Methodism’s Doctrinal Decline (Part 1)” by Jesse M. Jackson via Truth Perspective. “Why and for what reasons are many churches now choosing to disaffiliate from the UMC?” and “Are these decisions based upon moral issues (i.e., sexual morality) that have recently surfaced, or is there a clear history of unfolding events that have led up to this disastrous moment?” (Added 2-3-2023)
“Denominational Ice Cream” by Jason Valendy via UM Insight. “Some Christians feel like the only way to assert the beauty of their denomination is to talk about the ugliness of other denominations. And so there are misrepresentations and misinformation. Fear and hate are spat out for the sake of getting others to, if not join a preferred denomination, at least reject another.” (Added 2-3-2023)
Post by Bob Phillips via Facebook. A response to an article by Bishop Frank Beard in which he scolds those disaffiliating from the UMC now and not taking his advice to wait. (Added 2-3-2023)
“Announcement of In-Person Annual Conference Session – Saturday, May 13, 2023” via Arkansas Conference (UMC). “The consideration of ratification of disaffiliation agreements from the Conference Board of Trustees with various congregations of the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church, in accordance with ¶2553 of The 2016 Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, the Principles adopted at the 2021 Arkansas Annual Conference Session and Judicial Council Decision 1379.” (Added 2-3-2023)
“Methodist Church split felt in Bryan-College Station” by Cassidy Pate via The Eagle (TX). ““The United Methodist Church, they wanted to begin a new Methodist church in Bryan, and they approached me knowing that for the last four or five years I’ve always kind of dabbled with the idea of starting a new church or a new campus,” Webber said.” (Added 2-3-2023)
Post by Mike McDaniel via Friends of the GMC Facebook Group. Shares a letter by DS Charles Ledlum-Bates of the Virginia Conference requiring his permission for groups to speak about the UMC division. (Added 2-3-2023)
“WCA Pathways Webinar: Dealing with the Fallout” via Holy Conversations Podcast (WCA). “Licensed therapist Joel Watts joined us for a discussion about handing conflict in your local church in the wake of disaffiliation votes, how to deal with “disenfranchised grief,” and how to take care of yourself in times of stress and uncertainty.” (Added 2-3-2023)
[corrected] “Letter regarding the employment of Western PA Conference clergy” by Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi. Stating retired UMC clergy are not allowed to serve in churches of the Global Methodist Church. (Added 2-3-2023)
“Eastern Texas Convening Conference” Livestream via YouTube. Video from convening conference of the Eastern Texas Conference of. the Global Methodist Church. (Added 2-3-2023)
“‘Ordinary’ United Methodists Push Back Against Misinformation” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. A round-up of people writing in defense of the UMC. Link to pamphlet mentioned in the article. (Added 2-2-2023)
“2023 Bishop Merrill’s Update on Disaffiliation” via Arkansas Conference (UMC). Disaffiliation has been distressing. There is room for all. (Added 2-2-2023)
“Buyer Beware in Seeking Another Church” by Wil Meiklejohn via UM Insight. “The UMC’s ongoing division presents a huge roadblock to its mission by opportunities that distract from the call and put in place an “us vs. them” dichotomy.” (Added 2-2-2023)
“Local churches may leave Methodist denomination” by Ben Sheroan via The News-Enterprise. Local coverage in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. (Added 2-2-2023)
“Mythbusting: The True Standards of Wesleyan Theology Embraced by The United Methodist Church, Part 2” by Amy Coles via Western North Carolina Conference (UMC). The assistant to Bishop Carter offers a discussion of the Doctrinal Standards in a Mythbusting series. (Added 2-2-2023)
“Flag on the Play…” by Scott Field via Northern Illinois WCA. Did the Northern Illinois Conference “pull a Lucy” with Faith UMC in Downers Grove? (Added 2-2-2023)
“Not All Division is Bad” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. “Would the Church be stronger or weaker if Richard Allen had not left the Methodist Episcopal Church to form the African Methodist Episcopal Church, or if the Wesleyan Methodists, who believed radical things like ordination for women, abolition of slavery, temperance and abolishing of war, would not have split in 1844?” (Added 2-2-2023)
Post via Mount Savage UMC Facebook. A local church walks away from the UMC and offers back the denomination anything they have paid for. (Added 2-1-2023)
“Bishop Carter Announces a Virtual Special Session of the Western North Carolina Annual Conference” via Western North Carolina Conference. “The sole purpose of the called executive session of clergy members is to vote on clergy withdrawals. The sole purpose of the called session is to vote on the WNC Conference Board of Trustees’ recommendations for churches choosing to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church through the authorized process outlined in Paragraph 2553.” (Added 2-1-2023)
“Is the UMC Really…? (Part Eight)” via UM Communications. Answer to whether disaffiliation applies to Central Conferences and whether a “disaffiliation bridge” is possible. (Added 2-1-2023)
“What’s Going on with the Global Methodist Church?!” via Church Answers. The GMC as “the fastest growing denomination on earth.” Sam and Josh Rainer interview Keith Boyette. (Added 2-1-2023)
Post via Holston WCA. “127 Churches in Holston have voted to disaffiliate from the UMC: [List included] (Added 2-1-2023)
“UMC agency gives grant to LGBT advocacy group despite ban on funding ‘gay caucuses’” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. The General Board of Church and Society gives a grant to Reconciling Ministries to help produce Vacation Bible School curricula, in spite of a BOD ban on funding causes to promote the acceptance of homosexuality. (Added 2-1-2023)
“East Texas Conference Convening Conference Pre-Conference Journal” via ETXGMC. At the February 2-4 gathering, 26 are to be ordained deacon, 61 to be ordained both deacon and elder, and three are to be ordained as elder only. (Added 2-1-2023)
“Jonathan Jonas: Connection crucial to our identity” via The Daily Times (TN). Maryille First UMC Pastor: “The United Methodist Church I know is hardly recognizable in the critiques of those departing, but I see it every day as its members share their time, effort, and resources in ministries that bless our community and world.” (Added 2-1-2023)
“My childhood church was a safe haven for NC kids like me. No more. | Opinion” by Douglas Murray via Charlotte News and Observer. A Nashville resident writes of the disaffiliation of his North Carolina childhood church: “The little kid who loved First Methodist, Maiden in the ‘50s and ‘60s has been retrospectively rejected, made invisible.” (Added 2-1-2023)
“Called for a Purpose” by Bishop Mark Webb via Global Methodist Church. “I’m humbled to begin this journey with the Global Methodist Church. God is at work. John Wesley was used by God to renew a church, spark a revival, and spread scriptural holiness across the land. He was “plucked from the fire” for a purpose. My prayer is, “Do it again God! Do it again in me and through me. Do it again in us and through us.” (Added 2-1-2023)
“What should a local church do if the Conference will not schedule a vote to disaffiliate?” via Dalton & Tomich (YouTube). A law firm representing disaffiliating churches answers another question they often receive. (Added 1-31-2023)
“Rev. Jones new pastor of FUMC” by Julia May via The Huntsville Item. A Texas congregation has its third pastor in the space of a year following a failed (but majority) disaffiliation vote and exodus of members. ““Many people did leave our congregation to start a church in the Global Methodist Church,” [Rev. Jones] said. “We wish them well. There is room for another expression of Methodism in Walker County.” (Added 1-31-2023)
“Implications of Latest Council of Bishops Decision” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken Podcast. “This brief report details the latest development in The United Methodist Church’s different treatment of nonAmericans from churches in the continental United States. Namely, United Methodist churches in the central conferences have been told that they cannot disaffiliated from the denomination. I briefly try to explain the logic of such a decision and how it results in some misleading statements about the interest nonAmerican churches have in disaffiliation.” (Added 1-31-2023)
“Leading the Charge” by Jay Therrell via WCA. Nominations are open for WCA’s Global Council. (Added 1-31-2023)
“Lake Highlands United Methodist Church votes to stay in the UMC” by Raven Jordan via Lake Highlands Advocate. Texas coverage: “The results were 157 in favor of staying in the UMC and 145 in favor of disaffiliating.” (Added 1-31-2023)
“Two Stanly churches join lawsuit against United Methodist Church” by by Charles Curcio via Stanly News & Press. “According to a document filed in Iredell County in the Superior Court Division, 38 churches filed against the Western North Carolina Conference (WNNC) of the United Methodist Church (UMC). Also named as a defendant in the suit was Kenneth Carter, Bishop of the WNNC.” (Added 1-31-2023)
“A Future of Grace and Truth: Thoughts on Separation in the UMC” by Clark Chilton via Firebrand Magazine. “Holding grace and truth together, staying deeply rooted yet flexible, is not easy. It is easier to choose one or the other, but to do so is to miss the heart of Jesus. If we will have any shared future together, it will be in that way, His way. Separation can be healing, even redemptive, as we bless the other to go in the way of their own conscience.” (Added 1-31-2023)
“Estero Denominational Discussion” by Tim Carson via Vimeo. A video focused on where the UMC might be headed, produced for a Florida congregation. (Added 1-30-2023)
“Stanly churches vote to disaffiliate with United Methodist Church” by Charles Curcio via The Stanly News & Press. Local coverage in North Carolina. (Added 1-30-2023)
“Interview with John Wesley Yohanna (Bishop of the Nigeria Episcopal Area)” via PlainSpoken Podcast. Jeffrey Rickman interviews Bishop Yohanna of Nigeria who says he must be more outspoken than other African bishops because of the progressive agents active in his episcopal area. (Added 1-30-2023)
“On Heresy” by Art Collins. “If we want to keep the Church free from heresy, the only way is to keep teaching the Faith… And such an approach should not concentrate merely on our “denominational distinctives,” but on the great dogmas that unite almost all Christians throughout the world and throughout the ages.” (Added 1-30-2023)
“Mangled Methodist Morality” by Jame Haught via The Good Men Project. “Hundreds of congregations also have left Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Lutherans because they can’t accept gay equality. I think these crackups send a clear message: Great numbers of American Christians cannot extend simple human kindness to people who are different.” (Added 1-30-2023)
“Disaffiliating churches could face huge insurance costs” by Joe Henderson via Florida Conference (UMC). Collective property insurance has saved Florida UM churches money, also, “The disaffiliation agreement requires departing churches to obtain $1 million in liability insurance to protect both the disaffiliating church and the Conference against potential lawsuits charging sexual misconduct, molestation, injuries on church property, or other possible issues.” (Added 1-30-2023)
“‘The birth of a movement’: One of first Global Methodist conferences launches in Lubbock” by Alex Driggars via Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. “”Now, if you thought you were here for the launch of a new denomination, I’m sorry to disappoint you,” Lyndol Loyd, lead pastor of LakeRidge Methodist Church said as he welcomed those gathered at his church. “You are here for the birth of a movement — a movement of the Holy Spirit.” (Added 1-29-2023)
“How We Got Here: The History of UM Conflict (Part 1)” by Tom Lambrecht via Good News. A history of the UMC division. (Added 1-28-2023)
“Waco-area Methodist churches seeing denomination’s split” by Carl Hoover via Waco Tribune-Herald. Extensive local coverage. (Added 1-28-2023)
“East Ohio WCA Information Meeting on the Global Methodist Church” via Google Drive. Video and related documents from a 1-22-2023 meeting about the GMC. (Added 1-28-2023)
Post via Facebook. Image of a response to Filipino bishops by Bishop Bickerton (not the Judicial Council) asked for a ruling as to whether Par. 2553 applies to the Central Conferences. The reply by Bishop Bickerton says it does not. No justification is offered by Bickerton except that the central conference bishops all agree. The letter by the bishops of the Philippines cites Par. 543.17 which delays implementation of GC2019 provisions until” translation can be completed” twelve months after the close of GC2020.” (Added 1-28-2023)
“West Plains Convening Conference Gathering” via Facebook. See also here. A convening GMC annual conference session in Lubbock for the panhandle of Texas where most of the formerly UMC churches moved to the GMC. See agenda, speakers, and 2023 budget. A 5% Connectional Funding rate is recommended from local church operating income. (Added 1-28-2023)
“GMC Thursday Night Live with Dr. Sterling Allen & Rev. Ryan Barnett” via GMC Thursday Night Live. Conversation with the First Methodist Church of Waco, TX. (Added 1-27-2023)
“The Long Journey Toward inclusion with Randall Miller, Part One” by Derrick Scott III via The Bar of the Conference Podcast. Interview with Randall Miller of the California-Nevada Conference: “In Part 1, we talk about the impact of the incompatibility clause in the Book of Discipline and the courage of many lay and clergy leaders across the decades in advocating for inclusion.” (Added 1-27-2023)
“5 UMC Story Lines for Spring 2023” by David Scott via UM & Global. Posture toward disaffiliations, the status of Africa, unity in the Philippines, European “unity in diversity” plans, and GC2024 legislation are things to watch. (Added 1-27-2023)
“Methodism is Best in Triplicate” by Jeremy Smith via UM Insight. Lack of general church monitoring agencies like COSROW and Religion and Race will allow sexism and racism to run unchecked in “separatist movements.” (Added 1-27-2023)
“Post-Separation Myths – Trapped Traditionalists” by David Livingston via UM Insight. There will be ways out following the expiration of the disaffiliation paragraph. (Added 1-27-2023)
“Anxiety and Disaffiliation” by Robert Hunt via UM Insight. Disaffilation as a symptom of anxiety. “We cannot expel or run away from our anxiety, but we can overcome it through enacted love, returned to God by a community of service and praise.” (Added 1-27-2023)
“United Methodist Conference responds to the exodus of churches” by Aaron Dixon and Richard Everett via WDHN (Dothan , AL). “Alabama West Florida Conference said, “We grieve the loss of any United Methodist church in the AWF conference connection. Our conference leadership is focusing our efforts on those churches that are choosing to remain at UMC. We wish exiting churches the very best and pray they will continue to make disciples for Jesus Christ,” (Added 1-27-2023)
Tweet by Shane Bishop: “My advice for pastors and congregations Disaffiliating from the UMC. Upon completion of the process… (1) Realign (find a tribe (2) Rebrand (own your own narrative (3) Stabilize (catch your breath) (4) Evangelize (crack back at inviting people to church and sharing Jesus.” (Added 1-27-2023)
“Dothan church splitting from denomination after vote” by Richard Everett and Aaron Dixon via WDHN. Harvest Church, which previously filed a restraining order against conference officials, held a multi-day vote among members whether to disaffiliate from. the UMC. The result was 99% in favor. They now seek a judge’s ruling. (Added 1-27-2023)
“Judge rejects FUMC’s request for restraining order against state conference” by Chris Carter via KAIT. “Miles said the judge also rejected a request by the church conference to dismiss the lawsuit.” (Added 1-27-2023)
“1,831 United Methodist Churches Have Left Denomination over LGBT Issue: Report” by Michael Foust via Christian Headlines. Reporting using GCFA data and an article by GMC. (Added 1-27-2023)
Post by Bob Phillips via IGR WCA. “The Department of Defense has authorized the Global Methodist Church, as an official and legally recognized faith group, to endorse chaplains for ministry in all branches of the military. The GMC meets all the strict constitutional qualifications and criteria as a recognized faith group established by the DoD.” (Added 1-27-2023)
“Small UMC churches and the pain of disaffiliation” by Timothy Tennent. “You can only imagine the pain and bewilderment of these churches as they gradually are realizing that if they are standing squarely in the historic gospel, they are going to have to hold a vote and formally disaffiliate from the denomination which they have been a part of their entire lives.” (Added 1-26-2023)
“Wespath Expands Services to Methodist Kin” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “While issues around disaffiliation remain tense, the Rev. Rick Van Giesen, Global Methodist Church’s benefits officer, said no such tensions exists between the new denomination and Wespath staff. Van Giesen was formerly treasurer and benefits officer for the Illinois Great Rivers Conference in The United Methodist Church.” (Added 1-26-2023)
“Methodist split may devastate small churches” via WBIR YouTube Channel. A struggling Gatlinburg, TN church is featured. (Added 1-26-2023)
“Jerry Maguire and the Methodists” by Scott Field via Northern Illinois WCA. How “Show me the money” is at work in United Methodist division. (Added 1-26-2023)
“Eight months later, there’s renewed interest in Adam Hamilton’s video on why he’ll remain a United Methodist” by Mark Wingfield via Baptist News Global. “Although recorded May 17, 2022, the video of Hamilton’s speech to his congregation has found renewed interest as the debate about staying in or leaving the UMC has come down to congregation-by-congregation votes. The video has been viewed 75,000 times and has accumulated 460 comments — many posted within the last few weeks.” (Added 1-26-2023)
“Judge rejects church’s proposed order” by Keith Inman via The Sun (Jonesboro, AR). “A judge Wednesday refused to grant a temporary restraining order against the state governing body of the United Methodist Church, saying he was not convinced a local congregation would prevail in its property lawsuit against the state body. At issue is the property belonging to what has been known as First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro, which is insured for $25 million.” (Added 1-26-2023)
“Caution Precedes Confidence: Avoiding the John Wayne Syndrome” by Bob Phillips via PeopleNeedJesus.org. “Engage fully, decide wisely, and then act promptly and fully in response to God’s call.” (Added 1-26-2023)
“UM Action Update” by Mark Tooley. A letter raising funds to help churches leave the UMC, and a call to write letters to the bishop and trustees of the North Georgia Conference. (Added 1-26-2023)
“Disaffiliation Discernment Process- United Methodist Church- 2nd Listening Session w/Rev. Andy Smith” via First UMC of Burnet (TX) via YouTube. Rio Texas D.S. gives a presentation as part of a local church discernment process. (Added 1-25-2023)
“Addressing Claims Of Misinformation By Institutionalists” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). Goes through claims of misinformation made by annual conferences. (Added 1-25-2023)
“MARCHA Leaders Call for Bishop’s Reinstatement” via Facebook. MARCHA leaders argue that Bishop Carcano has been suspended beyond the limits of church law. (Added 1-25-2023)
“Witnessing Boldly” by Bishop Scott Jones via GMC. “I am excited that the Global Methodist Church has committed to making disciples who witness boldly. Yet this will not be easy because we have all accumulated some bad habits over the last 50 years. Our commitment to this part of the denomination’s purpose needs sustained reflection about the role each clergy and lay person should play in the Church’s mission.” (Added 1-25-2023)
Post via Ellen Yedinak via IGRC WCA. Lots of comments made on this post expressing disappointment at Bishop Frank Beard’s recent rebuke of disaffiliators. (Added 1-25-2023)
“Madison UMC votes to move forward in process to split away from national denomination” by Ross Reily via Mississippi Clarion Ledger. “More than 81% or 543 voted in the pulse survey to disaffiliate, while 18.3% voted to remain with the United Methodist Church.” (Added 1-25-2023)
“United Methodists Lose 1,800 Churches in Split Over LGBT Stance” by Yonat Shimron and Emily McFarlan Miller via Christianity Today. CT picks up a RNS “not a real schism” story. (Added 1-25-2023)
“United Methodists on alert for dissidents ‘poaching’ members and pastors” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. A round-up of UMC push-back against those leaving, suspected of leaving, or helping people leave. (Added 1-24-2023)
“Sorry, Anglicans, There Is No Third Way” by Rod Dreher via The American Conservative. “I would say to those members who believe that their congregation can stay safely conservative within a liberal denomination what I said to my Methodist reader: that position is simply untenable today.” (Added 1-24-2023)
“Bishop’s Weekly Message (1/21/23)” by Bishop Karen Oliveto via Mountain Sky Conference. “My hunch is that you—like me—are sick and tired of the half-truths, mistruths, and just plain lies that have been said about our beloved church.” (Added 1-24-2023)
“First Global Methodist Annual Conference in America Moves Forward” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “We’re seeing a new church being born!” Thus declared J.D. Walt, founder and president of Seedbed, last weekend in Waco, Texas. He was speaking to the inaugural session of the Mid-Texas Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church, meeting January 19-21 under the pioneering leadership of the Rev. Leah Hidde-Gregory.” (Added 1-24-2023)
“Opinion: Wesley UMC wants to focus on ministry, not arguing” by Ginny Doran via Wareham Week. Pastor: “We, Wesley United Methodist Church, feel as if the true nature of our possible disaffiliation was not represented well…. Wesley UMC is stating that they (possibly) would like to disaffiliate and have the human sexuality issue be something that is discussed, if need be, between the pastor and the parishioner. Having it be a constant topic of conversation is not something they would like to see continue.” (Added 1-24-2023)
“United Methodist congregations, ministers navigate denominational conflict” by Lanell Downs Smith via The Greenville Advocate (AL). Local coverage. (Added 1-24-2023)
“Methodist official responds to court action” by Keith Inman via Jonesboro Sun. ““Since the aforementioned individuals chose to take this action on December 15, 2022, which was just prior to Christmas during the season of Advent, the hundreds of members of FUMCJ who continue to act consistently with their vows and the terms of the Discipline have elected to temporarily conduct worship off-site in an effort to keep the peace,” (Added 1-24-2023)
“‘Not a real schism’: Four years later, UMC exodus less a gush, more a trickle” by Yonat Shimron via Religion News Service. It’s not a real schism because it is not close to a 50/50 split. (Added 1-24-2023)
“SC United Methodists fear no ‘gracious exit’ amid costs of denominational split” by Caitlin Herrington via The Post and Courier (Greenville). “United Methodists in South Carolina who feel their denomination isn’t upholding its own rules and beliefs can officially leave, but exiting can come at a steep cost and a timeline too short to make an informed decision.” (Added 1-24-2023)
“MANIFESTO: The Moderately Mad Preacher Liberation Front” by Richard Bryant via UM Insight. A progressive North Carolina pastor writes a poem about empty pews, an uncertain future, and an upcoming disaffiliation vote. (Added 1-24-2023)
“The New Buzzword: Misinformation” by Jay Therrell via WCA. “We should not try to place obstacles in front of people to stop them from getting to the denomination where they are most at home. We need to be careful about using the label “misinformation.” At all costs, we need to stop the cancel culture mentality that seems to be growing.” (Added 1-24-2023)
“Love!” by Bishop Frank Beard via Illinois Great Rivers Conference. “For the very small (but still important) percentage choosing to “get out now,” I have deep concerns about the unintended carnage being left behind. I’m not sure that some seeking to disaffiliate have considered the message they are sending to members of their congregation that do not want to disaffiliate.”(Added 1-23-2023)
Post via Hewitt Methodist Church (Facebook). [Photos] “Our Pastor the Rev Dr Seung Ho Bang was ordained as Elder this weekend at the Global Methodist Church Awakening Conference. The conference was the first Global Conference to be held around the world and Pastor Bang was the first Korean in the Global Methodist Church to be ordained.” (Added 1-23-2023)
Post via Jessica LaGrone via Facebook. [Photos] First ever elder ordained in the Global Methodist Church: Rev. Tynna Dixon.
Second: Rev. Gabe Dominguez. Shown with President Pro-Tem Rev. Leah Hidde Gregory, Bishop Scott Jameson Jones. and Bishop Mike Lowry At the Mid Texas Annual Conference this weekend. I can’t describe the excitement I feel about these first ordinations. This movement has my heart.” (Added 1-22-2023)
Overheard: Three larger churches in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference voted today to disaffiliate from the UMC and join the GMC: Washington Crossroads, Troy UMC, and Geneseo First. (Added 1-22-2023)
“The Politics of Our Divide” by David Livingston via Vimeo. Calling out misinformation and renewal group tactics. (Added 1-22-2023)
“Goodbye Methodist Church G.B.” by Steve Clark via YouTube. A British Methodist clergy leaves British Methodism to join the Global Methodist Church. (Added 1-21-2023)
“Local church struggles to recover post-pandemic, and from Methodist split” by Katelyn Keenehan via WBIR. A small Gatlinburg, TN congregation can’t afford to stay and can’t afford to leave. (Added 1-21-2023)
“Hearing Set in Church Dispute” by Keith Inman via The Sun (Jonesboro, AR). Hearing set for 10 am Wednesday for Jonesboro First, a church denied disaffiliation before the conference moved to seize control of assets. Certain subpoenas have been withdrawn by church attorneys. (Added 1-21-2023)
“Committed to the UMC” via umc.org. A find-a-church page customized for members of disaffiliated congregations. (Added 1-20-2023)
“Harvest Church makes first public statement during Methodist dispute” by Ken Curtis via WTVY (Dothan, AL). The church that earlier filed a restraining order against conference officials moves to take an official vote. (Added 1-20-2023)
“Conservative Methodist Group Shuts Down, Says Goal Met By New Denomination” by Art Rainer via Religion Unplugged. Coverage of the Confessing Movement ceasing operations. (Added 1-20-2023)
“Comparing the UMC to the GMC: A presentation for your church” by Jeff Pospisil. Five differences between the UMC and GMC. (Added 1-20-2023)
[Link Repaired] “A Failure to Communicate” by David Livingston via UM Insight. “I write this hoping to bring clarification for the traditionalist “people in the pews” who have been unintentionally misinformed about what a future UMC will look like.” (Added 1-20-2023)
“GMC Thursday Night Live with Dr. Sterling Allen & Dr. Jay Therrell” via YouTube. Sterling Allen interviews the president of. the Wesleyan Covenant Association. (Added 1-20-2023)
“Position of The Duke Endowment’s United Methodist Grant-Giving Still Unknown Amid Split” by Shannon Cuthrell via MinistryWatch. “The Duke Endowment, a North Carolina-based private foundation with $5.9 billion in assets that often awards grants to rural United Methodist churches, remains tight-lipped on its stance regarding the denomination’s ongoing schism.” (Added 1-20-2023)
“One more step: Church of England bishops to bless same-sex unions” by Gavin Ashendin via Catholic Herald. In modernity’s new religion at the heart, which is focused on the worship of the Self, sex and romantic attraction have become the new secular “holy”. What the modern (or post-modern in some eyes) Church is struggling with, is whether it adopts the values and aspirations of the new religion, while keeping the clothes of the old one.” (Added 1-20-2023)
“Learn about Conference “stay” groups, their play book and what your church should do” via Dalton & Tomich (YouTube). “Steeplejacking” prevention strategy includes getting the DS to nip conversation in the bud. See also “What Are Exigent Circumstances?” and “How did groups of churches in Texas accomplish an exodus from the United Methodist denomination?” and “What should a local church do if the Conference will not schedule a vote to disaffiliate?” (Added 1-19-2023)
“Q&A with Bishop Laura Merrill” via Arkansas Conference UMC. “For now, one of the top challenges for me is to help us navigate the path of disaffiliation, while keeping our eyes on our longer-term work, learning how to employ who we are and what we have in the service of transformational love in our communities.” (Added 1-19-2023)
“Slave or free, disaffiliate or stay UMC?” by Beverly Wilkes-Null via UMNS (Commentary). “No one needs to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church because the thought of worshipping with and loving those whom we have demonized and criticized makes us uncomfortable. Look at me! My people, African Americans, were once considered to be three-fifths human because we were different.” (Added 1-19-2023)
“Don’t Ignore the Canaries in the Coal Mine” by Scott Field via Northern Illinois WCA. “Many local congregations no longer believe “someone will take care of it” or “it will work itself out.” They have come to realize that they will need to take the initiative for finding their own way forward. Denominational resources are either inadequate or adversarial.” (Added 1-19-2023)
“After ‘Surreal’ Beginning, Philippines’ First Woman Bishop Works for UMC Unity” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “In the Philippines we don’t have same-sex marriage, but pastors are scared that they will be forced to perform same-sex marriages,” the bishop said. “They don’t want to be associated with a church that allows it.” (Added 1-19-2023)
“South Carolina Update, Pigs Still Can’t Fly” by Keith Sweat via Hermit Preacher. Additional thoughts and advice on South Carolina’s exit process. (Added 1-19-2023)
“Global Methodist Bishop Mark Webb on the GMC’s Growth, Future” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. Bishop Mark Webb says the GMC now has 1,100 fully approved + accepted congregations and he predicts the slow-motion exodus from the UMC into the GMC will continue for multiple years. YouTube video. (Added 1-19-2023)
“The Methodist Split | How translations of text divided a religion” by Katelyn Keenehan via WBIR. Knoxville, TN area coverage. (Added 1-19-2023)
“Theological Drift” by Robert Hunt via UM Insight. “United Methodist theology hasn’t drifted. In the midst of rapid cultural change it has stayed true to the mission of preaching Jesus Christ even when that means challenging older articulations of faith. The real drift is among those repeat the same words and archaic formulations while culture carries them further and further from having any meaning at all.” (Added 1-19-2023)
“How the GMC Could End Up Like the UMC, and Why It Won’t” by Keith Sweat via Hermit Preacher. “For every person selected for every office in the Global Methodist Church the Transitional Leadership Council has released a biography stating the persons professional qualifications, personal faith, and doctrinal understanding.” (Added 1-19-2023)
“Disaffiliation Update Jan. 11” by Bishop Sharma Lewis via Mississippi Conference (UMC). Two special sessions added to handle disaffiliations. (Added 1-18-2023)
“United Methodist annual conference special sessions in 2023” via UMNS. A (non-exhaustive) list of 2023 AC special sessions. Illinois Great Rivers May and December special sessions are not included. (Added 1-18-2023)
Post by Eastern Texas Conference (GMC). “The Eastern Texas Conference is excited to announce recommendations for six campus ministries throughout Texas and Louisiana…” (Added 1-18-2023)
Tweet by Bishop Karen Oliveto: “Kitchen table thought: Why would a new emerging denomination seek to “poach” members of another denomination? Isn’t the mission field of Nones fertile enough? What do those actions reveal about that church’s understanding of its mission?” (Added 1-18-2023)
“Why United Methodist Tolerance of Conservatives Will Be Impossible” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “…because of these practical realities, the coming liberalization of United Methodist marriage standards will necessitate an intolerant purge from key denominational leadership positions of any individual who holds a theologically traditionalist view of marriage.” (Added 1-18-2023)
First Church OKC Vote Delayed via First UMC Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Conference delays disaffiliation vote to “allow the time needed for the congregation to engage, with Annual Conference leadership, in a deliberation process of analysis, according to Paragraph 212 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.” (Added 1-18-2023)
Post by Baltimore-Washington WCA. Lifts up an article by Richard Bryant (denying the Bible as God’s Word) as an example of why the UMC is splitting. (Added 1-18-20223)
“Why Stay United Methodist?” by Sky McCracken via DropBox. “All of us are at varying places regarding our levels of acceptance, rights, and vocational service to the Church. Why remain United Methodist? At this time – for better or worse – there have been no changes made in church law regarding anything being “fought over” at the present.” See Facebook Post with additional comments. (Added 1-18-2023)
The Gathering UMC via YouTube. The virtual congregation offered by the Oklahoma Conference for Stay UMC folks from disaffiliated congregations is off to a slow start. (Added 1-18-2023)
“An Open Letter: “God’s Word” – Inerrant, Inspired, In Error, and Sometimes Just Plain Wrong” by Richard Bryant via UM Insight. North Carolina UM Pastor: “The Bible is not God’s word. The Bible is comprised of our words about someone (or something) we call God. In some places, the words are inspired. In others, they are in error. Nowhere are they inerrant.” (Added 1-18-2023)
“Suburban Dallas UMC congregation withholds funds in protest of former pastor’s ‘scapegoating’ by the local bishop” by Mark Wingfield via Baptist News Global. Protest against Bishop McKee’s suspension of Gregory Neal. (Added 1-18-2023)
“The Early Growth of the Global Methodist Church” by Keith Boyette via GMC. Report: 1100 churches and 1200 clergy have joined so far. “These clergy and churches are from Angola, Bulgaria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, England, Panama, the Philippines, Slovakia, and the United States.” (Added 1-18-2023)
“Roaring Fork Valley Methodist churches double down on affirming the LGBTQ+ community” by Kristen Mohammadi via The Aspen Times. “Jerry Herships, a pastor at Aspen Community Church, estimated that around 11 churches in the Mountain Sky Conference have left the organization.” (Added 1-18-2023)
“Why (Global) Methodist?” by Marty Boddie via YouTube. Three reasons for optimism about. theGMC. (Added 1-17-2023)
“North Georgia United Methodists Disaffiliation Blocked Due To “Misinformation”” By Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken Podcast. conversation on North Georgia blocking the disaffiliation process. (Added 1-17-2023)
“Judicial Council Church court adds bishops’ request to docket” via UMNS Daily Digest. “The Judicial Council has added to its docket a request from the Council of Bishops for clarification on the church court’s Decision 1451. The ruling said new delegate elections are not required for the coming General Conference scheduled in 2024.” (Added 1-17-2023)
Post by Matt Sichel via Facebook. “The conflict currently playing out in western Christianity, and vibrantly on display in the United Methodist Church, is not new… It is about two different visions of the Christian faith.” (Added 1-17-2023)
“What should your church do if the Annual Conference “paused” the disaffiliation process?” via Dalton & Tomich. A law firm representing exiting churches discusses annual conference disaffiliation “pauses.” (Added 1-17-2023)
“Meet The Michigan Conference 7 Districts” by Bishop David Bard via Michigan Conference. “This change is being made in light of shifting financial realities, particularly related to the reduction in the number of congregations in the Michigan Conference due to both closures and disaffiliation.” (Added 1-17-2023)
“When the Promised Land Seems Far Away” by Bob Kaylor via WCA. The Pathways Network assists traditionalist that feel trapped in the wrong place after disaffiliation decisions. (Added 1-17-2023)
“Misinformation, Humility, and Charity: How to Conference in Babel” by Drew McIntyre via Firebrand Magazine. Why we think “they” are lying, and a call for extra grace. (Added 1-17-2023)
“Like Buying a Pig in a Poke” by Jack Harnish. “…as I have observed congregations voting to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church with the intent of joining the Global Methodist Church. Do they really know what they are buying?” (Added 1-16-2023)
“Part Five, Dear Bishop, What Took You So Long?” by Stan Copeland via YouTube. The pastor of Lovers Lane says that Bishop Scott Jones’ exit from the UMC was overdue. (Added 1-16-2023)
“Why We Should Remain A United Methodist Church” via First UMC Homosassa. A compilation of Stay UMC comments in a Florida congregation. (Added 1-16-2022)
“Indiana WCA Disaffiliation Presentation Jan 15, 2023” via The ConneXion Church YouTube. Mike Womack, a former GC lay delegate offers a presentation on disaffiliation. (Added 1-16-2023)
“Concerning a Date with ‘Miss Information’” by Bob Phillips via PeopleNeedJesus.net. “After all, so they think, if it agrees with what my feelings tell me, it must be true, or as Debbie Boone once sang, ‘It can’t be wrong if it feels so right.'” (Added 1-16-2022)
“Why Scott Jones is a Bigger Deal than you Think” by David Donnan. The significance of a bishop who long ago staked out “the extreme center” joining the Global Methodist Church. (Added 1-16-2023)
“How We Got Here: A Journey Through United Methodist Division” via Anne Ashley UMC (PDF). A Pennsylvania congregation offers this five-page illustrated history of UMC divisions over human sexuality. (Added 1-16-2023)
“FMC Disaffiliation Informational Meeting – January 15, 2023” via Carrrollton First UMC (Texas) YouTube. “An informational meeting for members to review the process, answer questions, and prepare for the January 22 disaffiliation vote.” (Added 1-16-2023)
“First LGBTQ+ United Methodist bishop kicks off Gay Ski Week at Aspen Chapel” by Kristen Mohammadi via Post Independent. “I’m aware that my presence in that position of leadership has changed hearts and minds, but, more than that, it saves some lives,” said Oliveto. “There are young people who are alive because they see what their life could be like.” (Added 1-16-2023)
“Wesley UMC to disaffiliate over ‘contentious’ climate, LGBTQ issues” by Wes Cipolla via Wareham Week. Media coverage of a Massachusetts congregation’s disaffiliation process. (Added 1-16-2023)
“UMC congregation decisions will affect the future of the church” via The Daily American [paywall]. Local Somerset, Pennsylvania coverage. (Added 1-16-2023)
“Mississippi United Methodist churches faced with question, ‘Should we stay or should we go from denomination?’” via Magnolia State Live. Local media coverage. (Added 1-16-2023)
“Arkansas United Methodist Churches Blocked From Leaving Denomination” via PlainSpoken Podcast. Jeffrey Rickman discusses United Methodist prevented from disaffiliating. (Added 1-16-2023)
“Deadline looms for Methodist churches considering disaffiliation” by Vicki Hyatt via The Mountaineer. Local North Carolina coverage. (Added 1-15-2023)
“South Carolina, UMC Separation, and Flying Pigs” by Keith Sweat. Advices getting an attorney when moving through the exit process created in South Carolina. (Added 1-15-2023)
Post by Rob Renfroe via Facebook. “…Maybe some folks in North Georgia have been confused by what is purported to be “misinformation” about the UM Church and its future. But I am confident they see very clearly that their leaders are willing to change the rules when it suits their purposes, are only too happy to exert their authority to control people when Jesus told us to lead as servants, and are distrustful of their people’s intellectual capabilities and their spiritual maturity….” See also “Distrust Locks Down North Georgia Conference” (Added 12-14-2023)
“What is the Future of St. Luke’s?” via St. Luke’s (OKC) UMC Youtube Channel. This 7,000-member church is helping to form the “Wesley Methodist Society” that will allow same-sex weddings. St. Luke’s looks to save $500K a year from UMC apportionments that it can apply to mission and ministry. See also “What is the Wesley Methodist Society?” with Rev. Wendy Lambert. (Added 1-14-2022)
“Why St. Luke’s United Methodist Church May Cut Denominational Ties” via The Oklahoman. [Paywall] Seems to be coverage of a January 9 decision by the Administrative Board at 7000-member St. Luke’s in OK City to enter the disaffiliation process. From the FAQ Page: “The leadership of St. Luke’s has met with the leadership of other United Methodist churches to discuss the significant decline of the UMC and how each church can best serve God. We worked to put together a Methodist entity that would offer another Methodist denominational option.” This new entity is called the Wesley Methodist Society which will allow same-sex marriage. (Added 1-14-2023)
“Biggest South Carolina UMC Church Considers Departure from Denomination Amid Homosexuality Controversy” by AJ Paz via Christianity Daily. Coverage of Mt. Horeb’s planned exit. (Added 1-14-2023)
“A new start: Majority of Cabot churchgoers walk away from United Methodist Church” by Frank Lockwood via Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. After being denied disaffiliation by the Arkansas Conference, most of the members in Cabot left the building to start a new congregation. (Added 1-14-2023)
“New church forms from many” by Lindsay Peyton via Texas Conference (UMC). Remnants from several Cypress area disaffiliated congregations meet together. (Added 1-13-2023)
“Where Are United Methodists Heading To? The Future Of The United Methodist Church Beyond 2024” by Forbes Matonga via Theological Voices of Africa. “Our prediction is that the 2024 General Conference will be a drama. A reminiscent of the 2012 General Conference. No winner will emerge from it. It will generate more frustration to Liberals and Institutionalists as the result will retain the status quo, where the 2019 Discipline will remain in effect…. We see as colonial the move by American Liberals to now remove key decision making powers from The General Conference to regions because they are no longer the Majority at The General Conference.” (Added 1-13-2023)
“Drag Queens” by Darel Paul via First Things. Drag and its connection. to therapeutic values: “Though drag’s text is a mockery of masculinity, its subtext—largely unread by its straight female fans—is a subversion of femaleness.” (Added 1-13-2023)
“A United Methodist Pact of Umar?” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “…combined with ever-dwindling numbers of new traditionalist pastors interested in or approved for United Methodist ordination, we can expect traditionalist faith to increasingly die out within the UMC.” (Added 1-13-2023)
“South Carolina’s largest UMC church may leave denomination over homosexuality debate” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “We are thankful a plan, path and price has been provided for traditional churches to consider separation from the denomination,” said the Rev. Jeff Kersey, senior pastor of Mt. Horeb. (Added 1-13-2023)
“On Disaffiliating Well” by David Donnan. Six words of advice for churches moving through disaffiliation. (Added 1-13-2023)
“Is your church’s home in the UMC or GMC? Three question to help decide” by Jeff Pospisil. The former Dakotas Conference treasurer says pastors ae treated like regular people in the GMC. (Added 1-13-2023)
“Church should update abortion stance following court decision” UMNS Commentary by Amy Gordon Bono. A Tennessee physician and UM layperson calls upon the church to update its stance on abortion to “stand up for women and families and their physicians.” (Added 1-13-2023)
“Retraction on Nigeria” by David Scott via UM & Global. Mission Theologian at GBGM retracts an earlier article describing actions taken against Bishop Yohanna. (Added 1-13-2023)
“GMC Thursday Night Live with Dr. Sterling Allen & Dr. Warren Lathem” via YouTube. A weekly interview with GMC leaders continues with a conversation with Warren Lathem. (Added 1-13-2023)
“United Methodist churches in Blount County make exit plan” by Melanie Tucker via The Daily Times. This local Tennessee coverage quotes pastors staying and leaving, as well as the Holston Conference Communications Director. (Added 1-13-2023)
Tweet Thread by Jeremy Smith (Seattle). Frames the traditionalist exit from the UMC as a stunning traditionalist defeat. (Added 1-13-2023)
“The North Georgia Throwdown: ‘Liar, liar, pants on fire!’” by Scott Field via Northern Illinois WCA. A look at the source of authority in progressive vs. traditional Christianity. (Added 1-12-2023)
“Harvest Church vote could reignite Methodist lawsuit” by Ken Curtis via WTVY. The church in Dothan that sought a restraining order against UMC officials to hold vote to leave. Lawsuit paused for now. (Added 1-12-2023)
“What Holds Us Together: Doctrine” by Ted Campbell via HeartCore Methodist. The second in a series of videos by a Perkins professor encouraging folks to stay in the UMC. See also “Our Anchor Holds” (Added 1-12-2023)
“I Am the Vine” by Bishop Bob Farr via St. James Kansas City (YouTube). Bishop Farr rebukes disaffiliations in the church in a sermon, making comparisons to white supremacy. (Added 1-11-2023)
“Bishop Scott Jones Joins Global Methodist Church” by Walter Fenton via GMC. Bishop Jones has been received as a second active General Superintendent and Bishop of the Global Methodist Church. (Added 1-11-2023)
“Report from Jurisdictional Conference” by Sarah Kreutzinger via Munholland UMC (YouTube). The first-elected Louisiana conference lay delegate to the South Central Jurisdictional Conference offers a damning report on the state of the UMC. (Added 1-11-2023)
Tweet by John Lomperis: “In observing recent bullying bishop actions in #UMC it is worth noting an ODD feature of #UnitedMethodist culture: oftentimes, it seems that the higher U look in the ranks of clergy leadership, the more thin-skinned U find people there to be. They dish it out, but can’t take it” (Added 1-11-2023)
“The DisUnity of the United Methodist Church” by Jared Henry. An Indiana pastor (non-Methodist) offers a seven-point autopsy of the UMC for the benefit of other denominations. (Added 1-11-2023)
“You Keep Using That Word. I Do Not Think It Means What You Think It Means” by Richard Bryant via UM Insight. “For many in our denomination, being a “traditionalist” is holding to one position on human sexuality and marriage. For me, being a traditionalist means many different things.” (Added 1-10-2023)
“Former Texas Bishop Goes to Global Methodist Church” via UM Insight. Shares an image of a letter reportedly from Bishop Scott Jones announcing his move to the GMC. Note: There is controversy in the United Methodist Clergy Facebook Page about whether this was leaked early, but not whether it is true. (Added 1-10-2023)
“Dakotas Oasis Network Launches” by Doreen Gosmire via Dakotas Conference (UMC). “These congregations desire to offer outreach to, welcoming of, and caring for laity who want a faith community to retain United Methodist membership after their present congregation has chosen disaffiliation.” (Added 1-10-2023)
“Cabot United Methodist Church receives gift for debt and pastoral expenses” via Arkansas Conference (UMC). A donor paid off the debt of a church who voted to disaffiliate, was denied by the conference, and experienced an exodus of traditionalists. (Added 1-10-2023)
“A Word from Bishop Graves: This is NOT a business deal” via Alabama-West Florida Conference (UMC). “Paragraph 2553 is about human sexuality, and many are trying to use it to say it is about liberal theology, abortion, or the erroneous notion that Bishops want to change the Bible, and the list goes on. Now, people want to misuse paragraph 2553 for their own business deal.” Footnote: “The next published piece will focus on how many church conferences are causing great harm.” (Added 1-10-2023)
“North Georgia United Methodists Unexpectedly Cease Disaffiliation, Membership Polls Stopped Due to Spread of False Info” by AJ Paz via Christianity Daily. Outside coverage of a controversial decision by North Georgia Conference officials. (Added 1-10-2023)
“North Georgia United Methodists abruptly halt disaffiliations” by Andrew Schwartz via Chattanooga Times Free Press. “The number of churches affected by the new policy is unclear, in part because the conference announced months ago it would not process until Jan. 1, 2023, the paperwork necessary for a congregation to take an official disaffiliation vote.” (Added 1-10-2023)
“South Carolina’s largest UMC church set to leave denomination” by Yonat Shimron via Religion News Service. “Mt. Horeb, with more than 5,100 members, among them Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor, is one of several large United Methodist churches around the country to publicly state plans to sever their affiliation with the United Methodist Church.” (Added 1-10-2023)
“Methodist churches making choices” by Dee Howard Mullins via The Item (Huntsville, TX). The second of a two-part feature on the Methodist split. (Added 1-10-2023)
“UMC Bishops ask church court for clarification on 2024 Conference” via COB Press Release. Bishops ask for expedited clarification on the recent court ruling naming GC2024 a delayed GC2020. The questions center on the effects of disaffiliation. (Added 1-10-2023)
“Beyond These Walls” by Jay Therrell via WCA. No WCA Global Gathering this year. Instead, WCA is promoting an April Missions Conference at The Woodlands featuring David Platt, Jerry Kulah, and Danielle Strickland. (Added 1-10-2023)
“‘A Spirit of Governance’: On Bishops in the Global Methodist Church” by David Watson via Firebrand Magazine. A vision for episcopacy in the GMC, moving away from a modernism managerial model. Let’s not make the mistake of “fighting the last war.” Answers criticisms by Bishop Willmon. (Added 1-10-2023)
“North Georgia Hits Pause on Disaffiliations” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. Several North Georgia sources on both sides quoted in this coverage. (Added 1-10-2023)
Tweet by Jeremy Smith. (Added 1-10-2023)
“Post-denominational America” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “While the importance of denominations and their structures decline, the traditions that birthed them will not.” (Added 1-9-2023)
“Liberal bishop: UMC churches seeking to exit are being ‘misled’” by Steve Jordahl via AFA.net. “The North Georgia Conference of the UMC is shutting down the efforts of approximately 200 conservative churches to disassociate from the liberal denomination.” (Added 1-9-2023)
“The costly victory of evangelicals and Catholics” by Rodney Kennedy via Baptist News Global. “Estimates of how many churches will leave the UMC are between 3,000 to 5,000. There are 30,543 churches in the UMC in the United States. When the slowly developing UMC division finally reaches its conclusion, the percentage of churches leaving will be comparable to the other mainline denominations.” (Added 1-9-2023)
“The United Methodist Split (2023)” via Ready to Harvest (YouTube). A summary video of where things stand in the UMC. (Added 1-8-2023)
“Decision of Law – Bishop Frank Beard” via Illinois Area UMC. The ruling of the chair of the North Central Jurisdictional Conference on the 11-4-2022 “Queer Delegates’ Call to Center Justice and Empowerment for LGBTQIA+ People in the UMC” as null, void, and of no effect. (Added 1-8-2023)
“United Methodist Apportionments: A High Price of Staying UMC” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. The financial cost of staying in the UMC. (Added 1-7-2023)
“State’s largest United Methodist congregation postpones discernment meeting” by Frank Lockwood via Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. DS Blake Bradford postpones a meeting at which Arkansas’ largest congregation [Central in Fayetteville, attendance 1,886] was to have discussed disaffiliation. An issue with the Genesis Church Campus is cited. (Added 1-7-2023)
The North Alabama Conference of the Global Methodist Church Website. Includes executive team bios, disaffiliation information, and a find-a-church function. (Added 1-7-2023)
“Epiphany Message from the WJ College of Bishops” via Mountain Sky Conference (Vimeo). Mentions the season of disaffiliations and affirms those who welcome all. (Added 1-7-2023)
The Sanctification Project, A New Network via Grace Church Cape Coral (FL). See the FAQ section at the link, under “Will Grace Church Join Another Denomination following Disaffiliation?” — Plan formed in fall of 2022 at a retreat in West Palm Beach for Wes Olds and Jorge Acevedo to help form a network of “independent but not isolated Wesleyan churches” to refocus on evangelism and discipleship. (Added 1-7-2023)
“A Word from Bishop Graves: Moving Forward in 2023 with Updated AWF Trustee Information” via Alabama-West Florida Conference. “If adopted by the annual conference, this motion would create an annual conference policy pertinent to paragraph 2549.2.4.c. that gives direction to the Conference Board of Trustees regarding local churches seeking to exit after the 2024 General Conference.” (Added 1-6-2023)
“Disaffiliation remains unresolved at many Florida Conference UMC churches” by Joe Henderson via Florida Conference (UMC). The Florida Conference hopes to steer exiting churches away from lawsuits and toward disaffiliation pathway. (Added 1-6-2023)
“Cape Coral church to disaffiliate from United Methodist Church” via WINK News. Pastors Jorge Acevedo and Wes Olds quoted. See Jorge Acevedo video here. (Added 1-6-2023)
“The Time is Now” by Rob Renfroe via Good News Magazine. “This moment is about doing the hard things required to be faithful. Do not take comfort in misleading promises or false hopes. The time is now.” (Added 1-6-2023)
“SC’s largest United Methodist Church prepares to leave denomination” by Caitlin Herrington via The Post and Courier (Columbia). “What started as a conversation about human sexuality turned to the realization that local churches hold very little power over what happens with their pastors and payments.” (Added 1-6-2023)
“Global Methodist Connectional Funding: A Less-Burdensome Alternative for Denominational Support” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “…the one-time costs of disaffiliating from the UMC (for which loans are available) can be made up by the annual savings of being set free from United Methodism’s high annual apportionment demands.” (Added 1-6-2023)
“North Georgia Blocks Church Disaffiliation” by Tom Lambrecht via Good News. “Bishop Haupert-Johnson and the North Georgia leaders have taken it upon themselves to determine that local churches are incapable of making an informed decision about their own futures.” Charges of misinformation answered. (Added 1-6-2023)
“Lawyer representing Methodist churches trying to leave says contentious split is about ‘power’ and ‘money’” by Jon Brown via Fox News. Dan Dalton quoted in this national coverage. (Added 1-6-2023)
Tweet via @UMCCommonSense. Shares (and discourages) an anonymous social media post calling for respectful protest at the installation of Bishop Robin Dease in North Georgia, presumable over the halt in the conference disaffiliation process. (Added 1-6-2023)
“The Good, the Bad, and the UMC’s Longest Night with Jeremy Smith” via The Bar of the Conference Podcast via Spotify. Derrick Scott interviews Jeremy Smith of Seattle on the UMC’s longest night, enthusiasm gap, financial challenges, and the need for more middle management to maintain connectionalism. (Added 1-6-2023)
“Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity for United Methodist Churches” by Jeff Pospisil via JCT Accounting. The former treasurer of. the Dakotas Conference shares information on disaffiliation. See also on Youtube. (Added 1-6-2023)
“Back to Our Previously Scheduled Programming” by Scott Field via Northern Illinois WCA. A round-up of news and views following a Christmas break. (Added 1-5-2023)
“Special Message from Bishop Burgos – Mark Webb” by Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez via Upper New York Area. The new bishop in Upper New York shares the news that their former bishop is no longer United Methodist. (Added 1-5-2023)
“The breakup of the United Methodist Church” by Peter Weber via The Week. “By the end of 2023, the United Methodist Church will be significantly less united. Here’s why.” Discusses the shrinking cultural middle. (Added 1-5-2023)
“National Church Controversy Hits Home” by Mike Motz via Sun-Telegraph. Nebraska local coverage of UMC split. (Added 1-5-2023)
“UMC traditionalist group shuts down, sees new denomination as fulfillment of work” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “The renewal movement is no longer attempting to renew the old denomination but instead is now focused on helping exiting congregations and build a new traditional Methodism for the future,” (Added 1-5-2023)
“A New Year’s Resolution – Embracing the Universal(ism)” by Richard Bryant via UM Insight. A North Carolina UMC clergy makes not believing in hell his New Year’s resolution. (Added 1-5-2023)
“New Africa Group Forms” via UM Insight. Lloyd Nyarota and others form what seems to be a counter to the Africa Initiative in order to encourage continuing United Methodism in Africa. (Added 1-5-2023)
“Putting UMC’s Muscle Behind Climate Finance Reform” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. The United Methodist Creation Justice Movement seeks to convince the UMC to divest from fossil fuels. (Added 1-5-2023)
“Conference vs. Episcopacy: Nigeria Just Resolutions and Joint Annual Conferences Session” by David Scott via UM & Global. A meeting of conferences held without Bishop Yohanna in Nigeria. (Added 1-5-2023)
“Disagreement over LGBTQ issues fuels “disaffiliation” in some MI United Methodist churches” by Sarah Cwiek via Michigan Public Radio. “If you were to poll delegates from just the United States to our general conference, where changes are made to our Book of Discipline, there’s a pretty strong majority who want to move the United Methodist Church in a more liberal or progressive direction,” [Bishop] Bard said. (Added 1-4-2023)
“What I Have” by Warren Lathem via Facebook. “Again, the battle is over silver and gold. The final act by the North Georgia Bishop was to sabotage every effort of churches to disaffiliate as provided by the General Conference.” (Added 1-4-2023)
“How to Exit United Methodism” by Rich Hoffman via Juicy Ecumenism (Methodist Voices). A disaffiliation coach in the Western Pennsylvania Conference shares perspectives on leaving the UMC. (Added 1-4-2023)
“Bishop Mark Webb Joins Global Methodist Church” via GMC. “Initially, he will serve as one of the general superintendents of the GM Church and will not be appointed to a specific residential area.’ (Added 1-4-2023)
“Greeting by Bishop Tom Berlin” via Florida Conference (UMC) Vimeo. Outlining his agenda for his first 90 days, incoming Bishop Berlin says that he wants to help exiting churches do so quickly and efficiently using the approved disaffiliation process. (Added 1-3-2023)
Tweet by United Methodist News. “The #UMC Judicial Council has added to its docket a request from @UMCBishops to rule on the constitutionality on a part of the Discipline that deals with complaints against bishops. See docket and how to file briefs.” (Added 1-3-2023)
“Connectional Table Announces Interim Chief Officer” by Connectional Table Press Release via UM Insight. “It is a privilege to help the Connectional Table discern and articulate the vision that will allow for healing and transformation in our denomination,” Ms. Kenaston said. (Added 1-3-2023)
“The Real United Methodist Church” by Robert Hunt. “The reality is that despite all the noise, actual rejection of UM standards in either action or words is not widespread, again except in the Western Jurisdiction. And again the Western Jurisdiction is only 3 percent of all American United Methodists. It is not significant.” See also “Why I Remain in the UMC” (Added 1-3-2023)
“Michigan’s Methodist churches splinter over LGBTQ issues” via Detroit News (paywall). (Added 1-3-2023)
“United Methodist split grows more contentious as Georgia conference blocks conservative churches from exiting” by Jon Brown via Fox News. National coverage. (Added 1-3-2023)
“On the Success of Methodism 2.0” by Jeremy Smith (Seattle). “Ultimately, the UMC in the United States has decided its path forward as inclusive Methodism 2.0, and 2023 should be the year we begin to transition away from worrying about who is leaving and focusing on the new folks we can welcome into our mission.” (Added 1-3-2023)
“The Final Countdown” by Jay Therrell via WCA. The window for disaffiliation will soon close. (Added 1-3-2023)
“Three killed in church, United Methodists split: top 10 Alabama religion stories of 2022” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “The first major domino to tumble was the 7,000-member Frazer Methodist Church in Montgomery, once the largest United Methodist Church in Alabama. Frazer Memorial voted Jan. 30 to leave the denomination and join the Free Methodist Church.” (Added 1-2-2023)
“Of course the fall of Roe was 2022’s top religion-beat story (including those church attacks)” by Terry Mattingly via Get Religion. “Decades of United Methodist battles about the Bible, sex and marriage forced the exit of 1,500-plus congregations, with that number continuing to rise, and the birth of a conservative Global Methodist Church.” (added 1-2-2023)
“12 judges have now backed out of FUMC lawsuit” via KAIT. “In addition, the documents also show that FUMC has filed for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to prevent The Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church from trying to interfere with the congregation’s use and occupancy of the building while the lawsuit is underway. As no judge has agreed to preside over this case, this particular request has yet to be granted.” (Added 1-2-2023)
“With a historic number of churches leaving, why 2022 was so dramatic for United Methodists” by Liam Adams via USA Today (via Yahoo News). An article originally appearing in The Tennessean, quoting Keith Boyette, Karen Oliveto, and Chris Ritter. (Added 1-2-2023)
“12 judges recuse themselves from UMC church disaffiliation lawsuit” by Anugrah Kumar via Christian Post. “The judges have cited conflicts of interest or the need to avoid the appearance of impropriety to recuse themselves from the property lawsuit by First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro, KAIT reported.” (Added 1-2-2022)
“Pastor Voices Goodwill Message Amid Change” by Nathan Wilson via Natchitoches Times. The pastor of Natchitoches First UMC in Louisiana hopes for good relationship with disaffiliated churches. (Added 1-1-2023)
Tweet Thread by Andy Bryan. “Warning – TLDR thread about the #UMC…When I was confirmed in the United Methodist Church way back in 1982, those with a fully inclusive theology were in the minority. And they stayed. #BeUMC #UMC 1/10” (Added 12-31-2022)
Tweet by Mark Tooley. “200 or more churches were preparing to exit North Georgia United Methodism so local liberal bishop stopped the voting, as autocrats do when losing power. Whether thru litigation or other means, these churches won’t be held captive forever.” (Added 12-31-2022)
“Top Ten Stories from 2022 in the Wesleyan World” by Andy Miller III. Several items in this list relate to the UMC break-up in some way. See also the YouTube version. (Added 12-31-2022)
“New space-sharing move to enhance stewardship and collaboration” via Resource UMC. United Methodist Men moves in with UM Communications facility. “UMM has plans to sell its current building and utilize the more extensive area provided by UMCom to add a classroom area for inbound training for conferences and clergy.” (Added 12-31-2022)
Tweet via Leave UMC. Screen shot: “Someone that thinks you should be able to legally kill someone that disagrees with you politically should not be a #Methodist minister. #UMC divinity student thinks about God, about Republicans. Leave UMC now!” (Added 12-31-2022)
Tweet Thread by Liam Adams. Religion reporter: “Dramatic #UMC news: The North Georgia Conference announced it will not be recommending for ratification disaffiliations for congregations seeking to leave the UMC, citing “misleading, defamatory, and false” claims.” (Added 12-31-2022)
“Eleven Etowah County churches, so far, among those splitting from UMC” by Harry Butler via The Gadsden Times. North Alabama coverage of denominational separation. (Added 12-31-2022)
“UMC’s North Georgia Conference Blocks Churches from Leaving Denomination” by Talia Wise via CBN News. Coverage of North Georgia Conference’s move to halt disaffiliations. (Added 12-31-2022)
“UMC North Georgia Conference blocks churches from leaving, pauses disaffiliation process” by Anugrah Kumar via Christian Post. Coverage of North Georgia Conference barring the exit door. (Added 12-31-2022)
“COMMENTARY: Roe v. Wade was no. 1 U.S. religion-news story” by Terry Mattingly. “Decades of United Methodist battles about the Bible, sex and marriage forced the exit of 1,500-plus congregations, with that number continuing to rise, and the birth of a conservative Global Methodist Church.” (Added 12-31-2022)
Tweet by Chris Ritter. You will want to check out the various comments in this tweet on North Georgia cancelling their disaffiliation process. (Added 12-31-2022)
Tweet by Chris Ritter. “Biased information is not the same thing as misinformation. The Gospels themselves are significantly biased. #UMC” (Added 12-31-2022)
“What’s up in 2023? The Guy offers a first draft of a religion-beat agenda” by Richard Ostling via GetReligion.com. For religion reporters: “Last month, all five “jurisdictional conferences” in the U.S. vowed to create a church “where LGBTQIA+ people will be protected, affirmed, and empowered” as bishops, clergy, laity and agency staff. That’s a major change in the doctrinal status quo.” (Added 12-31-2022)
“The most significant religion stories of 2022” via Religion News Service. “Not waiting for final vote, United Methodist churches move to begin schism” makes #5 in this list of eleven top stories of 2022. (Added 12-20-2022)
“Hillsboro First United Methodist Church votes to disaffiliate from UMC organization, join Global Methodist Church” by Derek Russell via The Highland County Press. Local West Ohio coverage, submitted by the pastor. (Added 12-30-2022)
“What Happened to Integrity?” by Randy Burbank. “So, what [Bishop Sue Haupert Johnson is] saying is that congregations within the bounds of the North Georgia Annual Conference are incapable of discerning whether they should stay UMC or not. But get this: They Are Capable Of Making Decisions For Them!” (Added 12-30-2022)
“A Momentous Year” by Thomas Lambrecht via Good News. The VP. ofGood News offers this 2022 roundup. (Added 12-30-2022)
“A Divided UMC” by Ryan Leach via OutSmart. A Houston LGBTQ publication covers the UMC split. (Added 12-30-2022)
“Methodism’s Georgia Captivity” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. Outgoing North Georgia’s bishop “poisonous Chirstmas gift” for traditionalist: Shutting down the disaffiliation process. (Added 12-29-2022)
“UMC’s North Georgia Conference blocks church departures” by Kathryn Post and Emily McFarlan Miller via Religion News Service. “A regional body of the United Methodist Church in Georgia will temporarily block member churches from leaving the denomination, citing the spread of “defamatory” misinformation about the United Methodist Church and its disaffiliation procedure.” (Added 12-28-2022)
“Breakdown: Division (7/x)” by Josh McClendon. A second post outlining the history of the UMC breakup. (Added 12-28-2022)
“UMC Disaffiliation: Twelve Observations with Twelve Months Remaining” by Chris Ritter via PeopleNeedJesus.net. A round-up of interesting disaffiliation information. (Added 12-28-2022)
“North Georgia Conference to Pause Disaffiliation Process” via North Georgia Conference. “We have significant concerns about this misinformation and are well aware that it has the potential to do irreparable harm.” See also here. (Added 12-28-2022)
“Docket Report: First United Methodist Church v Board of Trustees” via caseinfo.arcourts.gov. The court filing by Jonesboroo First UMC against the conference’s move to seize control of church assets. (Added 12-27-2022)
“United Methodist Collective helps those whose churches split” via Charlotte (NC) Observer. A Western North Carolina Conference effort to step in where a “congregation voted to disaffiliate but some members disagreed, preferring to remain United Methodist or join another more progressive church.” (Added 12-27-2022)
“United Methodist official split over human sexuality set for late April regionally” by Jeff Keeling via WJHL. “Jones said while he personally thinks the Holston Conference will see 20% or fewer of its churches leave, that could still herald a departure of 150 or more.” (Added 12-27-2022)
“Kevin Lobello informational meeting” via YouTube. A North Georgia local church presentation on the Global Methodist Church featuring Rev. Kevin Lobello. (Added 12-26-2022)
“Part Four, Dear Bishop–May “Healing in His Wings…” Be Our Christmas Gift” by Stan Copeland via YouTube. “Mainline Methodists have dealt with schisms before and came out stronger than ever. In 1939 and 1945, in the South mainly, like today, the Southern Methodist Church formed to stay segregationists and the Evangelical Methodist Church formed over “modernist” trends cited first in VBS curriculum. The accusations then, like now, were against inclusion, a perceived trend toward modernism (progressivism), education including seminaries, and the actions of the bishops.” (Added 12-26-2022)
“2022: The Year in Review” by Jay Therrell via WCA. A wrap-up of WCA activities in an eventful year. (Added 12-26-2022)
“Bishop, Conference Bless And Release Churches Asking To Disaffiliate” via West Ohio Conference. A clip published of Bishop Palmer’s remarks following the most recent disaffiliation session. (Added 12-26-2022)
“Of Monks and Methodists” by Art Collins. Methodism being “monasticism for the masses,” the GMC hould be like those first founder-abbots: we are looking to found a church we ourselves want to be part of. Where we can get close to God and belong to each other.” (Added 12-26-2022)
“English bishop pushes back at rewritten ‘woke’ Christmas carol sung at ‘inclusive’ church” by Andrew Mark Miller via Fox News. “The amended U.S. version, written by Jeffrey Wilsor and used by the progressive Hollywood United Methodist Church, retains only the first two lines of the original song, which dates back to 17th-century England.” “God rest ye, queer and questioning…” (Added 12-24-2022)
“Clarifying the Methodist divorce” by Barbara Roach via The Eagle. Letter to the Editor: “The article quoted a retired minister saying that churches leaving the United Methodist Church were closing to gay members. That is totally false and intended to inflame passions.” (Added 12-23-2022)
“Church Sues UMC Arkansas Conference for Rejecting Its Disaffiliation Application, Suspending Its Pastor” by Amanda Casanova via Christian Headlines. ““Jonesboro Church now moves to quiet title and seek a declaratory judgment from this Court affirming that Defendants do not have any right, title, or interest in its real or personal property pursuant to an alleged trust clause or equitable lien,” the suit reads, in part.” (Added 12-23-2022)
“Trinity votes to disaffiliate with United Methodists” via SouthermMinn.com. Northern Iowa: “Monroe County’s largest protestant congregation will no longer be a United Methodist Church as of June 30, 2023. On Tuesday, the church voted by a margin of 94 percent to disaffiliate with the nation’s second largest mainline denomination.” (Added 12-23-2022)
[USA Today picked up this article. See PDF Version] “With a historic number of churches leaving, why 2022 was so dramatic for United Methodists” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. A round-up of 2022 disaffiliation news in United Methodism. Chris Ritter and others quoted. Thanks to Liam Adams for making the PDF available. (Added 12-23-2022)
“Arkansas Methodist Pastor Suspended from Duties Because of Disaffiliation Vote” by Kim Roberts via Ministry Watch. “The votes are part of a larger, ongoing movement in which more conservative congregations are leaving the UMC because of its moving away from biblical views of sexuality.” (Added 12-22-2022)
“Disaffiliations effective December 31, 2023” via Iowa Conference Trustees. Deadlines and key dates posted in Iowa. (added 12-22-2022)
“Lawsuit Filed Over Jonesboro Church Building” via KAIT. “First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro has taken a step to keep its current church building by filing a lawsuit.” (Added 12-22-2022)
“Interview with Sati Absalom Nuhu” via PlainSpoken Podcast via YouTube. Continues a series of interviews with African United Methodists with this conversation with a Nigerian pastor. (Added 12-21-2022)
North Carolina Provisional Conference of the Global Methodist Church Website. “The Transitional Conference Advisory Team (TCAT) is excited to share with you that we have received approval from the Global Methodist Church, Transitional Leadership Team (TLC), to celebrate the inauguration of our new North Carolina Provisional Annual Conference (NCPAC) of the GMC on 1 January 2023.” (Added 12-21-2022)
“New process allows SC United Methodist churches to separate based on LGBTQ policies” by Steven Ruffing via WSPA. Coverage of the South Carolina Conference’s long-awaited exit process. (Added 12-21-2022)
[Updated with PDF Version] “With a historic number of churches leaving, why 2022 was so dramatic for United Methodists” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. A round-up of 2022 disaffiliation news in United Methodism. Chris Ritter and others quoted. Thanks to Liam Adams for making the PDF available. (Added 12-20-2022)
“Church fight lands in court” by Keith Inman via The Sun. “Called a Quiet Title action, the lawsuit asks Craighead County Circuit Judge Richard Lusby to decide whether the local congregation or the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church is the rightful owner.” (Added 12-20-2022)
[updated] “UMCSC churches now have process to discern their future” via South Carolina Conference (UMC). South Carolina adopts a long-awaited process for exit, separate from but similar to disaffiliation. (Added 12-19-2022)
Tweet by Drew McIntyre. On the Arkansas bishop’s letter suspending John Miles: “Just so we are clear on institutional priorities: Joseph Sprague denied the divinity of Jesus in writing and did not evoke this degree of ire from fellow bishops.” (Added 12-19-2022)
“Breakdown: Disruption (6/x)” by Josh McClendon. Continued a multi-part series on the breakdown of the UMC. (Added 12-19-2022)
“Clergy Disaffiliation” by Bishop Frank Beard via Illinois Great Rivers Conference. The conference publishes the videos of November sessions framed around questions of clergy disaffiliation. (Added 12-19-2022)
“UMC pastor suspended after Arkansas Conference rejects second disaffiliation vote” by Anugrah Kumar via Christian Post. Coverage of John Miles’ suspension by Bishop Mueller of Arkansas following a disaffiliation denial by the conference. (Added 12-19-2022)
“The New Shakers?” by Warren Lathem via Facebook. “Perhaps the UMC will be the modern version of the Shakers, not because of sexual celibacy, but spiritual celibacy. No new births equals death. And that is the tragic story of the UMC. And that is why I left after 50 years of ministry in the UMC.” (Added 12-17-2022)
“Arkansas pastor suspended over meeting” by Frank Lockwood via Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. “Northeast District Superintendent John Fleming had previously urged the longtime minister, John Miles, not to hold the meeting, warning that the proposed action items were “clearly contrary to the Constitution of the United Methodist Church” and would not be “recognized by the State of Arkansas or the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church.” (Added 12-17-2020)
“Denominational Update: December 2022” via Trinity on the Hill (YouTube). A North Georgia congregation shares eight points of concern about the UMC. (Added 12-17-2022)
Video Post by John Miles via Facebook. “I plan to be here Sunday. I plan to be here the following Sunday.” (Added 12-16-2022)
“FUMC senior pastor suspended following second disaffiliation vote” via KAIT. Jonesboro, AR coverage of seizure of First UMC’s assets and suspension of Pastor John Miles. (Added 12-16-2022)
“FUMC votes to disaffiliate for second time following denial” via KAIT. “According to Senior Pastor Miles, the vote does not restart the process, and he noted a lot of people who would have voted to stay were not present at the meeting.” (Added 12-16-2022)
Letter from Bishop Mueller regarding Jonesboro First UMC via Arkansas Episcopal Area. “First, the Arkansas Conference has responded by invoking the disciplinary process in ¶2549.3 to declare exigent circumstances. Among other things, this action immediately vests title to all property of the First United Methodist Church Jonesboro in the Arkansas Conference Board of Trustees for the protection of the rights of the United Methodist Church and those United Methodists wishing to continue to worship in their church in Jonesboro.” Pastor John Miles suspended. (Added 12-16-2022)
“Is the UMC Really… Part 7” via Ask UMC. Continuing series addressing questions on disaffiliation. See also Part Six. (Added 12-16-2022)
“Conferences Reach Out to Those Grieving Disaffiliations” by Sam Hodges via UMNS. Conferences are finding ways to help those who opposed their local church’s disaffiliation decision and intend to remain United Methodist. (Added 12-16-2022)
“The the Confessing Movement with Gratitude” Commentary by Stephen Rankin via UMNS. The author believes the Confessing Movement “has done us a great service by keeping our attention on crucial theological anchor points.” (Added 12-16-2022)
“Our future: The heart of United Methodism” Commentary by Bishop Gary Mueller via UMNS. The UMC can only serve the broad middle “only if we are serious about proactively inviting, welcoming, including and valuing the millions of moderates and traditionalists around the globe and in the United States who are still part of The United Methodist Church.” Six principles suggested. (Added 12-16-2022)
“An Incoherent Judicial Council Decision” by Tom Lambrecht via Good News. The weaknesses of Decision 1451 and how it disenfranchises Africa. (Added 12-16-2022)
“To my Disaffiliating Friends: Don’t Believe What You’ve Been Told” by James Howell. “Our sisters and brothers who are disaffiliating are more like us than we realize: operating out of hidden fears, we all rush to judgment against those who aren’t us.” (Added 12-16-2022)
Tweet by Chris Ritter. A post sharing the voting results of last night’s meeting at Jonesboro First generated lots of conversation frorm both sides. (Added 12-16-2022)
“Methods Out of Madness” by Ben Witherington via Acton Institute. Asbury Professor introduces The Next Methodism book with. a summary statement on the state of United Methodism. (Added 12-16-2022)
“Vote Totals from the Meeting of the Members” via Jonesboro First United Methodist Church, Arkansas (Facebook). 98% approval to accept new bylaws and leave the UMC. (Added 12-15-2022)
“Judicial Council – 2024 is the new 2020” by Jeremy Smith via Hacking Christianity. “The progressive and centrist wave, which already elected the most diverse and progressive class of bishops in memory, will now continue to the General Conference held in May 2024.” (Added 12-15-2022)
“FUMC holding special meeting following disaffiliation denial” via KAIT. Jonesboro First in Arkansas holds a meeting tonight in the wake of a disaffiliation denial. (Added 12-15-2022)
“Local pastors explain why nearly 200 congregations left the United Methodist Church” by Sean Dowling via WAFF. Local Alabama coverage. (Added 12-15-2022)
“Prominent Southern Theologian, Pastor Misrepresent United Methodist Division” by Matt Jameson via Juicy Ecumenism. “Even neutrality was not good enough for him, as he insisted that “if religious organizations are not in the forefront of love and acceptance on this issue, it seems to me that you are giving permission to those who would harm gay people to do just that!” (Added 12-15-2022)
“As a pastor who performed one of NC’s first gay marriages, this Methodist split feels like a necessary divorce” by Valeria Rosenquist via Charlotte Observer. “It brings to mind the quote from James Baldwin, ‘We can disagree and still love one another unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and the denial of my humanity and right to exist.'” (Added 12-15-2022)
“La Croix begins process for possible split from United Methodist Church” by Nathan English via The Southeast Missourian. “An estimated 1,900 people are members of the church. If approved, the disaffiliation will also affect the Benton, Missouri, satellite campus…Watts said the focus of La Croix’s leadership was on the current, potential exodus from UMC and that no decision had been made on whether to join the GMC or another denomination.” (Added 12-15-2022)
“Taking stock after a season of disaffiliations” by Heather Hahn and Sam Hodges via UMNS. Perspectives at half-time for local church disaffiliations. (Added 12-15-2022)
“Navigating the Waves of Disaffiliation with Dr. Chris Ritter” via Changing Churches Podcast. Rob Couch interviews Chris Ritter on the United Methodist disaffiliations happening in Methodism. (Added 12-15-2022)
“‘Everybody’s doing it’: United Methodists ignoring their own rules as break-up continues” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. The editor of UM Insight writes for. aBaptist audience on what she sees as selective enforcement of the Discipline. (Added 12-14-2022)
“UMC suffers more hemorrhaging after leaders bash reversal of Roe” by Steve Jordan’s via AFA. Outside coverage. (Added 12-14-2022)
“A Message from John Miles” via Facebook video. Announcing a vote at Jonesboro First whether to accept or reject the decision of the Arkansas Conference. (Added 12-14-2022)
“GCFA Publishes Extensive Disaffiliation Statistics” by Brandy Bivens via UM Insight. Detailed disaffiliation statistics coming from GCFA. (Added 12-14-2022)
“Church court: No new elections needed for GC2024” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. Coverage of the Judicial Council decision allowed delegates elected for GC2020 to serve in 2024. (Added 12-14-2022)
“Jurisdictional Conferences Redefine United Methodist Church” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “Although the Discipline has not technically changed, Nuckols dismissively characterized following official United Methodist rules as “doing church the old way,” in contrast to the new de facto policies, with these new personnel, as how the UMC will now “do church in a new way.” (Added 12-13-2022)
“The Queer Nativity: Neon Lights, Drag Queens, and Divinity Among us” by Penny Cost via Methodist Federation for Social Action. UMC certified clergy candidate offers an Advent devotion reflecting on queer bars as an “unexpected Holy of Hollies where Divinity is experienced between queer strangers. It is where the Little Drummer Boy can be a twink singing Karaoke. It is where the Magi can be our elders who Survived the HIV/Aids epidemic, sharing their wisdom and strength with the next generation. It is where gold, frankincense, and myrrh can be glitter, whiskey, and Lady GaGa.” (Added 12-13-2022)
Judicial Council Decision 1451 via Resource UMC. The decision mandating that delegates elected for GC2020 must serve in GC2024. (Added 12-13-2022)
Overheard: Reliable sources report that the Judicial Council has ruled there will be no new elections for General Conference 2024. (Added 12-13-2022)
“The December 2022 state of the United Methodist Church and what to expect in 2023” via Dalton & Tomich. A recap of the present situation in the UMC from a law firm offering services to disaffiliating churches. (Added 12-13-2022)
“New Seasons” by Jeff Greenway via WCA. The former chair of the WCA Global Council looks back with gratitude as he leaves the council to devote more time to helping form the GMC. (Added 12-13-2022)
“Methodist Split” Editorial via Dothan Eagle. “The United Methodist Church and its departing congregations will surely find their own way. We wish them peace.” (Added 12-13-2022)
“North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church Issues Letter of Apology for Pioneers Church In Durham” by Sarah Edwards via Indy Week. Provides additional context on Pioneers Church in Durham, NC which disaffiliated and has been subsequently disavowed by its founding conference. (Added 12-13-2022)
“United Methodist Church Is NOT a ‘Big Tent’” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “…last month’s jurisdictional conferences, held throughout America, forcefully rejected big tent United Methodism.” (Added 12-13-2022)
“The Methodist Church Is Splitting Up But Don’t Worry. They Have Teddy Bears for Those Who Need Something to Hug” by Dee Parsons via The Wartburg Watch. “People are looking for human contact, and it’s sad to think that teddy bears are a solution to loneliness for some churches.” (Added 12-13-2022)
“Huntsville pastor speaks on split in United Methodist Church” by Alexa Harley via WHNT. ““Our congregation lives with each other fine disagreeing on that matter. its not a creedal matter for many of us but for some of us it was the straw that broke the camels back,” Williams said. (Added 12-13-2022)
“After split, Methodists go in different directions” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “…the goodbyes quickly turned into questions of what’s next.” (Added 12-13-2022)
“New and Renewing Churches introduces Moving Forward Together initiative” via North Alabama Conference. A conference revitalization plan following disaffiliations. (Added 12-13-2022)
“Statement from Stay UMC” via Facebook. On North Alabama disaffiliations: “We rise to speak frankly about this schism and the costs exacted upon us all. We lament some local churches were made the site of bitter fights rather than being shepherded through conversations that deepen understanding.” (Added 12-13-2022)
“Some Reflecting After Leading the North Alabama Conference” by Randy Burbank. Mixed feelings about the special session. (Added 12-13-2022)
“December 10 Special Session of Annual Conference Wrap Up” via Northern Alabama Conference. Summary of a special session in which 198 disaffiliations were ratified. (Added 12-12-2022)
Tweet by Liam Adams. “I’m close to wrapping up this 🧵about the #UMC special session season for church disaffiliations because the 2022 special session season just ended as of this past weekend…” (Added 12-12-2022)
“Death of Radical Feminist Theology” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. Looking back on the Reimagining Conference co-sponsored by the UMC. (Added 12-12-2022)
“Methodist churches in Arkansas negotiate after split attempts” by Frank Lockwood via Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. News on the status of the three churches denied disaffiliation by the Arkansas annual conference of the UMC. (Added 12-12-2022)
“Preachers Explain Why they Won’t Cut United Methodist Ties” via The Oklahoman [paywall]. OK coverage of the Stay UMC side. (Added 12-11-2022)
“United Methodist split: Hundreds of Churches Leave the Methodist Denomination” via Fulcrum. Coverage in an Adventist publication. (Added 12-11-2022)
“State of Texas: Division pushes hundreds of TX congregations to leave Methodist church” via KXAN YouTube (1:00 mark). Texas news coverage. (Added 12-11-2022)
“New signs, new directions for small congregations leaving the United Methodist Church” by Sara Pagones via NOLA.com. The life of small Louisiana Methodist churches after leaving the UMC. (Added 12-11-2022)
Tweet by Chris Ritter: “Note to future generations: A denomination explicit on polity and abstract on doctrine will run out of steam and then fall apart.” (Added 12-10-2022)
“United Methodist split: 198 churches leave North Alabama Conference” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “The North Alabama Conference had 638 congregations at the start of the day, and then 440 remaining after the vote today allowing the 198 churches to leave…about 32 percent of the membership is leaving, including about 39 percent of the reported in-person weekly worship attendance.” (Added 12-10-2022)
“Considering Methodist Options” by Tom Lambrecht via Good News (as shared on Facebook with North Carolina Evangelical Fellowship). “The purpose of this article is to compare a few important variables in each of the denominations, so that congregations have a realistic idea of what each has to offer.” (Added 12-10-2022)
Special Called Session of the North Alabama Conference live link. via YouTube. Use this link to watch the live session of. theNorth Alabama Conference as it considers ratifying the disaffiliation agreements made with 198 congregations. More congregations will disaffiliate next year. (Added 12-10-2022)
“Methodist dispute appears to be over lost love” by Kelly Martini via Timesobserver.com. Opinion: Disaffiliation of First UMC (Warren, PA) is evidence of orchestrated hate against LGBTQ people and political conspiracies. (Added 12-10-2022)
“‘Line in the sand’: Some congregations are splitting from United Methodist Church” by William Marlow via Alex City Outlook. Local Alabama coverage: “There’s large disagreements in the United Methodist Church about the authority and the role of scripture,” Hill said. “So we disagree on those fundamentals. We, at Flint Hill, believe that the Bible is the word of God, and is not something that we can change just because it doesn’t fit our worldview.” (Added 12-10-2022)
“Church shows support for UMC during mass exodus” by Monique Batson via panews.com. First UMC in Groves, TX issues a statement of support for the UMC. (Added 12-10-2022)
“Report of Disaffiliating Churches” via North Alabama Conference (UMC). The list of 198 churches presented for approval of disaffiliation at the December 10 special sessions of the North Alabama Conference. (Added 12-10-2022)
“Why You Should Be Worried About the Split in the Methodist Church” by Joshua Zietz via Politico. “Today, mainline churches are bucking under the strain of debates over sex, gender and culture that reflect America’s deep partisan and ideological divide. In a country with a shrinking center, even bonds of religious fellowship seem too brittle to endure.” (Added 12-9-2022)
“When identity politics consumes theology” by Carl Trueman via World. “Jesus did not need to be a woman to save women, or trans to save the trans, or disabled to save the disabled. He simply needed to be human, to take unto himself that nature that is more ultimate than either biological divisions or social constructs.” (Added 12-9-2022)
Tweet via RMNetwork. “”On Tuesday, the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church sent a letter to neighbors in the Geer Street area, formally apologizing for planting a non-affirming church…” Read more at: https://charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article269729961.html#storylink=cpy… #umc #unitedmethodist” (Added 12-9-2022)
Global Methodist Church North Carolina Provisional Annual Conference Website. (Added 12-9-2022) See officers, including President Pro Tem David Banks. (Added 12-9-2022)
“Examining the de facto agnosticism of theological education” by Frederick Schmidt via Patheos. “My friend, David Watson describes a tension that no Christian who studies Scripture can escape: the competing claims of the church and the academy. The former believes that Scripture is “God-breathed” and that – while it is a product of specific historical settings and it cannot be applied without careful interpretation – it is a vehicle for the Holy Spirit. We read Scripture, but it reads us, as well.” (Added 12-9-2022)
“Ministry leaders unite on fulfilling the Great Commission by 2033” by Press Release via Religion News Service. Keith Boyette represents the GMC at a consultation of evangelical leaders aimed at fulfilling the Great Commission. (Added 12-9-2022)
“Methodist congregations divided on whether to split with mother church” by Gayla Murphy via TheFacts.com. Local Texas coverage: “Two Brazosport churches are going in opposite directions with the decisions on whether to remain part of the United Methodist Church, the Lake Jackson congregation choosing to keep its affiliation and the Freeport choosing to separate in favor of a more conservative branch.” (Added 12-9-2022)
“First United Methodist Church Jonesboro taking new steps after disaffiliation was denied” by Cory Evans via KATV. “‘At this point we are trying to work through the conference now and see if the Bishop can set something up between us,’ [Pastor John Miles] said.” (Added 12-9-2022)
“Next steps to disaffiliate after denial” by Imani Williams via KAIT (Jonesboro, AR). Pastor John Miles of First Methodist (Jonesboro) is interviewed about an upcoming congregational meeting and new bylaws following denial of the church’s disaffiliation request by the conference. (Added 12-9-2022)
“Methodism at Baptist Baylor University” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. An interview with Jason Vickers who was recently appointed to the William Abraham Chair of the Wesley House of Studies at Baylor’s Truett Seminary. (Added 12-9-2022)
“United Methodist LGBTQ Re-Education” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “This is no longer the welcoming, open-minded United Methodist Church I joined as a teenager.” (Added 12-8-2022)
“Methodist church apologizes for controversial NC church” via Raleigh News and Observer. “On Tuesday, [without notifying the pastor] the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church sent a letter to neighbors in the Geer Street area, formally apologizing for planting a non-affirming church in the middle of a city that held North Carolina’s very first pride event and a rich history of protest.” (Added 12-8-2022)
“Transitional Discipline of the Methodist Collegiate Church” (PDF). This draft Discipline for the Methodist Collegiate Church will be updated and placed on a website soon. This network is being formed from White’s Chapel in Southlake, TX. (Added 12-8-2022)
“Answering Questions about the UMC Split” via Harbor Church (YouTube). Russ Nanney of Harbor Church in Wilmington, NC answers questions from the congregation about what is happening in the UMC. (Added 12-8-2022)
“Moving Forward (Part 1) | The Methodist Collegiate Association | First Methodist Carrollton” via First UMC Carrollton (TX) YouTube. “Rev. Dr. Larry Duggins, one of the pastors at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church, shared that church’s experience in voting with great unity to leave the UMC. He will also share about the Methodist Collegiate Association (a new Methodist Churches organization for those who have left the UMC).” Recorded 12-4-2022. (Added 12-8-2022)
“If “Staying United Methodist Videos” were honest- the Things They DON’T Want Traditionalists to Know” by Jeff Dollar via YouTube. A mash-up of words from Centrist/StayUMC leaders and videos of the growing sexual liberation personalities in the UMC. (Added 12-8-2022)
“Winder (GA) First United Methodist Church Feels Progressive Purge” by Duncan Williams via YouTube. “The congregation is stunned to learn that Pastor Dave Hinson has been reassigned, without consultation of the congregation. A rare demotion with a huge pay cut. This is part of a nationwide purge by the progressive bureaucracy in the UMC.” (Added 12-8-2022)
“Texas Annual Conference Called Session Dec. 3, 2022” via Texas Conference YouTube. The video of the December 3 Texas special session of the Texas Conference is now available on YouTube. (Added 12-8-2022)
“Nondenominationalizing American Christianity II: The responses” by Bill Leonard via Baptist News Global. Quotes O. French Ball: “Interestingly (and I think, unexpectedly) some United Methodist congregations who vote to leave the denomination are not joining the new Global Methodist Church but are instead choosing to become nondenominational.” (Added 12-8-2022)
“Clergy Withdrawals—Impact on Benefits of Terminating Annual Conference Relationship under ¶360” via Wespath. The impact of withdrawing clergy membership in a UMC conference in terms of employee benefits. (Added 12-8-2022)
“UMC Churches and Disaffiliation” by Timothy Tennent. Asbury President: “The UMC is on a more serious trajectory away from historic faith than those denominations which have gone before us.” (Added 12-8-2022)
“LIST: See which 439 Texas Methodist churches are leaving denomination” by Will DuPree via KXAN. A list of the Texodus churches that completed disaffiliation on December 3. (Added 12-8-2022)
“Congregations sue to leave United Methodist Church over LGBTQ disputes” by Yonat Shimron via Washington Post. “The suits are coordinated by the National Center for Life and Liberty, a legal ministry. Lead counsel David Gibbs III said he is in talks in 42 of the 54 United Methodist conferences in the United States.” (Added 12-8-2022)
“Bishop Ken Carter’s era remembered for his compassion and vision” via Florida Conference. “Bishop Carter had his own stressful time during the contentious and ongoing process where some churches left the Conference through disaffiliation.” (Added 12-7-2022)
“TEXODUS: 439 Texas Churches Leave United Methodist Church as LGBTQ Schism Unfolds Across US” by Steve Warren via CBNNews. United Methodist disaffiliations in Texas now have a new name: “Texodus.” (Added 12-7-2022)
“What’s Happening in The United Methodist Church?” by Tara Barnes via United Women in Faith. “As members of United Women in Faith, it’s important for you to know that you can remain a member even if your church disaffiliates. Your church can continue to host a United Women in Faith group, or your local unit can also become a cluster group with other units or become a district unit.” (Added 12-7-2022)
“Waco church will not join United Methodist congregations in Texas in split over gay marriage, abortion” by Jasmine Lotts via KWTX. “We have clergy and churches that are for sticking with the current language in the doctrine. Then you have churches, clergy and members who are interested in shifting that language to be more inclusive,” said Brower. (Added 12-7-2022)
“U.S. Catholic population shows growth, trends southward” by Kevin J. Jones via Catholic News Agency. “United Methodist numbers could decline significantly due to changing circumstances. Many American United Methodists have rejected communion with global Methodism and deny historic Christian teaching on matters such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and sexual ethics. Last weekend, hundreds of congregations in Texas alone voted to disaffiliate with United Methodism. Many are expected to join the Global Methodist Church, a new denomination.” (Added 12-7-2022)
Tweet by Frank Anguiano. A “mini viral” video clip predicting that half of the NWTX churches disaffiliating from the UMC will be dead in 10-15 years because… “the whole look back and salt thing.” (Added 12-7-2022)
“Northwest Leaders Issue Joint Statement of Welcome and Support for Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth” via UM Insight. “As the first openly gay African American bishop in the denomination, he is walking a new path. Our Boards of Ordained Ministry and Cabinet are committed to racial equity and LGBTQIA justice, and we offer our support and look forward to working closely with him in the service of the gospel of love and liberation.” (Added 12-7-2022)
“Finishing Well” by Jay Therrell via WCA. “While clergy should be allowed to use paragraph 360.1 to withdraw from The United Methodist Church to unite with the Global Methodist Church or any other church, some annual conferences are instead requiring clergy to withdraw from the ministerial office. Sometimes conferences argue that The UMC has not officially recognized the Global Methodist Church. This is a bogus argument since The UMC has not “officially recognized” many other denominations but allows clergy to transfer to them.” (Added 12-7-2022)
“Prepare Our Hearts for Jesus” by Bishop David Bard via Michigan Conference (UMC). “To date, approximately 15% of United Methodist churches in Michigan have inquired about the cost of disaffiliation.” (Added 12-7-2022)
“Our Decision for St. Andrew” by Kathy King & Arthur Jones via St. Andrew (Plano, TX). “Bluntly, the basic structure of the UMC will be even more labored after these disaffiliations, and we expect the number to grow. So, while we have been prayerfully studying this for years, the time has come for St. Andrew to decide its own path.” (Added 12-7-2022)
“Over 400 Texas Congregations Exit United Methodist Church Over LGBTQ Issues” by Josh Shepherd via The Roys Report. “In a statement, newly renamed St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano, with reportedly 6,500 members, affirmed their mission as creating “passionate disciples of Jesus.” Meanwhile, their lay leadership is “seeking partnerships and accountability with other like-hearted churches” while not planning to affiliate with a denomination at this time.” (Added 12-7-2022)
“Texas Methodist Churches Leave by the Hundreds Over Denomination’s ‘Too Liberal’ Positions” by Berlin Flores via Christian Daily. Coverage of recent Texas disaffiliations. (Added 12-7-2022)
“439 Texas churches leave UMC amid schism over denomination’s stance on homosexuality” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. Coverage of the recent Texas disaffiliations. (Added 12-7-2022)
“Some churches leave UMC through formal process; others are suing” by Yonat Shimron via Religion News Service. “But in Florida and North Carolina, some churches have decided to sue United Methodist regional bodies, called conferences, in state courts as they seek independence from a denomination they view as having strayed from its theological moorings on issues related to human sexuality.” (Added 12-7-2022)
“29 Southeast Texas United Methodist Churches vote to leave denomination” by Tiana Johnson via KBMT. Southeast Texas coverage. (Added 12-6-2022)
“Local congregation disaffiliates from UMC” by Stevon Gamble via Texarkana Gazette. “Trajectory of church out of line with Hardy Memorial’s values, pastor says” (Added 12-6-2022)
“Time for a Reality Check: #2 The Boards and Agencies” by Riley Case via The Confessing Movement (PDF). Reforming the UMC agencies. (Added 12-6-2022)
“Trusting for a Good Future for the UMC” by Riley Case via Confessing Movement UMC. The signs of hope for the continuing UMC. (Added 12-6-2022)
“UMC Split Update: What Disaffiliation Means | The RAGE Podcast” via YouTube. Parker Miley and Tim Benjamin of Wayne Street UMC in West Ohio discuss disaffiliation. (Added 12-6-2022)
“On Being Conservative in a Liberal Denomination” by W. Logan Dixon via Acceptable Words. A Cumberland Presbyterian interviews United Methodist Rian Lewis. (Added 12-6-2022)
“Local Methodist churches vote to split from denomination, small amount remains with United Methodist Church” by Landry Sena via EverythingLubbuck.com. Northwest Texas coverage of the majority of churches disaffiliating from the UMC there. (Added 12-6-2022)
“‘Everyone gets their love story’: How Christmas rom-coms have taken over the season” by Emily McFarlan Miller and Adelle Banks via Religion News Service. Bishop Karen Oliveto and spouse, Robin, are interviewed in support of romantic comedies that feature same-sex relationships. “She had to take a stand: ‘No more Hallmark until you change.’ ‘And they did, and now you’re back,’ Oliveto said.” (Added 12-6-2022)
“Local Methodist split official; new congregation planned” by Mark Fleming via The Baytown Sun. “Currently the hospital system is required to draw 60% of its governing board from among clergy or laypersons who are members of United Methodist churches in the Texas Annual Conference. In the future, that 60% figure can include persons from other churches in the Methodist tradition…. Houston Methodist CEO Dr. Marc Boom said the system, which is a healthcare provider for the Texas Annual Conference clergy health plan, has contacted the Global Methodist Church about providing those services.” (Added 12-6-2022)
“‘I can no longer be part of a denomination that will not uphold… the doctrine’: Several Abilene churches vote to disaffiliate amid United, Global Methodist split” by Noah McKinney via bigcountryhomepage.com. Abilene, TX coverage of disaffiliations. (Added 12-6-2022)
“Hundreds of United Methodist Churches across Texas approved to disaffiliate” by Morgan Riddell via KBTX. Coverage of recent Texas disaffiliations. (Added 12-5-2022)
“Temporary Pause of Disaffiliation Activities” by Bishop Leonard Fairley via North Carolina Conference UMC. ” I am asking that we pause all new disaffiliation work, including church conferences and town halls, through January 6.” (Added 12-5-2022)
“Notice of Special Meeting of the Members” by John Miles via First UMC, Jonesboro AR via Facebook. A meeting is called at Arkansas’s largest congregation following a blocked disaffiliation vote by the conference. (Added 12-5-2022)
Post by Ed Kilbourne via Facebook. Opinion: The GMC is making the UMC healthier by taking small, toxic congregations away. (Added 12-5-2022)
“The Five Challenges the GMC Didn’t See Coming” by Bryan Bucher via The UM Centrist Movement. A critical look at the GMC from a self-described UMC Centrist. (Added 12-5-2022)
“North Alabama Conference Disaffiliations” by Vaughn Stafford via PDF. A compiled list of 185 known North Alabama congregations that have voted to disaffiliate. A special conference session is scheduled for Saturday, December 10, 2022. (Added 12-5-2022)
“Letter to Withdrawn Clergy” by Bishop Jimmy Nunn (PDF). This letter threatening complaint was issued to Oklahoma clergy who withdrew their conference membership but did not surrender their ordination upon their exit from the UMC. There is disagreement in the UMC on whether ordination, like baptism, is an act on behalf of the universal church or merely a status in the UMC. See an article by Carolyn Moore about this topic here and here. (Added 12-5-2022)
“Kentucky Annual Conference approves disaffiliation of 57 churches” by Alan Wild via Kentucky Conference (UMC). “Clergy and lay members voted 332-29 to accept a report by the Conference Board of Trustees allowing the churches to leave under terms of the Book of Discipline’s Paragraph 2553,” (Added 12-5-2022)
“The Lure of Confirmation Bias” by Bob Phillips via PeopleNeedJesus.net. The president. ofWCA in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference names seven reasons to stay in the UMC in an exercise against confirmation bias. (Added 12-5-2022)
“Church court deals with General Conference delay” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. Review of the docket of the December Judicial Council session. Will there be new elections for General Conference 2024? Questions about disaffiliation are also to be considered.(Added 12-5-2022)
UMNS Tally of Disaffiliations via UMNS. This helpful spreadsheet has been updated to reflect the December 3 Texas disaffiliations. (Added 12-5-2022)
“Texas Methodist churches vote to split from denomination after years of infighting” by Jayme Lozano and Robert Downen via ABC 13 (Houston). A brief video feature based on reporting from the Texas Tribune. (Added 12-5-2022)
“439 Texas churches split from United Methodist Church as slow-motion schism continues” by Pete Weber via The Week. Coverage of the December 3 disaffiliation votes in Texas. (Added 12-5-2022)
“Disaffiliations approved by Special Session” by Lindsay Peyton via Texas Conference. “Almost half of the 598 congregations in the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church have left the denomination. Lay and clergy delegates voted to approve the disaffiliation approval of 294 of the 598 churches during a Special Session on Saturday, Dec. 3 at First Methodist Houston West. The measure passed with 93 percent out of 1245 votes, 3 percent opposed and 4 percent who abstained.” (Added 12-5-2022)
“North Alabama United Methodists split on whether to leave denomination” by Emma Daniel via Decatur Daily. Local coverage of disaffiliations. (Added 12-4-2022)
“439 Texas congregations granted approval to leave the United Methodist Church” by Isabella Volmort via Dallas Morning News. Coverage of the December 3 disaffiliation votes in the Texas and Northwest Texas conferences. (Added 12-4-2022)
“Hundreds of Texas Methodist churches vote to split from denomination after years of infighting over gay marriage and abortion” by Jayme Lozano and Robert Downen via The Texas Tribune. Feature highlighting the December 3 disaffiliation votes. (Added 12-4-2022)
Post by Bob Phillips via Facebook. “146 churches in the NW Texas conference were approved for disaffiliation, 72% of all churches in this smaller conference. In the Texas conference, 97% of delegates voted to approve the disaffiliation of 294 congregations, 49% of total churches. Prior to these votes, roughly 1,470 churches in the denomination have been approved for disaffiliation.” (Added 12-3-2022)
Tweet by William Lucas. “The Texas Annual Conference of the UMC voted 97% (1164-for, 33-opposed, 48-abstain) to release 294 disaffiliating churches. A difficult day, for sure.” (Added 12-3-2022)
Tweet by Jeremy Smith (Seattle). “Remember the Arkansas model, #txumc #nwtumc. You have the power to name and hold individual churches accountable for failures in process. Use it or lose it. #DisaffiliationShenanigans” (Added 12-3-2022)
“New bishop, colleague get close shaves” by David Burke via Great Plains UMC. Newly elected bishop gets “BeUMC” shaved onto their scalp. (Added 12-3-2022)
“Disaffiliations Approved by Annual Conference” via UMNS. A spreadsheet-format tally of the number of completed disaffiliations to date by annual conference. (Added 12-3-2022)
“Final preparations falling into place for special called Annual Conference” by Alan Wild via Kentucky Conference UMC. On the December 4 special session: “The Conference Board of Trustees’ report listing 57 churches seeking to disaffiliate will be presented by Chair Gretchen Mahaffey, then after time for questions and comments, Annual Conference members will vote on it.” (Added 12-3-2022)
“A CHURCH DIVIDED: Miss-Lou UMC churches take steps to split from denomination” by Sabrina Sims Robertson via The Natchez Democrat. Local coverage of Mississippi and Louisiana disaffiliations. (Added 12-3-2022)
“Hundreds of churches plan to disaffiliate with United Methodist Church” by Chaz Miller via ABC13 (Houston). Local coverage of the Texas Conference special session on December 3. (Added 12-3-2022)
“These congregations in the Triad are leaving United Methodist Church for more than LBGTQ issues – and some are suing” be Steve Doyle via MyFox8.com (Greensboro, NC). “But the Western Conference has taken an entirely different approach. Rather than having a special called conference to consider disassociations, it will consider the next 16 that have begun the separation process during its annual conference in June.” (Added 12-3-2022)
“Ratification of the Doctrine and Discipline of the Global Methodist Church” by David Donnan. “the Transitional Book of Doctrine and Discipline has as much authority today as the book of Doctrine and Discipline will have after the convening conference.” (Added 12-2-2022)
“Why Disaffiliating Churches Should Not Be Charged for Their Property” by Charles Harrell via Good News. Answering justifications in the Baltimore-Washington Conference for requiring a share of local church property values in order to disaffiliate. (Added 12-2-2022)
“Bishop Issues Reminder While Awaiting Judicial Council Ruling” by Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi via Western PA Conference. “If anyone other than the Judicial Council or Council/College of Bishops asks or suggests that any person, group of people or committee defy my ruling, they are undermining my ministry and therefore violating the Book of Discipline.” See Background. (Added 12-2-2022)
“Hundreds of Texas churches seek approval to leave the United Methodist Church Saturday” by Isabella Volmort via The Dallas Morning News. Coverage of the December 3 specially called sessions the Texas and Northwest Texas conference where over 400 disaffiliations (roughly half) will be considered. (Added 12-2-2022)
Updated: “There go the churches: The floodgates are opening and congregations are leaving the United Methodist Church” by Mark Tooley via World Magazine. “Exiting United Methodist churches are quitting their denomination for both pragmatic and theological reasons. Loyalties to denominations that once persisted across generations are suddenly ending.” See also in Juicy Ecumenism. (Added 12-1-2022)
“Sticking with the UMC with Rev. Brian Jones” via More to the Story (YouTube Link Here). Andy Miller III interviews a UM clergy from Indiana who plans to remain in the UMC. (Added 12-2-2022)
“15 local churches to leave UMC” by Emily Weaver via The Daily Record. ‘It’s kind of like the hard right over the easy wrong,’ pastor says. (Added 12-2-2022)
“Former Mt. Bethel UMC members start new Methodist church” by Wendy Parker via East Cobb News. “The leadership has included Rev. Randy Mickler, who was Mt. Bethel’s pastor for nearly 30 years, and Dr. Rev. Steven Usry, who had been appointed to the role of senior pastor at Mt. Bethel at the start of the controversy.” (Added 12-2-2022)
“Disaffiliation discussion with Rev. Brett Dinger” via Homer City UMC (Youtube). A GMC presentation at a Pennsylvania church. (Added 12-2-2022)
“Two area churches vote to leave their denomination” by Jeff Long via the Southeast Missourian. Two Missouri congregations seek to disaffiliate. (Added 12-2-2022)
“GMC Thursday Night Live Texas Annual Conference Special” via GMC Thursday Night Live YouTube. Rob Renfroe is interviewed in the lead-up to a special session of the Texas Conference where 294 disaffiliations will be considered. (Added 12-2-2022)
“Taxiing Down the Runway on Flight Indiana GMC” by Art Collins. Status on a provisional Indiana Conference for the Global Methodist Church. 9Added 12-2-2022)
“Christ was Born… So Methodists Could Vote?” by James Howell. “Instead of healing America, voting Methodists are letting themselves be ruined by America.” This article was tweeted by Bishop Gregory Palmer. (Added 12-2-2022)
“A Theological Divergence” via The Summit Church. This PDF contains video links describing theological drift in the UMC. (Added 12-1-2022)
“An Announcement About the Future of The Summit Church” via Summit Church (Missouri) YouTube. One of the largest churches in Missouri, located in Lee’s Summit, decides to pursue disaffiliation when the bishop reneged on a previously agreed upon pastoral succession plan. See also here. (Added 12-1-2022)
“Episcopal Church loses nearly 60,000 members, sees drop in worship attendance: report” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “The Episcopal Church continued to suffer declines in membership and worship attendance in 2021, well below pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, according to recently released statistics.” (Added 12-1-2022)
“Bishop McAlilly Announces Called Annual Conference Sessions” via Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. “We don’t know what the future UMC will look like after the General Conference in 2024; however, in the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, the current Discipline of the United Methodist Church (UMC) has not changed.” (Added 12-1-2022)
Tweet by Jeremy Smith (Seattle). “Congratulations to the #UMC for surviving decades of Confessing Movement manipulations. Glad that antigay caucus group finally wrote something I agree with: it’s time for them to close. https://confessingumc.org/_files/ugd/6dcfa3_a82c690fd5624dfca75628787ef0c126.pdf” (Added 12-1-2022)
Tweet by John Lomperis. “Historic milestone: Even BEFORE significant #UMC disaffiliations, the #UnitedMethodist Church has fallen from its rank as America’s 3rd largest faith community. We are now surpassed by the LDS, aka Mormons:” (Added 12-1-2022)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “We know of 1721 churches voting to exit United Methodism so far. Doubtless hundreds more have we don’t yet know. Contact our @theird intern @grayson_jang if your church voted exit: gjang@theird.org. Forward!” (Added 12-1-2022)
“Holy Conferencing in a Time of Unknowing” by Jack Harnish via Michigan Conference (UMC) Communications. A round-up of discernment perspectives through the lens of the Michigan Conference. (Added 12-1-2022)
“LGBTQ activists react as Senate passes Respect for Marriage Act, United Methodist churches disaffiliate” by Zach Solon via WECT (North Carolina). ““When folks realize that the tide is turning, that their old opinions are no longer holding water, they get afraid,” Morin said. “They’re afraid of the diversity, they’re afraid of the reality of what the world might look like when we all get a little bit more of a seat at the table. And that’s unfortunate because it really just means the world is going to look a lot more loving, and those folks are going to be missing out on it.” (Added 12-1-2022)
“A Blue Christmas for United Methodists This year?” by Scott Field via WCA of Illinois. “Estimates vary, pending the outcome of special and regular sessions of UM Annual Conferences this year and next, but something like 3,000 to as many as 5,000 congregations are expected to disaffiliate from the United Methodist denomination before the end of 2023. This Christmas will be their last as United Methodists.” (Added 12-1-2022)
“Vestavia Hills United Methodist, others ask to disaffiliate from denomination: update on split” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church and 10 other congregations in North Alabama voted Sunday to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church and most are planning to join a new conservative movement, according to church leaders.” (Added 12-1-2022)
“Don’t Want to Live in That World” by Robert Hunt via UM Insight. “As soon as a principled based reading of scripture, coupled with rational and scientific descriptions of the world, is allowed in the process of discerning God’s order, then the founding myth of the global evangelical meta-culture comes into question.” (Added 12-1-2022)
“Bishops Link United Methodism, Disaffiliations, Club Q Murders” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. It is “absurd to suggest that United Methodism—and by extension, literally billions of Christians, Muslims, and others over the centuries who have disapproved of homosexual practice—are connected by some “blood-red thread” of blame.” (Added 12-1-2022)
Leave UMC Twitter Account. “An int’l group of lifetime Methodists who feel a moral obligation to inform fellow Methodists about the failings by the incorrigible United Methodist Church.” (Added 11-30-2022)
“N.C. United Methodists Leave Church in HUGE Win for LGBTQ People” by James Finn. “What’s actually going down is that proponents/practitioners of progressive Christianity are finally wresting control of the UMC from a small minority of traditionalists.” (Added 11-30-2022)
“Bishop Creates New Task force on Church Planting and Revitalization” via Alabama- West Florida Conference. “There is now a system whereby members of disaffiliating churches who wish to stay United Methodist and now feel that they are without a church home can transfer to the conference’s general roll. Once a United Methodist is on the general role the conference can help transferring members find an existing church to join or help them plant a new one.” (Added 11-30-2022)
“United Methodist split continues among NEO churches” by Krystal Kimes and Patty Coller via WYTV. Northeast Ohio local media coverage. (Added 11-30-2022)
“A Conversation about Our Denomination Issues” by Jeff Rainwater via Smoky Hill UMC. Superintendent of Congregational and Community Vitality of the Mountain Sky Conference addresses a Colorado congregation. (Added 11-30-2022)
“As a pastor, I’m awed by what I saw when the Methodist church split in NC” via NewsObserver.com (PDF). Opinion piece on UMC disaffiliations in North Carolina. (Added 11-29-2022)
“Global Methodist presentation and affiliation vote” via Vaughn Stafford presentation to a disaffiliated church in Oneonta, AL on the GMC and a vote to join. (Added 11-29-2022)
“The nondenominationalizing of American Christianity” by Bill Leonard via Baptist News Global. “Nondenominational communions often seem more connected to local or regional ministries than with national ecclesial bureaucracies whose histories, dogmas and hierarchies may seem suspect, autocratic or irrelevant, assessments often shared by liberals and conservatives alike, for distinct reasons.” (Added 11-29-2022)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. A long-time Alaska lay leader reflects on the The Confessing Movement within the UMC ceasing operations on December 31, 2022. (Added 11-29-2022)
“Disaffiliation Process” via Wapakoneta First UMC (YouTube). A West Ohio Conference congregation’s leaders discuss the state of their local disaffiliation process. (Added 11-29-2022)
“United Methodist Church Disaffiliation” via CBS 17 (YouTube). Raleigh, NC local coverage. (Added 11-29-2022)
“What should churches do if they do not achieve the two-thirds majority needed to leave the UMC?” via Dalton & Tomich (YouTube). A law firm representing disaffiliating churches gives options for churches who fail to achieve a 2/3 church conference vote. (Added 11-29-2022)
“How Do We ‘Re-invent’ United Methodism? What about Love?” by Richard Bryant via UM Insight. “We don’t make the world more Christian. It’s nearly impossible to discern the difference between making the world more Christian and Christian nationalism.” “The world doesn’t need to be transformed by Methodists.” (Added 11-29-2022)
“Finishing Strong” by Jay Therrell via WCA. “Earlier this month, all five U.S. jurisdictions in The United Methodist Church elected new bishops. With these elections, all pretense toward a “big tent” ideal has been abandoned. These bishops are by far the most liberal elected to date (not one traditionalist was elected).” (Added 11-29-2022)
“Forum of the Future of The United Methodist Church” via United Media Channel TV (Facebook). This November 25 panel in the Philippines included Bishop Christian Alsted, Nordic-Baltic Episcopal Area (Northern Europe), Bishop Rodolfo Juan, President PCC College of Bishops, Bishop Thomas Bickerton, President UMC Council of Bishops, Rev. Dr. Betty Kazadi Musau, Congo Central Conference. (Added 11-28-2022)
“Philippines Central Conference elects Painit as bishop” by Gladys Mangiduyos via UMNS. ““Everybody has a space at the table of grace,” Painit said. “To grant each one a space, everyone must be listened to, especially the small voices which are not really heard.” (Added 11-28-2022)
“Estrella elected Philippines Central’s first female bishop” by Gladys Mangiduyos via UMNS. “She and other new bishops are coming aboard as the denomination deals with the continuing fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising congregational disaffiliations amid a denominational splintering. Estrella said that the people called United Methodists will always be “stronger together as we remain in Christ and live out Christ’s redeeming and transforming love wherever we are.” (Added 11-28-2022)
“Philippines Central Conference elects Acdal as bishop” by Gladys Mangiduyos via UMNS. “’The church cannot afford to be divided,’ he said before the elections. Acdal admitted seeing huge hurdles in facing the threats of division within The United Methodist Church but emphasized that he would do everything he could to sustain unity in the Philippines’ annual conferences.” (Added 11-28-2022)
“Why are some churches leaving — and others staying with — the United Methodist Church?” by Isabella Volmert via The Dallas Morning News. “In the two conferences that include the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a combined 89 congregations have voted in favor of leaving, causing heartbreak within the community. However, some Methodist congregations have viewed the process as a decision to stay and look forward to the denomination’s next chapter.” (Added 11-28-2022)
“What’s Up with the UMC?” via Divided Methodism (YouTube). A compilation of heresy in the United Methodist Church. (Added 11-27-2022)
Post via Rico Esguerra via Facebook. Shares results of recent episcopal elections in the Philippines: “Congratulations Bishop Rodel Maquiraya Acdal, Bishop Ruby-Nell Estrella. and Bishop Israel Maestrado Painit. God bless you all and the United Methodist Church in the Philippines.” (Added 11-27-2022)
Post via Baguio Episcopal Area (Philippines Central Conference UMC) via Facebook. “Garnering 361 Votes during the 6th Ballots, Rev. Dr. Rodel Acdal was elected and declared as the new Bishop of the Philippines Central Conference of The United Methodist Church.” (Added 11-27-2022)
“God’s Faithfulness Frames Special Session” by Doreen Gosmire via Dakotas Conference (UMC). On the eighteen approved disaffiliations: “Presenting the resolution, discussion, and voting for each congregation expanded to approximately 25 minutes for each church. After spending 90 minutes on the four churches seeking disaffiliation in the Northeast District, a motion to suspend the rules, present the resolutions, hold a discussion, and vote on the ratification of all the congregations in a district was given.” (Added 11-27-2022)
“Why are Methodist churches leaving the denomination?” by Kait Newsum via WHNT. “Several Methodist churches across Alabama and the country are choosing to leave the denomination – with one even putting a restraining order on itself – which may have you scratching your head.” (Added 11-27-2022)
Overheard: Ruby-Nell M. Estrella was elected as a bishop in the Philippines. (Added 11-27-2022)
“Methodists Approve Disaffiliation” by Cal Bryant via Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald. NC Conference: ““While portrayed as a traditionalist/progressive split, both traditionalist and progressive United Methodists are staying and remaining committed to the mission of The United Methodist Church.” (Added 11-27-2022)
“What to Know about the United Methodist Breakup in North Carolina and Where It Goes from Here” via The News and Observer (paywall). (Added 11-27-2022)
“Alabama United Methodist churches join split from national denomination” by Harry Butler via Gadsden Times. “The familiar United Methodist logo of the Cross and the Flame is about to go out for many churches.” Includes a list of several disaffiliated churches. (Added 11-23-2022)
“UMC conference rejects 3 Arkansas churches’ disaffiliation requests: ‘Uncharted territory‘” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “[Bishop] Mueller suggested that those churches have the right to resubmit the disaffiliation agreement, calling the disaffiliation rejections “uncharted territory.” (Added 11-23-2022)
www.leaveumcnow.com “Lifetime Methodists who feel a moral obligation to inform fellow Methodists about the failings by the incorrigible United Methodist Church.” Includes a list of disaffiliated churches. (Added 11-23-2022)
“What is the Church’s position on homosexuality?” via UMC.org. This article has been updated to reflect recent events. “Based on what is known about the delegations to the next General Conference, however, even given attrition in some because of disaffiliations, it still seems unlikely that the current policies regarding human sexuality will be substantially altered.” (Added 11-23-2022)
“Beginning Again: A Guide to Staying in The United Methodist Church” via UMC.org. A guide created by Steve Harper for Florida and Western North Carolina is offered by the UMC to guide those who want to stay in the UMC in spite of the fact that their congregation has disaffiliated. (Added 11-23-2022)
“United Methodist split update: Clearbranch votes to go; Trinity Homewood stays” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “Monday’s vote by Clearbranch brought the total to 159 out of 638 congregations in the North Alabama Conference that have voted to disaffiliate, said Clearbranch Senior Pastor Vaughn Stafford.” (Added 11-24-2022)
“Over 200 United Methodist churches separate from conference over LGBTQIA+ policies” by Gilbert Biaz via WRAL News. Coverage of the North Carolina disaffiliations. (Added 11-23-2022)
“Nearly one-third of churches split from regional Methodist church body amid ongoing schism about sexuality” by Jon Brown via Fox News. National coverage of the high number of disaffiliations in. theNorth Carolina Conference. (Added 11-23-2022)
“Hostage Situation: Day Five” by Randy Burbank. A satirical take on the Arkansas conference denying disaffiliation to three congregations after the D.S.’s certified the votes. (Added 11-23-2022)
“Giving Thanks” by Keith Boyette via Global Methodist Church. Status of the GMC at eight months old. (Added 11-23-2022)
“Charting a New Direction for the UMC (Part Two)” by Tom Lambrecht via Good News. “The 2022 jurisdictional conferences provided an illuminating look at the current reality of the UM Church in the U.S., as well as some of the potential directions the denomination might take into the future.” (Added 11-22-2022)
“Baylor’s Truett Seminary Names Apologist for Breakaway Methodist Group to Chair Wesleyan Studies Program” by Mark Wingfield via Baptist News Global (via UM Insight). “An apologist for a breakaway group of conservative Methodists has been named professor of Christian theology and the first person to hold a new chair in Wesleyan studies at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary.” (Added 11-22-2022)
“Jonesboro church disaffiliation not ratified by conference” by Gretchen Hunt via The Sun (Jonesboro, AR). Local reaction includes Pastor John Miles and the Stay UMC group. (Added 11-22-2022)
“35 Arkansas churches get approved disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church” by Abby Johnson via KNWA. Local coverage. (Added 11-22-2022)
Tweet by Jeremy Smith (Seattle). “I love the twisted knots Traditionalists are wrapping themselves in. If you celebrated the Florida Clergy Session voting down a slate of candidates because they could, you should also celebrate the Arkansas annual conference voting as they did. It’s the same thing. #UMC #GMChurch” (Added 11-22-2022)
“Methodist Fundamentalists and Modernists: A New Look at an Unfinished Controversy” by Matthew Sichel via Firebrand Magazine. History of the conflict between conservatives and progressives in Methodism: It’s doctrinal, not just cultural. (Added 11-22-2022)
“Two Steps Forward, One Step Back” by Jay Therrell via WCA. An updated list of which conferences are taking a punitive approach to disaffiliation. (Added 11-22-2022)
“An Open Letter to Traditionalists, Centrists & Progressives from Lonnie Brooks & Jay Therrell” by Jay Therrell and Lonnie Brooks via YouTube. A joint statement calling for a higher standards in Methodist disagreements. Print Version here. (Added 11-21-2022)
“Book offers clarity on United Methodist doctrine” by David Field via UMNS (commentary). “Changing the doctrinal standards is in fact very difficult under United Methodist polity, but will the standards just be ignored? That’s another doubt that has been raised.” (Added 11-21-2022)
“Delegates approve report calling for unity” via The Central Conference of Southern and Central Europe. “The report goes on to state that in matters of human sexuality, each country should follow local convictions and laws, and no external pressure should be exerted. This also does not apply in the case that a future General Conference should decide on a more liberal regulation.” (Added 11-21-2022)
“Amid church exits, work starts on record-low budget” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “As the number of church disaffiliations rises, United Methodist financial leaders have started preparing what will be the denomination’s lowest budget sent to General Conference in nearly 40 years.” (Added 11-21-2022)
“3 Church Disaffiliations Blocked” by Sam Hodges via UMNS. “During an emotional, day-long Nov. 19 meeting, the conference voted against ratifying disaffiliation for First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro, Searcy First United Methodist Church and Cabot United Methodist Church.” (Added 11-21-2022)
“It Feels Kind of Personal: Thoughts on the Implementation of Paragraph 2553” by Beth Ann Cook via PeopleNeedJesus.net. “Passing 2553 was us at our best. What I saw in Arkansas was not.” (Added 11-21-2022)
“AP soft-pedals big story: USA progressives winning (sort of) the United Methodist war” by Terry Mattingly via Get Religion. “It would be bad strategy, at this point, to say that fears on the right have been justified.” (Added 11-21-2022)
“UMC pastor files complaint against election of openly gay leader to bishop hierarchy” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. Coverage of the complain against Western Jurisdiction bishops for consecrating Cedrick Bridgeforth as a bishop. (Added 11-21-2022)
“A word of encouragement from UMC pastors in the North Alabama Conference” via StayUMC YouTube. North Alabama Clergy offer a video greeting in support of the UMC. (Added 11-21-2022)
“Proceedings of the Special Session of the Arkansas Conference – November 19, 2022” via Arkansas Conference (UMC). While the video from the Arkansas Conference has been made private, this print description of what happened has been added to the conference website. (Added 11-21-2022)
“5 Nash churches split from United Methodists” by Corey Friedman via The Enterprise (North Carolina). ““The United Methodist Collective is a hybrid mission congregation created to provide connection and resources related to worship, discipleship, mission, sacraments and pastoral care for people living in areas where there may no longer be a United Methodist church after the disaffiliation process is complete,” a Saturday news release from the conference explains.” (Added 11-21-2022)
“Some churches seek split from United Methodist Church” by Reggie Ponder via The Daily Advance (Elizabeth City, NC). “For me it was under Biblical authority,” Bundy said. “I feel that the UMC has been hijacked — and I guess that’s a strong word — but hijacked by a liberal group, and every year there is something else that is put into question.” (Added 11-21-2022)
“Over 100 Indiana United Methodist Churches Leave as Social Issues Wedge a Divide” via The Indianapolis Star (paywall). Coverage of the November 19 disaffiliation votes in the Indiana Conference. (Added 11-21-2022)
“249 Eastern North Carolina United Methodist churches vote to leave denomination” via Carolina Coast Online. “Rev. Dr. Smith called for a ruling by Bishop Fairley as to whether the Conference could approve disaffiliation agreements for churches that were not based on Discipline Paragraph 2553, which specifically is about disagreement on matters of human sexuality. Bishop Fairley has 30 days after the special session to make a ruling, which will then go to the denomination’s Judicial Council.” (Added 11-21-2022)
“First United Methodist Church Jonesboro’s disaffiliation denied” by Andrew Mobley via KATV. “According to leaders, since the ratification was voted down during the special session, the issue of disaffiliation returns to the local church, which can make its decision and send a letter to the board of trustees. The board of trustees will then “act in authority.”” (Added 11-21-2022″
“Texas Megachurch White’s Chapel Departs UMC To Anchor New Methodist ‘College’” by Emily Miller and BeLynn Hollers via Roy Report. “He sees the Global Methodist Church as more conservative and the existing UMC as more progressive “than those of us that are kind of moderate.” Many, if not most, of the bigger United Methodist churches, Renner said, have congregants all across the political spectrum.” (Added 11-21-2022)
“A Message from Brother John” by John Miles via Facebook. A brief video from the pastor of Jonesboro First sharing the news the Arkansas Conference denied the congregation disaffiliation. (Added 11-21-2022)
“Alma, Arkansas Methodist church split from denomination approved” by Robert Medley via Fort Smith Times Record. “Methodists talked Saturday about feeling hurt, heartbreak and even anger, as they prepared for a possible parting of ways with churches leaving keeping their own houses of worship as well as debt.” (Added 11-20-2022)
“NC United Methodists agree to let churches leave the denomination over homosexuality” by Martha Quillin via The News and Obverver. “The North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church approved a split on Saturday that clears the way for nearly a third of its churches to separate from the denomination over its attitudes toward homosexuality.” (Added 11-20-2022)
“Indiana Churches Exit United Methodists amid rift” via Indianapolis Star (paywall). Coverage of Indiana’s November 19 disaffiliation votes. (Added 11-20-2022)
“Arkansas United Methodist conference rejects disaffiliation requests from Cabot, Searcy, Jonesboro” by Frank Lockwood via Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. The church conference votes at Cabot, Searcy First, and Jonesboro First (79,%, 71%, and 69%, respectively) were rejected by the Arkansas Conference. (Added 11-20-2022)
“Nearly 1/3 United Methodist churches approved to leave denomination in Eastern Carolina” by WITN. North Carolina coverage. (Added 11-20-2022)
“27 Arkansas churches disaffiliate from United Methodist Church” via THV11. Coverage that fails to mention the churches not approved for disaffiliation. (Added 11-20-2022)
“Conference votes against ratifying disaffiliation for Jonesboro First United Methodist Church” via KAIT. “According to leaders during the session, since the ratification was voted down during the special session the matter of disaffiliation returns to the local church. The local church can then decide what to do and send a letter to the board of trustees. The board of trustees will then “act in authority” (Added 11-20-2022)
“United Methodist Church in Indiana splits” by Rosa Salter Rodriguez via The Journal-Gazette. “Scores of Indiana congregations left the United Methodist Church on Saturday, concluding years of dispute over the denomination’s stand on homosexuality.” (Added 11-20-2022)
“Letter to Delegates” via StayUMC. A letter to delegates of the Arkansas Conferences requested them to vote against the disaffiliation agreement between certain congregations and the conference trustees. (Added 11-19-2022)
Tweet Thread by Brian Felker Jones. Context on the unusual Arkansas Conference vote to deny disaffiliation to some churches. (Added 11-19-2022)
Overheard: The Arkansas Conference of the UMC DENIED disaffiliation to three large congregations in Jonesboro, Searcy, and Cabot after they completed the necessary steps and voting. See video here. (Added 11-19-2022)
“Special Session of Annual Conference” by Katie Swisher via Indiana Conference (UMC). A list of disaffiliated churches approved November 19. (Added 11-19-2022)
“Jurisdictional Conference Reveals the Myth of the ‘Big Tent’” by Chet Harris via East Ohio WCA. “The United Methodist Church has failed on every account and effectively removed the center pole from the Big Tent, causing it to tumble down on traditionalists, smothering us with words void of meaning such as ‘agape’ love, acceptance, and a true welcome to the table.” (Added 11-19-2022)
Tweet by Rob Renfroe. On disaffiliations: “We have 294 in the que for the Texas AC to be approved Dec 3.” (Added 11-19-2022)
Tweet by Erik Meade. “Well the website of United Women of Faith (Which is what UMW now calls themselves) gives the impression of some vague spirituality combined with a (progressive?) political activist group. https://uwfaith.org” [Screen shot describes United Women in Faith as a “Christian organization that welcomes spiritual women of all faiths.” (Added 11-19-2022)
Post by Jimmy Boone via Facebook. A tally of how many UM churches have disaffiliated. (Added 11-19-2022)
“Harvest Church could close, and members evicted, lawsuit claims” by Ken Curtis and Caddisy Lee via WTYV. Harvest Church (Dothan, AL) filed suit against United Methodist Church leadership on November 10 in fear the denomination will take over its Fortner Street campus. (Added 11-19-2022)
Post by Warren Lathem via Facebook. “Reportedly 437 UM Churches disaffiliated today in 3 Annual Conferences. 1. I understand more fully the frantic panic evidenced by some bishops. 2. If Annual Conferences could actually be gracious the numbers would greatly increase. 3. Actions have consequences, especially episcopal actions. 4. In spite of the horrendous and unfair exit policies, hundreds more will be leaving before the opportunity expires in December 2023.” (Added 11-19-2022)
Overheard: West Ohio congregations disaffiliating today represent 8% of churches, 18% of attendance, and 16% of apportionments. This is described as a first wave with a larger, second wave to follow. (Added 11-19-2022)
[Updated & Corrected] Overheard: Special annual conference sessions happen today for Dakotas [18 churches disaffiliating], Arkansas [38 churches disaffiliating], Indiana [105 churches disaffiliating], West Ohio [80 churches disaffiliating], and North Carolina [249 churches disaffiliating]. (Counts approximate.) Texas and Northwest Texas meet on December 3. The Kentucky Conference meets December 4. The North Alabama Conference meets December 10. (Added 11-19-2022)
“GMC Thursday Night Live State of the Church 2022 with Rev. Dr. Sterling Allen & Rev. Keith Boyette” via Youtube. The Transitional Connectional Officer of the Global Methodist Church shares the state of the seven-month-old denomination. (Added 11-19-2022)
“United Methodist Leaders ‘Further Support White Supremacy’” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “This is what we can expect from its leaders for the foreseeable future: sanctimonious rhetoric about opposing racism, arrogant nationalism, white supremacy, and ethnocentrism in others, combined with being perfectly happy to use all of those as tools to protect their own privileges and power.” (Added 11-18-2022)
Post by Council of Bishops UMC (Facebook). “Rev. Stefan Zürcher was today elected as new bishop of The United Methodist Church in the Southern and Central Europe Central Conference.” (Added 11-18-2022)
“Finding ‘God’s next’ for United Methodism” by Sam Hodges via UMNS. Coverage of the Space at the Table event in Texas. (Added 11-18-2022)
“Baylor University’s Truett Seminary Appoints Dr. Jason Vickers as The William J. Abraham Chair of Wesleyan Studies” via Baylor.edu. Leah Hidde-Gregory quoted: “We are thrilled that the Chair of the Wesleyan Catechism Task Force for the newly formed Global Methodist Church will be spearheading educational efforts among Methodists (and other Wesleyans) at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary.” (Added 11-18-2022)
Tweet by John Lomperis. “UMC bishops…
- Tell orthodox #UnitedMethodist s “Look at what the Discipline says; so stay + give us $$$!”
- Tell liberal members “Look at how we’re ignoring Discipline; so stay + give us $$$!”
- Tell those leaving “you MUST give us lots of $$$!”
what’s common factor?” (Added 11-18-2022)
Post by Keith Boyette via Facebook. “I arrived in Isabela Province, The Philippines on Thursday, November 17. I am staying with Gideon Salatan at his farm near Cordon. Tomorrow, I will share the keynote address at the convening conference of the Covenant Philippines Provisional Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Praise God for His wonderful, amazing works.” (Added 11-18-2022)
Tweet Thread by Michael Adam Beck. Fresh expressions director at United Theological Seminary recounts backlash experienced following his public move to a theologically “inclusive space” in order to support his LGBTQ daughter. (Added 11-18-2022)
“Local Methodist Churches React to the Denominational Schism” by Doug Marrin via The Sun Times News. Local Michigan coverage features two congregations on opposite sides. (Added 11-18-2022)
“Regionalization and Connectionalism: Healthy Regionalism amid Waning Globalization” by David Scott via UM & Global. Final part of a series on the history of regionalization in the church. (Added 11-18-2022)
“United Methodists Gather To Hope, Create Space At The Table” via North Texas Conference Communications. Coverage of. a “Space at the Table” event hosted by Lovers Lane UMC. This article also appears in UM Insight. (Added 11-18-2022)
“Complaint filed against gay bishop’s consecration” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. ““We are troubled by those who took this complaint public and are garnering signatures,” Oliveto said in a statement to UM News on behalf of the Western Jurisdiction bishops. She leads the Mountain Sky Conference and currently serves as president of the jurisdiction’s bishops.” (Added 11-18-2022)
“Jonesboro churches’ vote to disaffiliate leaving some spiritually homeless” by Cory Evans via KATV. “Hope there are folks inside that building that voted to stay with the building, and we will join with them and start a new, strong, and vibrant Methodist church,” Hall said. (Added 11-18-2022)
“Confessing Movement Newsletter: Final Edition” via The Confessing Movement within The United Methodist Church (PDF). The Confessing Movement reflects upon its 27 year history as it ceases operation at the end of 2022. (Added 11-17-2022)
“Bishop Elections show #UMC future despite unjust laws” by Jeremy Smith (Seattle). “And though a Black, queer candidate was a top vote-getter on NEJ ballots, the jurisdiction got locked in a gridlock and delayed the election of their second bishop until 2024. Drama indeed!” On the recent complaint: “the retributive form of Methodism they are living into is a privilege of the past.”(Added 11-17-2022)
“Bishop McKee Has Called A Special Session On March 4” via North Texas Conference. Matters before the session to include: (1) “Voting on the North Texas Conference Board of Trustees’ recommendations for the churches disaffiliating per the provisions of ¶2553. (2) Considering changes to the mandatory property insurance program. (Added 11-17-2022)
“Message from Bishop Schol: Follow-up from Clergy Gathering” via Eastern PA Conference (UMC). “Regarding disaffiliation, the clergy have been cooperative and collegial. We began with more than 25 churches seeking disaffiliation. After considering various options, including covenants, there are 11 churches that are proceeding with the disaffiliation process. By mid-December, all voting will be concluded with disaffiliation, and we will keep you updated about the number of churches who vote to disaffiliate.” (Added 11-17-2022)
“Is this a time for innovation within The United Methodist Church?” by DG Hollums via UMNS (Commentary). “Could now be the time we’ve been waiting for to breathe radical love and inclusivity into the fruit of The United Methodist Church?” (Added 11-17-2022)
“The Bishop of Oxford’s Surprising Case for Same-Sex Marriage is Flawed” by Ian Paul via Premiere Christianity. A professor answers a Church of England bishop on the topic of same-sex marriage. (Added 11-17-2022)
Post by Matthew Sichel via Facebook. “We will continue to die until we recognize that Christianity is not “nice people in nice churches doing nice things to make the world a nicer place.” Christianity is the radical proclamation that God in Christ is redeeming the world.” (Added 11-16-2022)
“Bishop Peggy A. Johnson to serve Boston Area” via New England Conference. “The Council of Bishops has approved the recommendation from the Northeastern Jurisdictional College of Bishops (COB) and The Committee on the Episcopacy (COE) that Retired Bishop Peggy A. Johnson serve as Interim Bishop for the New England Annual Conference (NEAC) beginning January 1, 2023, through August 31, 2024.” (Added 11-16-2022)
“Space at the Table Conference” via Lovers Lane UMC (YouTube). An event in Dallas focused on the future of the UMC, features Mike Slaughter, separate panels of professors, youngish clergy, and bishops. Will Willimon interview. (Added 11-16-2022)
UPDATED: Special Called Session via Arkansas Conference. Updated list now includes all 38 congregations to be voted for disaffiliation. (Added 11-16-2022)
“A Delegate’s Reflection on the 2022 North Central Jurisdictional Conference” by Andy Adams. “…by the end of the conference I was genuinely happy for the joy and unity that the 85% had together even though I knew in my heart that there was no place for me or for other traditionalists in the future they envisioned.” (Added 11-16-2022)
“The 2022 Elections are a Bellwether for the future of the United Methodist Church” by Scott Field via Northern Illinois WCA. Includes “The Future UMC Sets Its Course” by Chris Ritter. (Added 11-16-2022)
“With All Deliberate Speed (IGRC Version)” by Bob Phillips via Facebook. “The door slams shut in November 2023, with no exceptions and no appeals. Don’t be derailed by a system that seems to be all ‘deliberate’ and no ‘speed.’ Seek the best of both, without faulting individuals or presuming to know the motives or heart of others. This also is a time for witness in the rigorous grace all exhibit in this time.” (Added 11-16-2022)
“Whatever Happened to John Wesley’s Methodism?” by Carl Trueman via World. “If you cannot agree on what it means to be a human being, you really cannot agree on anything.” (Added 11-16-2022)
Tweet by Chris Ritter. “Signs of the Times: The #UMC Confessing Movement will cease operation at year’s end. The Reconciling Ministries Network is expanding with a new mission statement and VBS curriculum.” (Added 11-16-2022)
“Reconciling Ministries Re-tools Itself for ‘Growing Constituency‘” by Ophelia Hu Kenney via UM Insight. Larger website, new mission statement. Preparing a Reconciling VBS curriculum to be launched in 2024. Original Post Here. (Added 11-16-2022)
“‘Is the United Methodist Church Really…’ (Part Six)” via UM Communication. Q&A’s about disaffiliation from a UMC perspective. (Added 11-16-2022)
Post by Art Collins via Facebook. “I received The Confessing Movement’s newsletter today that said they were shutting down their org by the end of the year. The great doctrinal fight within The UMC is giving way to new priorities among the many people interested in Methodist renewal.” (Added 11-15-2022)
“Bishop election and future issues” by Klaus Ulrich Ruof via Central and Southern Europe Central Conference. “At the time of the Central Conference meeting, a panel has made recommendations to enable the Annual Conferences to maintain communion as a church despite differing beliefs and practices within their conferences.” (Added 11-15-2022)
“An Update on General Conference Visas” by David Scott via UM & Global. The news is general good for the prospect of visas for GC2024. (Added 11-15-2022)
“United Methodist exodus continues, 58 Louisiana churches set to leave” via FISMtv. Outside coverage of UMC Schism from a Christian source. (Added 11-15-2022)
“Nearly 60 More Churches Leave the UMC” by Amanda Casanova via Christian Headlines. Outside coverage of recent UMC events and disaffiliations. (Added 11-15-2022)
The United Methodist Church via Wikipedia. The article on the UMC has been updated with information on the ongoing schism in the UMC with a new section headed “2020-2022 Schisms.” (Added 11-15-2022)
“Breakaway votes to be scheduled in two area United Methodist churches” by Jeff Long via Southeast Missourian. Local coverage: “The leadership boards of two area churches, pastored by the Rev. Kevin Barron, have decided unanimously in the last week to seek congregational votes aimed at discovering whether members wish to leave the United Methodist Church (UMC), the second-largest Protestant denomination in the United States.” (Added 11-15-2022)
“Dozens More Churches Leave United Methodists Over LGBTQ Agenda” by Steve Warren via Charisma News. Outside coverage of recent disaffiliation votes. (Added 11-15-2022)
“58 Louisiana churches leave United Methodist Church amid schism over homosexuality” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. ” Although progressives have failed to end the denomination’s longstanding ban on the blessing of same-sex marriage and gay ordination, many who hold positions of power within UMC have refused to enforce or follow the rules, prompting many conservatives to leave the denomination.” (Added 11-15-2022)
“Africa Initiative Condemns Gay Bishop’s Election” via Juicy Ecumenism. IRD shares a press release by the Africa Initiative on the election of Cedrick Bridgeforth as a #UMC bishop in conflict with church law. (Added 11-15-2022)
“A New Direction for the UMC?” by Tom Lambrecht via Firebrand Magazine. “The 2022 jurisdictional conferences provided an illuminating look at the current reality of the UM Church in the U.S., as well as some of the potential directions the denomination might take into the future.” (Added 11-15-2022)
“The Congregational Vote and additional steps local churches need to take when leaving the UMC” via Dalton & Tomich. Details about the process of congregational voting. Clean up the membership roll before the vote. Treat the vote like a campaign. (Added 11-15-2022)
“Vestavia Hills United Methodist, others ask to disaffiliate from denomination: update on split” by Greg Garrrison via AL.com. Coverage of a wave of disaffiliations in North Alabama. (Added 11-15-2022)
“Church Theft” by Paige Patterson. Former SBC Seminary President: “Do not claim any longer to be a Methodist while rejecting the most sublime commitments and theology of John Wesley! And when the subject arises, utter a positive word for the White’s Chapel Methodist Church and the courage and conviction they have shown in their public stand!” (Added 11-15-2022)
“United Methodist Church bringing 2024 General Conference to Charlotte amidst schism” via WCNC. Local coverage of UMC GC2024 coming to Charlotte, NC. (Added 11-14-2022)
Post by Vaughn Stafford via Facebook. Lists recent North Alabama disaffiliation votes and their outcomes, a full list of 88 disaffiliated North Alabama Conference churches and thirty more that will vote this coming week. (Added 11-14-2022)
“Where to — and Under What Leadership?” via Central Conference of Southern and Central Europe (UMC). An article on the November 16-20 sessions of the European Central Conferences. (Added 11-14-2022)
“Alabama-West Florida Conference ratifies disaffiliations in special-called session” via Alabama-West Florida Conference (UMC). A list of 35 disaffiliations approved on November 12. (Added 11-14-2022)
Post by Angela Pleasants via Facebook. “It saddens me the behavior I see in reaction to one another [GMC/UMC folks], but I also realize we are all dealing with soul wounds. Soul wounds are the emotional hurt that has not been healed and is displayed in various ways. We may turn the pain in on ourselves or outward towards others.” (Added 11-14-2022)
“There Is No Tent Left” by Randy Burbank. “Any traditionalist Wesleyan-Hearted follower of Jesus who thinks they can remain within the UMC and still be true to Jesus, you really need to think again.” (Added 11-14-2022)
Tweet by Mark Tooley. “Learned today of Anglican congregation possibly becoming Global Methodist. Very unusual but as denominational loyalties collapse for individuals so too maybe for congregations.” (Added 11-14-2022)
“Africa Initiative Condemns Election of Gay Bishop” via Press Release (PDF). “Kindly remember that not doing anything about the ongoing violations of our church’s doctrines and moral standards is actually doing something, and your silence implies your complicity.” (Added 11-14-2022)
“White’s Chapel UMC Megachurch in Southlake Voted for Disaffiliation with United Methodist Church” by John Villar via Christianity Daily. Outside coverage of White’s Chapel’s exit. (Added 11-13-2022)
“Response to GMC Pastor Letter” by Tom Berlin. “Many United Methodists disagree on the inclusion of gay persons related to marriage rites and credentialing for ministry. In these conversations it remains important to avoid false accusations and misrepresentations.” (Added 11-13-2022)
“A Queer Methodist Tradition” by Caralynn Hampson via Yet Alive. “John Wesley ministered to Thomas Blair; a man accused of sodomy. I think the best rendition of this story is found in a 1976 edition of Blair Blurbs, the newsletter for the Gay United Methodist Caucus, “Blair Blurbs is named after a young man whom John Wesley counseled, against the wishes of the townspeople. The young man, Blair, was accused of homosexuality.” (Added 11-13-2022)
Tweet by Talbot Davis. “No amount of emotional appeal or rhetorical force by long talkers will ever make this logic untrue in #umc: ‘How can one part of a church believe one thing and another part of the church believe the exact opposite [& still] be a ‘United’ church?’” (Added 11-13-2022)
“58 Louisiana churches leave United Methodist Church denomination amid national schism” by Gabriella Killett via NOLA.com. Louisiana coverage of the Methodist split. (Added 11-13-2022)
“The Big Tent has Collapsed” by Jay Therrell via WCA. “The so-called big tent has collapsed, and it’s only going to get worse. After General Conference in 2024, I’m afraid theological conservatives remaining inside the UMC will realize they’re trapped in a church that has no intent to honor them except by cashing their checks.” (Added 11-13-2022)
“New Methodist bishop seeks unity, faces challenges of UMC split” via The Clarion-Ledger (Paywall). New bishop of the Mississippi Annual Conference (UMC) faces challenges. (Added 11-12-2022)
“LGBTQ-friendly votes signal progressive shift for Methodists” by Peter Smith via Associated Press. “The United Methodist Church moved toward becoming more progressive and LGBTQ-affirming during U.S. regional meetings this month that included the election of its second openly gay bishop.” (Added 11-12-2022)
“A Slow-Motion Schism” via The Sentinel (Lewistown, PA). “‘We feel like to stay the same in our mission and theology, we need to change denominations,’ said the Rev. Steve Cordle, lead pastor of Crossroads Church. Based in Oakdale, Pennsylvania, it’s one of the largest congregations in the conference. It’s considering going independent or joining the Global Methodist Church.” (Added 11-12-2022)
“Special Called Session” via Arkansas Conference (UMC). The 27 completed disaffiliation agreements to be approved at a November 19, 2022 Special Session. (Added 11-12-2022)
Post via Florida WCA Facebook. Announcing a Transitional Conference Advisory Team and Transitional Annual Conference for GMC churches in Florida. (Added 11-11-2022)
“And the Tent Keeps Getting Smaller: More from the Southeastern Jurisdiction” by Randy Burbank. “Centrists and Progressives want us to remain UMC, by the illusion of The Big Tent. Come 2024, that Tent will vanish, like David Copperfield’s elephant.” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Interim Bishop Pens Pastoral Letter on Bishop Carcaño” by Bishop Dyck via UM Insight. “She is still on suspension although her suspension is being reviewed by the Committee on Investigation (which is the entity that suspended her after the first 60 days).” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Webinar to Explore How United Methodism Will Have A ‘New Beginning’” via UM Insight. “A New Beginning: An Inclusive United Methodism.” Scheduled for Saturday morning, Nov. 19 by the United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy and Friends (UMARC)” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Regionalization and Connectionalism: The Era of Globalization and World Christianity” by David Scott via UM & Global. Third in a series on the history of regionalization. (Added 11-11-2022)
“Global Regionalization Aims to Give U.S. Church Same Privilege as International Conferences” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “The Wesleyan Covenant Association and the Global Methodist Church would like to lead delegates to parrot convenient cultural caricatures of what theology and discipleship look like in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines,”he stated. “These resolutions rejected that strategy.” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Grassroots Resolutions Point Toward UMC’s Future” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “Southeastern Jurisdiction was the only session where the resolution authored by the “queer” group encountered heavy resistance.” (Added 11-11-2022)
“The Church of the Sexual Revolution: Today’s theological fault lines mostly concern matters of earthly morality” by Carl Trueman via Wall Street Journal (opinion). “In the early 20th century, debates about Christian orthodoxy took place within an America where the basic elements of Christian moral teaching were generally accepted. Today, such thinking stands at odds with the politics of identity that dominates elite institutions. That sets the scene for external culture war and internal civil war.” Penny Cost is mentioned in the first paragraph. (Added 11-11-2022)
Tweet by Chris Ritter. “I was told to expect at least 1 complainant to be an active bishop (not usually involved in such). I don’t see that yet. Unlike with Oliveto, the BOD is now explicit that bishops may not consecrate a practicing gay bishop, even if elected. This charge is not against Bridgeforth.” (Added 11-11-2022)
Tweet by Chris Ritter. On the complaint against Western Bishops: “Among the signatories, there is heavy representation from Episcopal areas where the bishop is not friendly to traditionalist leaving under Par. 2553. It’s no small detail that this complaint originated in South Carolina. #UMC” (Added 11-11-2022)
Global Methodist Church Organization. Transitional Conference Advisory Teams are created in areas that may become provisional conferences (see list). A list of provisional annual conferences is provided here. (Added 11-11-2022)
“Bridgeforth brings experience, collaborative mindset into new role as bishop of the Greater NW Area” by Kristen Caldwell via Greater Northwest Area (UMC). A profile of United Methodism’s second openly gay bishop. (Added 11-11-2022)
“Bishop Rapanut ready to be an authentic leader within the church” via Desert Southwest Conference (UMC). Newly elected bishop: “When someone passes away, the community holds a wake or a season of grieving, Rapanut said. They sit together, reconnect and build ties. Some of that work will be necessary as the church says goodbye to those who don’t feel they can be connected to this denomination any longer. He said he’ll call upon his relational gifts to help move that process along.” (Added 11-11-2022)
“North Carolina Chapter Statement on Disaffiliation” via Methodist Federation for Social Action. “We continue to remain in affiliation with the United Methodist Church and call upon our church to embrace this reflection of the Kingdom of God in all its fullness, so that we may be the beacon of hope for all persons as we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Texas megachurch votes to leave ‘broken’ UMC” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “Today, we are experiencing the UMC as a broken institution. As well, the alternatives we have been given don’t seem to align with our context or our theology. These are reasons we are exploring a ‘realignment,’” explained White’s Chapel. (Added 11-11-2022)
“The Hypocrisy of “United Methodist Loyalty” Rants” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “This is the sort of thing that characterizes the most extreme dictatorships or dystopian fiction. Indeed, in the Northeastern Jurisdiction, New York clergy delegate Chongho Kim decried the ‘Leading with Integrity’ resolution as ‘totalitarianism’ intended to intimidate people, as well as ‘white liberal racism.”” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Last Stand for Traditional Northeastern United Methodists at the NEJ?” by Dan Fuller via Juicy Ecumenism. A traditionalist delegate to thee North Eastern Jurisdiction 2022 conference reflects on the experience. Includes some details on the stalemate that led to one less bishop being elected than previously planned. (Added 11-11-2022)
“A Complaint Against the Western Jurisdiction” via WJComplaint.com. A complaint against the Western Jurisdiction college of bishops for consecrating a gay bishop in violation of The Book of Discipline. (Added 11-10-2022)
“The schism among Methodists / Another large Protestant church has paid the price for pushing the gender agenda” (English Translation) by Imrich Gazda. Original post. A Slovak publication covers the UMC split. (Added 11-10-2022)
“Interview with Simon Mafunda (Wesleyan Covenant Association)” via PlainSpoken Podcast (YouTube). Jeffrey Rickman interviews Simon Mafunda, an organizer for the WCA in Africa. (Added 11-10-2022)
“Global Methodist Church: Description and Discussion at Taylor Chapel with Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison” via Taylor Chapel, IN (YouTube). “Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison, an Indiana organizer for the Global Methodist Church, explains the purpose and aims of this new denomination at a presentation held at Taylor Chapel in Fort Wayne, IN on November 8, 2022.” (Added 11-10-2022)
“The Methodist and Baptist battles over LGBTQ inclusion this week trace a common road back to … Samford” by Mark Wingfield via Baptist News Global. “Samford has produced Al Mohler, the extremely conservative president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and arch opponent of anything LGBTQ-related. Yet Samford also produced Bridgeforth, who went on to earn a master’s degree from Claremont School of Theology and a doctorate from Pepperdine University, on his way to becoming a United Methodist pastor and nonprofit leader.” (Added 11-10-2022)
“Revenge-return by Bishop Gene Robinson, seen from two radically different viewpoints” by Julia Duin via Get Religion. Episcopalian Fallout: “According to Walton’s report, the new leaders of their former church seem to have taken a perverse pleasure in destroying everything The Falls Church once stood for.” (Added 11-10-2022)
“A Tradition of Anti-Traditionalists” by Mark Baurlein via First Things. “What this bias has produced is two generations of college teachers who don’t realize their bias. They got a narrow education that they trusted was the broadest one.” (Added 11-10-2022)
“Episode 108: Bishop Cynthia Fiero Harvey” via Pod Have Mercy (Chapelwood, Houston) YouTube. Bishop Harvey discusses taking over as leader of the Texas Conference embroiled in disaffiliations… how to serve large areas that have become “United Methodist deserts.” (Added 11-10-2022)
“Summary of Jurisdictional Conference Outcomes” via Reconciling Ministries Network. “For the witness of individuals like Helen Ryde, Rev. Katie McKay Simpson, and Rev. Stan Copeland, and to RMN volunteer teams around the country who made collaborative strides for justice: we express our deep thanks.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“UMC Regional Body Promotes Openly Gay Reverend to Office of Bishop” by Amanda Casanova via Christian Headlines. Outside coverage of Bridgeforth election/consecration. (Added 11-9-2022)
“Church That Made Gay Man a Bishop Accused of Letting ‘Inmates Run Asylum’” by Anna Skinner via Newsweek. John Lomperis quoted in a national article on the election of Cedrick Bridgeforth. (Added 11-9-2022)
“Episcopal Assignments Show Effects of Reduced Resources” via UM Insight. “Assignments reported in each jurisdiction have shown the influence of reduced financial resources for the expenses of paying bishops and maintaining their offices. Thus more bishops have been asked to cover broader areas than previously assigned.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Name that Bishop” by Rob Renfroe via Good News. A collection of provocative statements made by UM bishops. (Added 11-9-2022)
“Living with Hope in This Odd Space” by Jack Harnish via Michigan Conference. “The spirit and actions of this conference give us a glimpse of what that church might be like—a church committed to racial justice, inclusivity, and vital witness for Jesus Christ. As easy as it would be to focus on our losses, this conference looked forward with a sense of unity and courage.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Fall 2022 Update on the United Methodist Church by Dr. James Howell” by Myers Park UMC (YouTube). “Over the past several weeks, Dr. Howell has received several questions about what’s happening in the United Methodist Church. We can be assured that we are a church that will stay United Methodist, truly united, better together. We actually rejoice in difference and are blessed to be in a big tent church. (Added 11-9-2022)
“Church Homosexuality Debate : Louisiana Megachurch To Leave UMC As 47 Churches In The State Have Voted To Disaffiliate” via Believers Portal. Outside coverage of disaffiliations. (Added 11-9-2022)
“What United Methodist ‘Centrists’ Accomplished” by Arthur Collins via Juicy Ecumenism. “We are leaving quietly and ceding control to those who remain. Nope. The people who will have done this to the UMC are the people in the middle, the people who thought they could combine progressive leadership with a firm base of traditionalist belief and practice.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“First Methodist Monroe votes to disaffiliate” by Loryn Kykendall via the Ouachita Citizen. On the 88% vote: “We did not leave the United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Church left us,” Mercer said. “There were multiple bishops who are elected for life and are over geographical areas that have been breaking the discipline related to human sexuality.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Explanation of how the Nov. 2022 election of Bishops impact churches who want to leave the UMC” via Dalton & Tomich (YouTube). “Dan Dalton explains the short-term and long-term impact of the recently elected bishops, their assignments, and what these new bishops mean for local churches that are looking to disaffiliate from their annual conference with in the United Methodist Church in June 2023 at the next annual conference.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Anderson Hills Voting Results” via Anderson Hills Church. Large West Ohio Conference church voted 91% to disaffiliate and subsequently joined the Foundry Network. (Added 11-9-2022)
“Hopes for a New Church” by Chris Ritter via PeopleNeedJesus.org. “There will be plenty of fortified giants waiting for us on the other side. While the future will be not be all milk and honey, it may be worthwhile to restate these hopes:” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Who Shall We Become?” by Jefferson Furtado via Cross Vocational. SEJ Delegate: “Even though I celebrate the election of Bishops Berlin, Shelton, and Desse (and pray for their fruitful ministry among us), I deeply grieve the painful reality that our election process seems to force marginalized communities to objectify and fight against each other in order to have space within our denomination.” (Added 11-9-2022)
Tweet by Tyler Cantrell. “‘Don’t judge us by the extremes.’ Issues like this one have been my primary concern about the #UMC. It’s not the extremes when it’s a Bishop. It’s dishonest to say this isn’t happening. It’s sad to hear some colleagues rationalizing it when I know at their core they don’t agree.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“United Methodist Church announces date, location for thrice-postponed General Conference” by Emily McFarlan Miller via Religion News Service. “The announcement still leaves a number of questions unanswered, including whether clergy and lay delegates elected to the 2020 General Conference will serve in 2024, or if the denomination’s regional annual conferences will elect new delegates to serve, as they would have for the regularly scheduled 2024 General Conference.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Can churches balance diversity, inclusion with being biblical, spirit-filled?” by Todd Brady via Christian Post. “As an outsider of the Baptist flavor, it seems to me that so many of my Methodist brothers and sisters are leaving the UMC because they do not believe that McAlilly’s statement is true. They do not believe that the UMC is biblical. For them, it seems that the UMC is more interested in being diverse and inclusive than biblical and spirit-filled.” (Added 11-9-2022)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. A Western Jurisdiction delegate talks about the unusual closed session: “I was very much mindful of what happened in China at the hands of the Red Guard during the horrific Cultural Revolution when we were haunted by pictures of crowds of the Red Guards standing over other people forced to cower in the dirt while the Red Guards demanded they confess and be self critical without ever presenting any evidence that the one being subject to the process was guilty of any offense.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Leaning Into Our Mission” by Keith Boyette via GMC. “The GM Church is now six months old. We are leaning into the mission God has entrusted to us. We are committed to five missional priorities.” (Added 11-9-2022)
Overheard: The complaint against Western bishops will be joined by at least one institutionalist, non-retired/retiring #UMC bishop. (dded 11-9-2022)
Overheard: Charges are being prepared against Western Jurisdiction bishops for violating Par. 415.6 (a 2019 addition to the Book of Discipline). “Bishops are prohibited from consecrating bishops who are self-avowed practicing homosexuals, even if they have
been duly elected by the jurisdictional or central conference.” This provision was not in place when Bishop Oliveto was elected and consecrated. (Added 11-8-2022)
“New Wave of United Methodist Bishops Elected” via Good News. Compilation of UMNS coverage on the class of incoming bishops and the new episcopal assignments. (Added 11-8-2022)
“United Methodists elect married gay clergyman among 13 new bishops who represent many other firsts” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “The election of Cedrick Bridgeforth marks the second time The United Methodist Church’s Western Jurisdiction has elected an LGBTQ clergyperson despite the denomination’s ban on gay ministers.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“UMC body elects openly gay bishop in defiance of denomination’s rules” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “Although efforts by theological progressives to change the denomination’s rules have consistently failed, many have openly refused to enforce the standards regarding marriage and ordination.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“United Methodists to meet in 2024 on dividing up church property” by Mark Kellner via Washington Times. “It’s unclear whether the UMC document known as the “Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation” will come up for a vote in 2024.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“Bishop Harvey Calls for Pause on Matters Related to Disaffiliation During Advent” via Louisiana Conference. “From November 20, 2022 – January 1, 2023, I am calling for a pause on all meetings and conversations related to matters of disaffiliation.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“White’s Chapel in Southlake votes 93.6% to disaffiliate from United Methodist Church” via Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Coverage of White’s Chapel, a UMC megachurch, disaffiliating from the UMC. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Southlake megachurch votes in favor of disaffiliation from United Methodist Church” by Dallas Morning News. Coverage of White’s Chapel’s exit from the UMC by an overwhelming margin. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Up Next: Episcopal Elections in Central and Southern Europe and the Philippines” by David Scott via UM & Global. “Episcopal elections always have implications beyond the boundaries in which candidates are elected, and in some instances, this is especially so.” (Added 11-8-2022)
Kentucky Global Methodist Church Organizes via Facebook. Dr. Mike Powers has been selected as the organizer of the TCAT (Transitional Conference Affiliation Team). (Added 11-8-2022)
“When Words Mean Nothing” by Warren Lathem via Facebook. “…there are dozens of documented statements by UM Bishops which are far removed from the theology and doctrine contained in our historic documents.” The Big Tent will not embrace traditionalists. (Added 11-8-2022)
Post by Mark Tooley. IRD Intern Grayson Jang is compiling a list of disaffiliated churches. 700 so far… (Added 11-8-2022)
“Western elects Cedrick Bridgeforth as bishop” by Kristen Caldwell via UMNS. The election of United Methodism’s second openly gay bishop. (Added 11-8-2022)
“An Important Update from the Church Conference & Vote” via White’s Chapel. Very large, moderate UMC congregation in Southlake, TX: “After long months of prayer, discernment, and conversation, tonight, our church voted by an overwhelming majority (93.6%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. In total, 2,505 members voted: 2,338 for disaffiliation and 160 against (with 7 abstaining).” See also: “Why Discernment” which describes the aims of the Methodist Collegiate Church. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Rev. Katie McKay Simpson: A Moment of Collective Confession” via Louisiana Conference YouTube. A group of progressive SCJ delegates apologize to the Western Jurisdiction for actions of the traditionalist-majority 2016 SCJ Conference questioning the legality of Karen Oliveto’s election to the episcopacy. This apology was played for the session of the Western Jurisdiction. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Scenes from 2022 U.S. Jurisdictional Conferences” via UM Insight. Photo and video highlights. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Take Authority” by Carolyn Moore via WCA. “So the fuss in the UMC right now is over whether a pastor has to give up their ordination when they leave this denomination. The answer is no. They give up their membership in their Annual Conference, but not their ordination, unless that is their choice. Much like our baptism, an authentic ordination (a conferring of spiritual authority) is given by God.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“The Crisis of Theological Education” by Ken Collins via Firebrand Magazine. “Theological education rightfully belongs to the entire church—to the whole body of Christ—as the early church so clearly recognized.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“A Radical Proposal for Recovery of Doctrine in the Global Methodist Church” by Keith Sweat. Do away with the UMC Doctrinal Standards and recover the full 39 Articles as a starting point. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Jurisdictions see shift in bishops, more cooperation” by Heather Hahn, Sam Hodges, Tom Kim via UMNS. “All five jurisdictions approved similarly worded petitions that aspire to a future United Methodist Church “where LGBTQIA+ people will be protected, affirmed, and empowered in the life and ministry of the church.” (Added 11-7-2022)
“Jurisdictional Conferences and the Future of the UMC with Jay Therrell” via Holy Conversations Podcast (WCA). The president of WCA interviewed about the outcome of the recent Jurisdictional Conferences. (Added 11-7-2022)
“The Church Will Be Preserved…” by Jack Harnish. “This week, one of my former churches closed and another one voted to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. I am not sure that sets any kind of record, but it does lead me to reflect on 50 years of ministry.” (Added 11-7-2022)
“Loans Available for Exiting United Methodist Churches” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. Shares a presentation by Norwood Davis of the Wesleyan Investment Foundation. (Added 11-7-2022)
Africans react to election of Bishop Bridgeforth via Facebook. Forbes Matonga shared the news of the UMC’s second openly gay bishops. The comments from African United Methodists capture the divide in the UMC. (Added 11-7-2022)
“Africa Initiative Calls for the Election of New Bishops in the Central Conferences of Africa” via by Jerry Kulah via Good News. A statement questioning why every part of the UMC except Africa is electing new bishops. (Added 11-7-2022)
“Breakdown: Holy/Unholy Conferencing (5/x)” by Josh McClendon. On the recent jurisdictional conferences: “This church… that was built by a great many good and God-fearing Methodists, past and present, is in a state of hijacking.” (Added 11-7-2022)
Tweet by Reconciling Ministries Network. Shares Izzy Alvaran’s travel to the Philippines to organize for the election of three new filipino bishops. (Added 11-7-2022)
Tweet by Erik Meade. “I wonder if @RevAdamHamilton still believes the message he has been giving about the future of the #UMC given the doings of the jurisdictional conferences this week.” (Added 11-7-2022)
“What is going on right under your nose” by Scott Knowlton. “What happens in the Western Jurisdiction matters to United Methodists in Short Gap, West Virginia, whether anyone wants to admit it or not. Do not let them tell you it does not.” (Added 11-7-2022)
“Disaffiliation Information Zoom Meeting November 1, 2022” via Texas Conference UMC (YouTube). What to do after you disaffiliate from the Texas Conference of the UMC. (Added 11-7-2022)
“150-year-old Watson church votes to leave United Methodist denomination in historic split” by Ellyn Couvillion via The Advocate. Baton Rouge coverage. (Added 11-7-2022)
“Let’s Queer Up this Kingdom” by Kiri Anne Ryan Bereznai via YouTube. “Here’s my speech from the 2022 North Central Jurisdiction Conference of the United Methodist Church, on my experience of the impact of transphobia in the church.” See also. (Added 11-7-2022)
Post by Vaughn Stafford via Facebook. Lists recent North Alabama disaffiliation votes and their outcomes, a full list of 88 disaffiliated North Alabama Conference churches and thirty more that will vote this coming week. (Added 11-14-2022)
“Where to — and Under What Leadership?” via Central Conference of Southern and Central Europe (UMC). An article on the November 16-20 sessions of the European Central Conferences. (Added 11-14-2022)
“Alabama-West Florida Conference ratifies disaffiliations in special-called session” via Alabama-West Florida Conference (UMC). A list of 35 disaffiliations approved on November 12. (Added 11-14-2022)
Post by Angela Pleasants via Facebook. “It saddens me the behavior I see in reaction to one another [GMC/UMC folks], but I also realize we are all dealing with soul wounds. Soul wounds are the emotional hurt that has not been healed and is displayed in various ways. We may turn the pain in on ourselves or outward towards others.” (Added 11-14-2022)
“There Is No Tent Left” by Randy Burbank. “Any traditionalist Wesleyan-Hearted follower of Jesus who thinks they can remain within the UMC and still be true to Jesus, you really need to think again.” (Added 11-14-2022)
Tweet by Mark Tooley. “Learned today of Anglican congregation possibly becoming Global Methodist. Very unusual but as denominational loyalties collapse for individuals so too maybe for congregations.” (Added 11-14-2022)
“Africa Initiative Condemns Election of Gay Bishop” via Press Release (PDF). “Kindly remember that not doing anything about the ongoing violations of our church’s doctrines and moral standards is actually doing something, and your silence implies your complicity.” (Added 11-14-2022)
“White’s Chapel UMC Megachurch in Southlake Voted for Disaffiliation with United Methodist Church” by John Villar via Christianity Daily. Outside coverage of White’s Chapel’s exit. (Added 11-13-2022)
“Response to GMC Pastor Letter” by Tom Berlin. “Many United Methodists disagree on the inclusion of gay persons related to marriage rites and credentialing for ministry. In these conversations it remains important to avoid false accusations and misrepresentations.” (Added 11-13-2022)
“A Queer Methodist Tradition” by Caralynn Hampson via Yet Alive. “John Wesley ministered to Thomas Blair; a man accused of sodomy. I think the best rendition of this story is found in a 1976 edition of Blair Blurbs, the newsletter for the Gay United Methodist Caucus, “Blair Blurbs is named after a young man whom John Wesley counseled, against the wishes of the townspeople. The young man, Blair, was accused of homosexuality.” (Added 11-13-2022)
Tweet by Talbot Davis. “No amount of emotional appeal or rhetorical force by long talkers will ever make this logic untrue in #umc: ‘How can one part of a church believe one thing and another part of the church believe the exact opposite [& still] be a ‘United’ church?’” (Added 11-13-2022)
“58 Louisiana churches leave United Methodist Church denomination amid national schism” by Gabriella Killett via NOLA.com. Louisiana coverage of the Methodist split. (Added 11-13-2022)
“The Big Tent has Collapsed” by Jay Therrell via WCA. “The so-called big tent has collapsed, and it’s only going to get worse. After General Conference in 2024, I’m afraid theological conservatives remaining inside the UMC will realize they’re trapped in a church that has no intent to honor them except by cashing their checks.” (Added 11-13-2022)
“New Methodist bishop seeks unity, faces challenges of UMC split” via The Clarion-Ledger (Paywall). New bishop of the Mississippi Annual Conference (UMC) faces challenges. (Added 11-12-2022)
“LGBTQ-friendly votes signal progressive shift for Methodists” by Peter Smith via Associated Press. “The United Methodist Church moved toward becoming more progressive and LGBTQ-affirming during U.S. regional meetings this month that included the election of its second openly gay bishop.” (Added 11-12-2022)
“A Slow-Motion Schism” via The Sentinel (Lewistown, PA). “‘We feel like to stay the same in our mission and theology, we need to change denominations,’ said the Rev. Steve Cordle, lead pastor of Crossroads Church. Based in Oakdale, Pennsylvania, it’s one of the largest congregations in the conference. It’s considering going independent or joining the Global Methodist Church.” (Added 11-12-2022)
“Special Called Session” via Arkansas Conference (UMC). The 27 completed disaffiliation agreements to be approved at a November 19, 2022 Special Session. (Added 11-12-2022)
Post via Florida WCA Facebook. Announcing a Transitional Conference Advisory Team and Transitional Annual Conference for GMC churches in Florida. (Added 11-11-2022)
“And the Tent Keeps Getting Smaller: More from the Southeastern Jurisdiction” by Randy Burbank. “Centrists and Progressives want us to remain UMC, by the illusion of The Big Tent. Come 2024, that Tent will vanish, like David Copperfield’s elephant.” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Interim Bishop Pens Pastoral Letter on Bishop Carcaño” by Bishop Dyck via UM Insight. “She is still on suspension although her suspension is being reviewed by the Committee on Investigation (which is the entity that suspended her after the first 60 days).” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Webinar to Explore How United Methodism Will Have A ‘New Beginning’” via UM Insight. “A New Beginning: An Inclusive United Methodism.” Scheduled for Saturday morning, Nov. 19 by the United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy and Friends (UMARC)” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Regionalization and Connectionalism: The Era of Globalization and World Christianity” by David Scott via UM & Global. Third in a series on the history of regionalization. (Added 11-11-2022)
“Global Regionalization Aims to Give U.S. Church Same Privilege as International Conferences” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “The Wesleyan Covenant Association and the Global Methodist Church would like to lead delegates to parrot convenient cultural caricatures of what theology and discipleship look like in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines,”he stated. “These resolutions rejected that strategy.” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Grassroots Resolutions Point Toward UMC’s Future” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “Southeastern Jurisdiction was the only session where the resolution authored by the “queer” group encountered heavy resistance.” (Added 11-11-2022)
“The Church of the Sexual Revolution: Today’s theological fault lines mostly concern matters of earthly morality” by Carl Trueman via Wall Street Journal (opinion). “In the early 20th century, debates about Christian orthodoxy took place within an America where the basic elements of Christian moral teaching were generally accepted. Today, such thinking stands at odds with the politics of identity that dominates elite institutions. That sets the scene for external culture war and internal civil war.” Penny Cost is mentioned in the first paragraph. (Added 11-11-2022)
Tweet by Chris Ritter. “I was told to expect at least 1 complainant to be an active bishop (not usually involved in such). I don’t see that yet. Unlike with Oliveto, the BOD is now explicit that bishops may not consecrate a practicing gay bishop, even if elected. This charge is not against Bridgeforth.” (Added 11-11-2022)
Tweet by Chris Ritter. On the complaint against Western Bishops: “Among the signatories, there is heavy representation from Episcopal areas where the bishop is not friendly to traditionalist leaving under Par. 2553. It’s no small detail that this complaint originated in South Carolina. #UMC” (Added 11-11-2022)
Global Methodist Church Organization. Transitional Conference Advisory Teams are created in areas that may become provisional conferences (see list). A list of provisional annual conferences is provided here. (Added 11-11-2022)
“Bridgeforth brings experience, collaborative mindset into new role as bishop of the Greater NW Area” by Kristen Caldwell via Greater Northwest Area (UMC). A profile of United Methodism’s second openly gay bishop. (Added 11-11-2022)
“Bishop Rapanut ready to be an authentic leader within the church” via Desert Southwest Conference (UMC). Newly elected bishop: “When someone passes away, the community holds a wake or a season of grieving, Rapanut said. They sit together, reconnect and build ties. Some of that work will be necessary as the church says goodbye to those who don’t feel they can be connected to this denomination any longer. He said he’ll call upon his relational gifts to help move that process along.” (Added 11-11-2022)
“North Carolina Chapter Statement on Disaffiliation” via Methodist Federation for Social Action. “We continue to remain in affiliation with the United Methodist Church and call upon our church to embrace this reflection of the Kingdom of God in all its fullness, so that we may be the beacon of hope for all persons as we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Texas megachurch votes to leave ‘broken’ UMC” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “Today, we are experiencing the UMC as a broken institution. As well, the alternatives we have been given don’t seem to align with our context or our theology. These are reasons we are exploring a ‘realignment,’” explained White’s Chapel. (Added 11-11-2022)
“The Hypocrisy of “United Methodist Loyalty” Rants” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “This is the sort of thing that characterizes the most extreme dictatorships or dystopian fiction. Indeed, in the Northeastern Jurisdiction, New York clergy delegate Chongho Kim decried the ‘Leading with Integrity’ resolution as ‘totalitarianism’ intended to intimidate people, as well as ‘white liberal racism.”” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Last Stand for Traditional Northeastern United Methodists at the NEJ?” by Dan Fuller via Juicy Ecumenism. A traditionalist delegate to thee North Eastern Jurisdiction 2022 conference reflects on the experience. Includes some details on the stalemate that led to one less bishop being elected than previously planned. (Added 11-11-2022)
“A Complaint Against the Western Jurisdiction” via WJComplaint.com. A complaint against the Western Jurisdiction college of bishops for consecrating a gay bishop in violation of The Book of Discipline. (Added 11-10-2022)
“The schism among Methodists / Another large Protestant church has paid the price for pushing the gender agenda” (English Translation) by Imrich Gazda. Original post. A Slovak publication covers the UMC split. (Added 11-10-2022)
“Interview with Simon Mafunda (Wesleyan Covenant Association)” via PlainSpoken Podcast (YouTube). Jeffrey Rickman interviews Simon Mafunda, an organizer for the WCA in Africa. (Added 11-10-2022)
“Global Methodist Church: Description and Discussion at Taylor Chapel with Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison” via Taylor Chapel, IN (YouTube). “Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison, an Indiana organizer for the Global Methodist Church, explains the purpose and aims of this new denomination at a presentation held at Taylor Chapel in Fort Wayne, IN on November 8, 2022.” (Added 11-10-2022)
“The Methodist and Baptist battles over LGBTQ inclusion this week trace a common road back to … Samford” by Mark Wingfield via Baptist News Global. “Samford has produced Al Mohler, the extremely conservative president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and arch opponent of anything LGBTQ-related. Yet Samford also produced Bridgeforth, who went on to earn a master’s degree from Claremont School of Theology and a doctorate from Pepperdine University, on his way to becoming a United Methodist pastor and nonprofit leader.” (Added 11-10-2022)
“Revenge-return by Bishop Gene Robinson, seen from two radically different viewpoints” by Julia Duin via Get Religion. Episcopalian Fallout: “According to Walton’s report, the new leaders of their former church seem to have taken a perverse pleasure in destroying everything The Falls Church once stood for.” (Added 11-10-2022)
“A Tradition of Anti-Traditionalists” by Mark Baurlein via First Things. “What this bias has produced is two generations of college teachers who don’t realize their bias. They got a narrow education that they trusted was the broadest one.” (Added 11-10-2022)
“Episode 108: Bishop Cynthia Fiero Harvey” via Pod Have Mercy (Chapelwood, Houston) YouTube. Bishop Harvey discusses taking over as leader of the Texas Conference embroiled in disaffiliations… how to serve large areas that have become “United Methodist deserts.” (Added 11-10-2022)
“Summary of Jurisdictional Conference Outcomes” via Reconciling Ministries Network. “For the witness of individuals like Helen Ryde, Rev. Katie McKay Simpson, and Rev. Stan Copeland, and to RMN volunteer teams around the country who made collaborative strides for justice: we express our deep thanks.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“UMC Regional Body Promotes Openly Gay Reverend to Office of Bishop” by Amanda Casanova via Christian Headlines. Outside coverage of Bridgeforth election/consecration. (Added 11-9-2022)
“Church That Made Gay Man a Bishop Accused of Letting ‘Inmates Run Asylum’” by Anna Skinner via Newsweek. John Lomperis quoted in a national article on the election of Cedrick Bridgeforth. (Added 11-9-2022)
“Episcopal Assignments Show Effects of Reduced Resources” via UM Insight. “Assignments reported in each jurisdiction have shown the influence of reduced financial resources for the expenses of paying bishops and maintaining their offices. Thus more bishops have been asked to cover broader areas than previously assigned.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Name that Bishop” by Rob Renfroe via Good News. A collection of provocative statements made by UM bishops. (Added 11-9-2022)
“Living with Hope in This Odd Space” by Jack Harnish via Michigan Conference. “The spirit and actions of this conference give us a glimpse of what that church might be like—a church committed to racial justice, inclusivity, and vital witness for Jesus Christ. As easy as it would be to focus on our losses, this conference looked forward with a sense of unity and courage.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Fall 2022 Update on the United Methodist Church by Dr. James Howell” by Myers Park UMC (YouTube). “Over the past several weeks, Dr. Howell has received several questions about what’s happening in the United Methodist Church. We can be assured that we are a church that will stay United Methodist, truly united, better together. We actually rejoice in difference and are blessed to be in a big tent church. (Added 11-9-2022)
“Church Homosexuality Debate : Louisiana Megachurch To Leave UMC As 47 Churches In The State Have Voted To Disaffiliate” via Believers Portal. Outside coverage of disaffiliations. (Added 11-9-2022)
“What United Methodist ‘Centrists’ Accomplished” by Arthur Collins via Juicy Ecumenism. “We are leaving quietly and ceding control to those who remain. Nope. The people who will have done this to the UMC are the people in the middle, the people who thought they could combine progressive leadership with a firm base of traditionalist belief and practice.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“First Methodist Monroe votes to disaffiliate” by Loryn Kykendall via the Ouachita Citizen. On the 88% vote: “We did not leave the United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Church left us,” Mercer said. “There were multiple bishops who are elected for life and are over geographical areas that have been breaking the discipline related to human sexuality.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Explanation of how the Nov. 2022 election of Bishops impact churches who want to leave the UMC” via Dalton & Tomich (YouTube). “Dan Dalton explains the short-term and long-term impact of the recently elected bishops, their assignments, and what these new bishops mean for local churches that are looking to disaffiliate from their annual conference with in the United Methodist Church in June 2023 at the next annual conference.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Anderson Hills Voting Results” via Anderson Hills Church. Large West Ohio Conference church voted 91% to disaffiliate and subsequently joined the Foundry Network. (Added 11-9-2022)
“Hopes for a New Church” by Chris Ritter via PeopleNeedJesus.org. “There will be plenty of fortified giants waiting for us on the other side. While the future will be not be all milk and honey, it may be worthwhile to restate these hopes:” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Who Shall We Become?” by Jefferson Furtado via Cross Vocational. SEJ Delegate: “Even though I celebrate the election of Bishops Berlin, Shelton, and Desse (and pray for their fruitful ministry among us), I deeply grieve the painful reality that our election process seems to force marginalized communities to objectify and fight against each other in order to have space within our denomination.” (Added 11-9-2022)
Tweet by Tyler Cantrell. “‘Don’t judge us by the extremes.’ Issues like this one have been my primary concern about the #UMC. It’s not the extremes when it’s a Bishop. It’s dishonest to say this isn’t happening. It’s sad to hear some colleagues rationalizing it when I know at their core they don’t agree.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“United Methodist Church announces date, location for thrice-postponed General Conference” by Emily McFarlan Miller via Religion News Service. “The announcement still leaves a number of questions unanswered, including whether clergy and lay delegates elected to the 2020 General Conference will serve in 2024, or if the denomination’s regional annual conferences will elect new delegates to serve, as they would have for the regularly scheduled 2024 General Conference.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Can churches balance diversity, inclusion with being biblical, spirit-filled?” by Todd Brady via Christian Post. “As an outsider of the Baptist flavor, it seems to me that so many of my Methodist brothers and sisters are leaving the UMC because they do not believe that McAlilly’s statement is true. They do not believe that the UMC is biblical. For them, it seems that the UMC is more interested in being diverse and inclusive than biblical and spirit-filled.” (Added 11-9-2022)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. A Western Jurisdiction delegate talks about the unusual closed session: “I was very much mindful of what happened in China at the hands of the Red Guard during the horrific Cultural Revolution when we were haunted by pictures of crowds of the Red Guards standing over other people forced to cower in the dirt while the Red Guards demanded they confess and be self critical without ever presenting any evidence that the one being subject to the process was guilty of any offense.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Leaning Into Our Mission” by Keith Boyette via GMC. “The GM Church is now six months old. We are leaning into the mission God has entrusted to us. We are committed to five missional priorities.” (Added 11-9-2022)
Overheard: The complaint against Western bishops will be joined by at least one institutionalist, non-retired/retiring #UMC bishop. (dded 11-9-2022)
Overheard: Charges are being prepared against Western Jurisdiction bishops for violating Par. 415.6 (a 2019 addition to the Book of Discipline). “Bishops are prohibited from consecrating bishops who are self-avowed practicing homosexuals, even if they have
been duly elected by the jurisdictional or central conference.” This provision was not in place when Bishop Oliveto was elected and consecrated. (Added 11-8-2022)
“New Wave of United Methodist Bishops Elected” via Good News. Compilation of UMNS coverage on the class of incoming bishops and the new episcopal assignments. (Added 11-8-2022)
“United Methodists elect married gay clergyman among 13 new bishops who represent many other firsts” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “The election of Cedrick Bridgeforth marks the second time The United Methodist Church’s Western Jurisdiction has elected an LGBTQ clergyperson despite the denomination’s ban on gay ministers.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“UMC body elects openly gay bishop in defiance of denomination’s rules” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “Although efforts by theological progressives to change the denomination’s rules have consistently failed, many have openly refused to enforce the standards regarding marriage and ordination.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“United Methodists to meet in 2024 on dividing up church property” by Mark Kellner via Washington Times. “It’s unclear whether the UMC document known as the “Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation” will come up for a vote in 2024.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“Bishop Harvey Calls for Pause on Matters Related to Disaffiliation During Advent” via Louisiana Conference. “From November 20, 2022 – January 1, 2023, I am calling for a pause on all meetings and conversations related to matters of disaffiliation.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“White’s Chapel in Southlake votes 93.6% to disaffiliate from United Methodist Church” via Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Coverage of White’s Chapel, a UMC megachurch, disaffiliating from the UMC. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Southlake megachurch votes in favor of disaffiliation from United Methodist Church” by Dallas Morning News. Coverage of White’s Chapel’s exit from the UMC by an overwhelming margin. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Up Next: Episcopal Elections in Central and Southern Europe and the Philippines” by David Scott via UM & Global. “Episcopal elections always have implications beyond the boundaries in which candidates are elected, and in some instances, this is especially so.” (Added 11-8-2022)
Kentucky Global Methodist Church Organizes via Facebook. Dr. Mike Powers has been selected as the organizer of the TCAT (Transitional Conference Affiliation Team). (Added 11-8-2022)
“When Words Mean Nothing” by Warren Lathem via Facebook. “…there are dozens of documented statements by UM Bishops which are far removed from the theology and doctrine contained in our historic documents.” The Big Tent will not embrace traditionalists. (Added 11-8-2022)
Post by Mark Tooley. IRD Intern Grayson Jang is compiling a list of disaffiliated churches. 700 so far… (Added 11-8-2022)
“Western elects Cedrick Bridgeforth as bishop” by Kristen Caldwell via UMNS. The election of United Methodism’s second openly gay bishop. (Added 11-8-2022)
“An Important Update from the Church Conference & Vote” via White’s Chapel. Very large, moderate UMC congregation in Southlake, TX: “After long months of prayer, discernment, and conversation, tonight, our church voted by an overwhelming majority (93.6%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. In total, 2,505 members voted: 2,338 for disaffiliation and 160 against (with 7 abstaining).” See also: “Why Discernment” which describes the aims of the Methodist Collegiate Church. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Rev. Katie McKay Simpson: A Moment of Collective Confession” via Louisiana Conference YouTube. A group of progressive SCJ delegates apologize to the Western Jurisdiction for actions of the traditionalist-majority 2016 SCJ Conference questioning the legality of Karen Oliveto’s election to the episcopacy. This apology was played for the session of the Western Jurisdiction. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Scenes from 2022 U.S. Jurisdictional Conferences” via UM Insight. Photo and video highlights. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Take Authority” by Carolyn Moore via WCA. “So the fuss in the UMC right now is over whether a pastor has to give up their ordination when they leave this denomination. The answer is no. They give up their membership in their Annual Conference, but not their ordination, unless that is their choice. Much like our baptism, an authentic ordination (a conferring of spiritual authority) is given by God.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“The Crisis of Theological Education” by Ken Collins via Firebrand Magazine. “Theological education rightfully belongs to the entire church—to the whole body of Christ—as the early church so clearly recognized.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“A Radical Proposal for Recovery of Doctrine in the Global Methodist Church” by Keith Sweat. Do away with the UMC Doctrinal Standards and recover the full 39 Articles as a starting point. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Jurisdictions see shift in bishops, more cooperation” by Heather Hahn, Sam Hodges, Tom Kim via UMNS. “All five jurisdictions approved similarly worded petitions that aspire to a future United Methodist Church “where LGBTQIA+ people will be protected, affirmed, and empowered in the life and ministry of the church.” (Added 11-7-2022)
“Jurisdictional Conferences and the Future of the UMC with Jay Therrell” via Holy Conversations Podcast (WCA). The president of WCA interviewed about the outcome of the recent Jurisdictional Conferences. (Added 11-7-2022)
“The Church Will Be Preserved…” by Jack Harnish. “This week, one of my former churches closed and another one voted to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. I am not sure that sets any kind of record, but it does lead me to reflect on 50 years of ministry.” (Added 11-7-2022)
“Loans Available for Exiting United Methodist Churches” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. Shares a presentation by Norwood Davis of the Wesleyan Investment Foundation. (Added 11-7-2022)
Africans react to election of Bishop Bridgeforth via Facebook. Forbes Matonga shared the news of the UMC’s second openly gay bishops. The comments from African United Methodists capture the divide in the UMC. (Added 11-7-2022)
“Africa Initiative Calls for the Election of New Bishops in the Central Conferences of Africa” via by Jerry Kulah via Good News. A statement questioning why every part of the UMC except Africa is electing new bishops. (Added 11-7-2022)
“Breakdown: Holy/Unholy Conferencing (5/x)” by Josh McClendon. On the recent jurisdictional conferences: “This church… that was built by a great many good and God-fearing Methodists, past and present, is in a state of hijacking.” (Added 11-7-2022)
Tweet by Reconciling Ministries Network. Shares Izzy Alvaran’s travel to the Philippines to organize for the election of three new filipino bishops. (Added 11-7-2022)
Tweet by Erik Meade. “I wonder if @RevAdamHamilton still believes the message he has been giving about the future of the #UMC given the doings of the jurisdictional conferences this week.” (Added 11-7-2022)
“What is going on right under your nose” by Scott Knowlton. “What happens in the Western Jurisdiction matters to United Methodists in Short Gap, West Virginia, whether anyone wants to admit it or not. Do not let them tell you it does not.” (Added 11-7-2022)
“Disaffiliation Information Zoom Meeting November 1, 2022” via Texas Conference UMC (YouTube). What to do after you disaffiliate from the Texas Conference of the UMC. (Added 11-7-2022)
“150-year-old Watson church votes to leave United Methodist denomination in historic split” by Ellyn Couvillion via The Advocate. Baton Rouge coverage. (Added 11-7-2022)
“Let’s Queer Up this Kingdom” by Kiri Anne Ryan Bereznai via YouTube. “Here’s my speech from the 2022 North Central Jurisdiction Conference of the United Methodist Church, on my experience of the impact of transphobia in the church.” See also. (Added 11-7-2022)
Post by Vaughn Stafford via Facebook. Lists recent North Alabama disaffiliation votes and their outcomes, a full list of 88 disaffiliated North Alabama Conference churches and thirty more that will vote this coming week. (Added 11-14-2022)
“Where to — and Under What Leadership?” via Central Conference of Southern and Central Europe (UMC). An article on the November 16-20 sessions of the European Central Conferences. (Added 11-14-2022)
“Alabama-West Florida Conference ratifies disaffiliations in special-called session” via Alabama-West Florida Conference (UMC). A list of 35 disaffiliations approved on November 12. (Added 11-14-2022)
Post by Angela Pleasants via Facebook. “It saddens me the behavior I see in reaction to one another [GMC/UMC folks], but I also realize we are all dealing with soul wounds. Soul wounds are the emotional hurt that has not been healed and is displayed in various ways. We may turn the pain in on ourselves or outward towards others.” (Added 11-14-2022)
“There Is No Tent Left” by Randy Burbank. “Any traditionalist Wesleyan-Hearted follower of Jesus who thinks they can remain within the UMC and still be true to Jesus, you really need to think again.” (Added 11-14-2022)
Tweet by Mark Tooley. “Learned today of Anglican congregation possibly becoming Global Methodist. Very unusual but as denominational loyalties collapse for individuals so too maybe for congregations.” (Added 11-14-2022)
“Africa Initiative Condemns Election of Gay Bishop” via Press Release (PDF). “Kindly remember that not doing anything about the ongoing violations of our church’s doctrines and moral standards is actually doing something, and your silence implies your complicity.” (Added 11-14-2022)
“White’s Chapel UMC Megachurch in Southlake Voted for Disaffiliation with United Methodist Church” by John Villar via Christianity Daily. Outside coverage of White’s Chapel’s exit. (Added 11-13-2022)
“Response to GMC Pastor Letter” by Tom Berlin. “Many United Methodists disagree on the inclusion of gay persons related to marriage rites and credentialing for ministry. In these conversations it remains important to avoid false accusations and misrepresentations.” (Added 11-13-2022)
“A Queer Methodist Tradition” by Caralynn Hampson via Yet Alive. “John Wesley ministered to Thomas Blair; a man accused of sodomy. I think the best rendition of this story is found in a 1976 edition of Blair Blurbs, the newsletter for the Gay United Methodist Caucus, “Blair Blurbs is named after a young man whom John Wesley counseled, against the wishes of the townspeople. The young man, Blair, was accused of homosexuality.” (Added 11-13-2022)
Tweet by Talbot Davis. “No amount of emotional appeal or rhetorical force by long talkers will ever make this logic untrue in #umc: ‘How can one part of a church believe one thing and another part of the church believe the exact opposite [& still] be a ‘United’ church?'” (Added 11-13-2022)
“58 Louisiana churches leave United Methodist Church denomination amid national schism” by Gabriella Killett via NOLA.com. Louisiana coverage of the Methodist split. (Added 11-13-2022)
“The Big Tent has Collapsed” by Jay Therrell via WCA. “The so-called big tent has collapsed, and it’s only going to get worse. After General Conference in 2024, I’m afraid theological conservatives remaining inside the UMC will realize they’re trapped in a church that has no intent to honor them except by cashing their checks.” (Added 11-13-2022)
“New Methodist bishop seeks unity, faces challenges of UMC split” via The Clarion-Ledger (Paywall). New bishop of the Mississippi Annual Conference (UMC) faces challenges. (Added 11-12-2022)
“LGBTQ-friendly votes signal progressive shift for Methodists” by Peter Smith via Associated Press. “The United Methodist Church moved toward becoming more progressive and LGBTQ-affirming during U.S. regional meetings this month that included the election of its second openly gay bishop.” (Added 11-12-2022)
“A Slow-Motion Schism” via The Sentinel (Lewistown, PA). “‘We feel like to stay the same in our mission and theology, we need to change denominations,’ said the Rev. Steve Cordle, lead pastor of Crossroads Church. Based in Oakdale, Pennsylvania, it’s one of the largest congregations in the conference. It’s considering going independent or joining the Global Methodist Church.” (Added 11-12-2022)
“Special Called Session” via Arkansas Conference (UMC). The 27 completed disaffiliation agreements to be approved at a November 19, 2022 Special Session. (Added 11-12-2022)
Post via Florida WCA Facebook. Announcing a Transitional Conference Advisory Team and Transitional Annual Conference for GMC churches in Florida. (Added 11-11-2022)
“And the Tent Keeps Getting Smaller: More from the Southeastern Jurisdiction” by Randy Burbank. “Centrists and Progressives want us to remain UMC, by the illusion of The Big Tent. Come 2024, that Tent will vanish, like David Copperfield’s elephant.” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Interim Bishop Pens Pastoral Letter on Bishop Carcaño” by Bishop Dyck via UM Insight. “She is still on suspension although her suspension is being reviewed by the Committee on Investigation (which is the entity that suspended her after the first 60 days).” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Webinar to Explore How United Methodism Will Have A ‘New Beginning’” via UM Insight. “A New Beginning: An Inclusive United Methodism.” Scheduled for Saturday morning, Nov. 19 by the United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy and Friends (UMARC)” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Regionalization and Connectionalism: The Era of Globalization and World Christianity” by David Scott via UM & Global. Third in a series on the history of regionalization. (Added 11-11-2022)
“Global Regionalization Aims to Give U.S. Church Same Privilege as International Conferences” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “The Wesleyan Covenant Association and the Global Methodist Church would like to lead delegates to parrot convenient cultural caricatures of what theology and discipleship look like in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines,”he stated. “These resolutions rejected that strategy.” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Grassroots Resolutions Point Toward UMC’s Future” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “Southeastern Jurisdiction was the only session where the resolution authored by the “queer” group encountered heavy resistance.” (Added 11-11-2022)
“The Church of the Sexual Revolution: Today’s theological fault lines mostly concern matters of earthly morality” by Carl Trueman via Wall Street Journal (opinion). “In the early 20th century, debates about Christian orthodoxy took place within an America where the basic elements of Christian moral teaching were generally accepted. Today, such thinking stands at odds with the politics of identity that dominates elite institutions. That sets the scene for external culture war and internal civil war.” Penny Cost is mentioned in the first paragraph. (Added 11-11-2022)
Tweet by Chris Ritter. “I was told to expect at least 1 complainant to be an active bishop (not usually involved in such). I don’t see that yet. Unlike with Oliveto, the BOD is now explicit that bishops may not consecrate a practicing gay bishop, even if elected. This charge is not against Bridgeforth.” (Added 11-11-2022)
Tweet by Chris Ritter. On the complaint against Western Bishops: “Among the signatories, there is heavy representation from Episcopal areas where the bishop is not friendly to traditionalist leaving under Par. 2553. It’s no small detail that this complaint originated in South Carolina. #UMC” (Added 11-11-2022)
Global Methodist Church Organization. Transitional Conference Advisory Teams are created in areas that may become provisional conferences (see list). A list of provisional annual conferences is provided here. (Added 11-11-2022)
“Bridgeforth brings experience, collaborative mindset into new role as bishop of the Greater NW Area” by Kristen Caldwell via Greater Northwest Area (UMC). A profile of United Methodism’s second openly gay bishop. (Added 11-11-2022)
“Bishop Rapanut ready to be an authentic leader within the church” via Desert Southwest Conference (UMC). Newly elected bishop: “When someone passes away, the community holds a wake or a season of grieving, Rapanut said. They sit together, reconnect and build ties. Some of that work will be necessary as the church says goodbye to those who don’t feel they can be connected to this denomination any longer. He said he’ll call upon his relational gifts to help move that process along.” (Added 11-11-2022)
“North Carolina Chapter Statement on Disaffiliation” via Methodist Federation for Social Action. “We continue to remain in affiliation with the United Methodist Church and call upon our church to embrace this reflection of the Kingdom of God in all its fullness, so that we may be the beacon of hope for all persons as we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Texas megachurch votes to leave ‘broken’ UMC” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “Today, we are experiencing the UMC as a broken institution. As well, the alternatives we have been given don’t seem to align with our context or our theology. These are reasons we are exploring a ‘realignment,’” explained White’s Chapel. (Added 11-11-2022)
“The Hypocrisy of “United Methodist Loyalty” Rants” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “This is the sort of thing that characterizes the most extreme dictatorships or dystopian fiction. Indeed, in the Northeastern Jurisdiction, New York clergy delegate Chongho Kim decried the ‘Leading with Integrity’ resolution as ‘totalitarianism’ intended to intimidate people, as well as ‘white liberal racism.”” (Added 11-11-2022)
“Last Stand for Traditional Northeastern United Methodists at the NEJ?” by Dan Fuller via Juicy Ecumenism. A traditionalist delegate to thee North Eastern Jurisdiction 2022 conference reflects on the experience. Includes some details on the stalemate that led to one less bishop being elected than previously planned. (Added 11-11-2022)
“A Complaint Against the Western Jurisdiction” via WJComplaint.com. A complaint against the Western Jurisdiction college of bishops for consecrating a gay bishop in violation of The Book of Discipline. (Added 11-10-2022)
“The schism among Methodists / Another large Protestant church has paid the price for pushing the gender agenda” (English Translation) by Imrich Gazda. Original post. A Slovak publication covers the UMC split. (Added 11-10-2022)
“Interview with Simon Mafunda (Wesleyan Covenant Association)” via PlainSpoken Podcast (YouTube). Jeffrey Rickman interviews Simon Mafunda, an organizer for the WCA in Africa. (Added 11-10-2022)
“Global Methodist Church: Description and Discussion at Taylor Chapel with Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison” via Taylor Chapel, IN (YouTube). “Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison, an Indiana organizer for the Global Methodist Church, explains the purpose and aims of this new denomination at a presentation held at Taylor Chapel in Fort Wayne, IN on November 8, 2022.” (Added 11-10-2022)
“The Methodist and Baptist battles over LGBTQ inclusion this week trace a common road back to … Samford” by Mark Wingfield via Baptist News Global. “Samford has produced Al Mohler, the extremely conservative president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and arch opponent of anything LGBTQ-related. Yet Samford also produced Bridgeforth, who went on to earn a master’s degree from Claremont School of Theology and a doctorate from Pepperdine University, on his way to becoming a United Methodist pastor and nonprofit leader.” (Added 11-10-2022)
“Revenge-return by Bishop Gene Robinson, seen from two radically different viewpoints” by Julia Duin via Get Religion. Episcopalian Fallout: “According to Walton’s report, the new leaders of their former church seem to have taken a perverse pleasure in destroying everything The Falls Church once stood for.” (Added 11-10-2022)
“A Tradition of Anti-Traditionalists” by Mark Baurlein via First Things. “What this bias has produced is two generations of college teachers who don’t realize their bias. They got a narrow education that they trusted was the broadest one.” (Added 11-10-2022)
“Episode 108: Bishop Cynthia Fiero Harvey” via Pod Have Mercy (Chapelwood, Houston) YouTube. Bishop Harvey discusses taking over as leader of the Texas Conference embroiled in disaffiliations… how to serve large areas that have become “United Methodist deserts.” (Added 11-10-2022)
“Summary of Jurisdictional Conference Outcomes” via Reconciling Ministries Network. “For the witness of individuals like Helen Ryde, Rev. Katie McKay Simpson, and Rev. Stan Copeland, and to RMN volunteer teams around the country who made collaborative strides for justice: we express our deep thanks.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“UMC Regional Body Promotes Openly Gay Reverend to Office of Bishop” by Amanda Casanova via Christian Headlines. Outside coverage of Bridgeforth election/consecration. (Added 11-9-2022)
“Church That Made Gay Man a Bishop Accused of Letting ‘Inmates Run Asylum’” by Anna Skinner via Newsweek. John Lomperis quoted in a national article on the election of Cedrick Bridgeforth. (Added 11-9-2022)
“Episcopal Assignments Show Effects of Reduced Resources” via UM Insight. “Assignments reported in each jurisdiction have shown the influence of reduced financial resources for the expenses of paying bishops and maintaining their offices. Thus more bishops have been asked to cover broader areas than previously assigned.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Name that Bishop” by Rob Renfroe via Good News. A collection of provocative statements made by UM bishops. (Added 11-9-2022)
“Living with Hope in This Odd Space” by Jack Harnish via Michigan Conference. “The spirit and actions of this conference give us a glimpse of what that church might be like—a church committed to racial justice, inclusivity, and vital witness for Jesus Christ. As easy as it would be to focus on our losses, this conference looked forward with a sense of unity and courage.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Fall 2022 Update on the United Methodist Church by Dr. James Howell” by Myers Park UMC (YouTube). “Over the past several weeks, Dr. Howell has received several questions about what’s happening in the United Methodist Church. We can be assured that we are a church that will stay United Methodist, truly united, better together. We actually rejoice in difference and are blessed to be in a big tent church. (Added 11-9-2022)
“Church Homosexuality Debate : Louisiana Megachurch To Leave UMC As 47 Churches In The State Have Voted To Disaffiliate” via Believers Portal. Outside coverage of disaffiliations. (Added 11-9-2022)
“What United Methodist ‘Centrists’ Accomplished” by Arthur Collins via Juicy Ecumenism. “We are leaving quietly and ceding control to those who remain. Nope. The people who will have done this to the UMC are the people in the middle, the people who thought they could combine progressive leadership with a firm base of traditionalist belief and practice.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“First Methodist Monroe votes to disaffiliate” by Loryn Kykendall via the Ouachita Citizen. On the 88% vote: “We did not leave the United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Church left us,” Mercer said. “There were multiple bishops who are elected for life and are over geographical areas that have been breaking the discipline related to human sexuality.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Explanation of how the Nov. 2022 election of Bishops impact churches who want to leave the UMC” via Dalton & Tomich (YouTube). “Dan Dalton explains the short-term and long-term impact of the recently elected bishops, their assignments, and what these new bishops mean for local churches that are looking to disaffiliate from their annual conference with in the United Methodist Church in June 2023 at the next annual conference.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Anderson Hills Voting Results” via Anderson Hills Church. Large West Ohio Conference church voted 91% to disaffiliate and subsequently joined the Foundry Network. (Added 11-9-2022)
“Hopes for a New Church” by Chris Ritter via PeopleNeedJesus.org. “There will be plenty of fortified giants waiting for us on the other side. While the future will be not be all milk and honey, it may be worthwhile to restate these hopes:” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Who Shall We Become?” by Jefferson Furtado via Cross Vocational. SEJ Delegate: “Even though I celebrate the election of Bishops Berlin, Shelton, and Desse (and pray for their fruitful ministry among us), I deeply grieve the painful reality that our election process seems to force marginalized communities to objectify and fight against each other in order to have space within our denomination.” (Added 11-9-2022)
Tweet by Tyler Cantrell. “‘Don’t judge us by the extremes.’ Issues like this one have been my primary concern about the #UMC. It’s not the extremes when it’s a Bishop. It’s dishonest to say this isn’t happening. It’s sad to hear some colleagues rationalizing it when I know at their core they don’t agree.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“United Methodist Church announces date, location for thrice-postponed General Conference” by Emily McFarlan Miller via Religion News Service. “The announcement still leaves a number of questions unanswered, including whether clergy and lay delegates elected to the 2020 General Conference will serve in 2024, or if the denomination’s regional annual conferences will elect new delegates to serve, as they would have for the regularly scheduled 2024 General Conference.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Can churches balance diversity, inclusion with being biblical, spirit-filled?” by Todd Brady via Christian Post. “As an outsider of the Baptist flavor, it seems to me that so many of my Methodist brothers and sisters are leaving the UMC because they do not believe that McAlilly’s statement is true. They do not believe that the UMC is biblical. For them, it seems that the UMC is more interested in being diverse and inclusive than biblical and spirit-filled.” (Added 11-9-2022)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. A Western Jurisdiction delegate talks about the unusual closed session: “I was very much mindful of what happened in China at the hands of the Red Guard during the horrific Cultural Revolution when we were haunted by pictures of crowds of the Red Guards standing over other people forced to cower in the dirt while the Red Guards demanded they confess and be self critical without ever presenting any evidence that the one being subject to the process was guilty of any offense.” (Added 11-9-2022)
“Leaning Into Our Mission” by Keith Boyette via GMC. “The GM Church is now six months old. We are leaning into the mission God has entrusted to us. We are committed to five missional priorities.” (Added 11-9-2022)
Overheard: The complaint against Western bishops will be joined by at least one institutionalist, non-retired/retiring #UMC bishop. (dded 11-9-2022)
Overheard: Charges are being prepared against Western Jurisdiction bishops for violating Par. 415.6 (a 2019 addition to the Book of Discipline). “Bishops are prohibited from consecrating bishops who are self-avowed practicing homosexuals, even if they have
been duly elected by the jurisdictional or central conference.” This provision was not in place when Bishop Oliveto was elected and consecrated. (Added 11-8-2022)
“New Wave of United Methodist Bishops Elected” via Good News. Compilation of UMNS coverage on the class of incoming bishops and the new episcopal assignments. (Added 11-8-2022)
“United Methodists elect married gay clergyman among 13 new bishops who represent many other firsts” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “The election of Cedrick Bridgeforth marks the second time The United Methodist Church’s Western Jurisdiction has elected an LGBTQ clergyperson despite the denomination’s ban on gay ministers.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“UMC body elects openly gay bishop in defiance of denomination’s rules” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “Although efforts by theological progressives to change the denomination’s rules have consistently failed, many have openly refused to enforce the standards regarding marriage and ordination.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“United Methodists to meet in 2024 on dividing up church property” by Mark Kellner via Washington Times. “It’s unclear whether the UMC document known as the “Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation” will come up for a vote in 2024.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“Bishop Harvey Calls for Pause on Matters Related to Disaffiliation During Advent” via Louisiana Conference. “From November 20, 2022 – January 1, 2023, I am calling for a pause on all meetings and conversations related to matters of disaffiliation.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“White’s Chapel in Southlake votes 93.6% to disaffiliate from United Methodist Church” via Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Coverage of White’s Chapel, a UMC megachurch, disaffiliating from the UMC. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Southlake megachurch votes in favor of disaffiliation from United Methodist Church” by Dallas Morning News. Coverage of White’s Chapel’s exit from the UMC by an overwhelming margin. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Up Next: Episcopal Elections in Central and Southern Europe and the Philippines” by David Scott via UM & Global. “Episcopal elections always have implications beyond the boundaries in which candidates are elected, and in some instances, this is especially so.” (Added 11-8-2022)
Kentucky Global Methodist Church Organizes via Facebook. Dr. Mike Powers has been selected as the organizer of the TCAT (Transitional Conference Affiliation Team). (Added 11-8-2022)
“When Words Mean Nothing” by Warren Lathem via Facebook. “…there are dozens of documented statements by UM Bishops which are far removed from the theology and doctrine contained in our historic documents.” The Big Tent will not embrace traditionalists. (Added 11-8-2022)
Post by Mark Tooley. IRD Intern Grayson Jang is compiling a list of disaffiliated churches. 700 so far… (Added 11-8-2022)
“Western elects Cedrick Bridgeforth as bishop” by Kristen Caldwell via UMNS. The election of United Methodism’s second openly gay bishop. (Added 11-8-2022)
“An Important Update from the Church Conference & Vote” via White’s Chapel. Very large, moderate UMC congregation in Southlake, TX: “After long months of prayer, discernment, and conversation, tonight, our church voted by an overwhelming majority (93.6%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. In total, 2,505 members voted: 2,338 for disaffiliation and 160 against (with 7 abstaining).” See also: “Why Discernment” which describes the aims of the Methodist Collegiate Church. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Rev. Katie McKay Simpson: A Moment of Collective Confession” via Louisiana Conference YouTube. A group of progressive SCJ delegates apologize to the Western Jurisdiction for actions of the traditionalist-majority 2016 SCJ Conference questioning the legality of Karen Oliveto’s election to the episcopacy. This apology was played for the session of the Western Jurisdiction. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Scenes from 2022 U.S. Jurisdictional Conferences” via UM Insight. Photo and video highlights. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Take Authority” by Carolyn Moore via WCA. “So the fuss in the UMC right now is over whether a pastor has to give up their ordination when they leave this denomination. The answer is no. They give up their membership in their Annual Conference, but not their ordination, unless that is their choice. Much like our baptism, an authentic ordination (a conferring of spiritual authority) is given by God.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“The Crisis of Theological Education” by Ken Collins via Firebrand Magazine. “Theological education rightfully belongs to the entire church—to the whole body of Christ—as the early church so clearly recognized.” (Added 11-8-2022)
“A Radical Proposal for Recovery of Doctrine in the Global Methodist Church” by Keith Sweat. Do away with the UMC Doctrinal Standards and recover the full 39 Articles as a starting point. (Added 11-8-2022)
“Jurisdictions see shift in bishops, more cooperation” by Heather Hahn, Sam Hodges, Tom Kim via UMNS. “All five jurisdictions approved similarly worded petitions that aspire to a future United Methodist Church “where LGBTQIA+ people will be protected, affirmed, and empowered in the life and ministry of the church.” (Added 11-7-2022)
“Jurisdictional Conferences and the Future of the UMC with Jay Therrell” via Holy Conversations Podcast (WCA). The president of WCA interviewed about the outcome of the recent Jurisdictional Conferences. (Added 11-7-2022)
“The Church Will Be Preserved…” by Jack Harnish. “This week, one of my former churches closed and another one voted to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. I am not sure that sets any kind of record, but it does lead me to reflect on 50 years of ministry.” (Added 11-7-2022)
“Loans Available for Exiting United Methodist Churches” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. Shares a presentation by Norwood Davis of the Wesleyan Investment Foundation. (Added 11-7-2022)
Africans react to election of Bishop Bridgeforth via Facebook. Forbes Matonga shared the news of the UMC’s second openly gay bishops. The comments from African United Methodists capture the divide in the UMC. (Added 11-7-2022)
“Africa Initiative Calls for the Election of New Bishops in the Central Conferences of Africa” via by Jerry Kulah via Good News. A statement questioning why every part of the UMC except Africa is electing new bishops. (Added 11-7-2022)
“Breakdown: Holy/Unholy Conferencing (5/x)” by Josh McClendon. On the recent jurisdictional conferences: “This church… that was built by a great many good and God-fearing Methodists, past and present, is in a state of hijacking.” (Added 11-7-2022)
Tweet by Reconciling Ministries Network. Shares Izzy Alvaran’s travel to the Philippines to organize for the election of three new filipino bishops. (Added 11-7-2022)
Tweet by Erik Meade. “I wonder if @RevAdamHamilton still believes the message he has been giving about the future of the #UMC given the doings of the jurisdictional conferences this week.” (Added 11-7-2022)
“What is going on right under your nose” by Scott Knowlton. “What happens in the Western Jurisdiction matters to United Methodists in Short Gap, West Virginia, whether anyone wants to admit it or not. Do not let them tell you it does not.” (Added 11-7-2022)
“Disaffiliation Information Zoom Meeting November 1, 2022” via Texas Conference UMC (YouTube). What to do after you disaffiliate from the Texas Conference of the UMC. (Added 11-7-2022)
“150-year-old Watson church votes to leave United Methodist denomination in historic split” by Ellyn Couvillion via The Advocate. Baton Rouge coverage. (Added 11-7-2022)
“Let’s Queer Up this Kingdom” by Kiri Anne Ryan Bereznai via YouTube. “Here’s my speech from the 2022 North Central Jurisdiction Conference of the United Methodist Church, on my experience of the impact of transphobia in the church.” See also. (Added 11-7-2022)
Tweet by Mark Tooley. “We traditional United Methodists can be grateful for progressive sweep of USA bishop elections etc. Official church teaching in USA part of global denomination is done. Now we’ve clarity & know what must be done.”
Tweet by Keith McIlwain. “It will take me a while to fully digest & analyze #NEJ2022, but one truth that was strongly, powerfully reiterated time & again is that in the #UMC we are serving 2 very different gospels. Peaceful, gracious separation IS the middle ground.” (Added 11-6-2022)
Tweet by Terry Mattingly. “I think the @UnitedMethodis1 establishment in Southeast is really, really mad. Out West, candid UMC left has nothing to prove.” (Added 11-5-2022)
“Reflections on the 2022 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference of the UMC” by Rebecca Holland. “What do I say when they ask me how an LGBTQ+ candidate was on the ballot? Do I tell them that other conferences are openly disregarding the rules? What reason should I give them?” (Added 11-5-2022)
“Jumpstarting a New Methodism” by Mike Lowry and Jeff Greenway. The shape of the new Methodism captured in the Global Methodist Church. (Added 11-5-2022)
“Name that Bishop” via Good News Magazine. Features quotes from United Methodist bishops. (Added 11-5-2022)
“Drag Queens and the Queering of the Church” by M.D. Perkins via AFN.net. “The purpose is to disrupt foundational assumptions about sex and gender and, thereby, transform social norms by offering new possibilities.” (Added 11-5-2022)
Tweet by John Lomperis. “Yesterday, traditionally more moderate #UMC North Central Jurisdiction subjected all delegates there to over 2 hours of heavy-handed anti “heterosexism” re-education session. Orthodox #UnitedMethodist s, that’s the sort of “place for you” 2 expect if U choose 2 #stayUMC / #beUMC” (Added 11-5-2022)
“Northeastern Jurisdiction Postpones Second Bishop Election to 2024” by Maidstone Mulenga via UM Insight. “An apparent compromise was taking shape by the last ballot as Rev. De La Rosa’s support was rising in the voting tally while Dr. Williams’ votes were slipping. That was when a motion was put forth to suspend the jurisdiction’s rules and postpone the second bishop election to 2024.” (Added 11-5-2022)
“2 jurisdictions tackle racism in bishop elections” by Heather Hahn and Tim Tanton via UMNS. “The Rev. Sharon Bowers, a Black candidate from the Holston Conference, urged the conference not to fall under ‘the tyranny of the white gaze’ as she announced her withdrawal.” (Added 11-5-2022)
“Western Jurisdiction Elects Hispanic Clergywoman, Married Gay Clergyman as Bishops” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “coming up against allegations of racism in the election process – delegates to the Western Jurisdiction Conference elected a Hispanic clergywoman and an openly gay married pastor as the last two of their three allotted bishops Nov. 4.” (Added 11-5-2022)
“Good News publisher will address disaffiliation beliefs at Fayetteville’s Central United Methodist Church” by Frank Lockwood via Arkansas Democrat Gazette. A regional event on disaffiliation publicized. (Added 11-5-2022)
Tweet by Nate Nims. “So far, every US jurisdiction that has voted on the “Queer Delegates’ Call to Center Justice and Empowerment for LGBTQIA+ People in the UMC” has passed the resolution. #NCJUMC #umc” (Added 11-4-2022)
Tweet via Western Jurisdiction. “Bishop Bridgeforth comes from the CalPac Conference! Husband Chris is standing by his side! #wjumc #umcelection” (Added 11-4-2022)
Tweet via Great Plains UMC. “scjumc2022 overwhelmingly approved 3 resolutions, including asking those who may leave the #UMC to step back from church leadership roles, showing support for regional conferences, and giving justice and empowerment to LGBTQIA+ United Methodists. https://buff.ly/3E0Naf3” (Added 11-4-2022)
Tweet by John Lomperis. “US #UMC conferences this week make clear a new identity for the #UnitedMethodist Church:
-low view of Jesus Christ -leaders rewarded for breaking promises -graceless intolerance of non-liberals (taking our $ but not our input) -another gay activist bishop https://bit.ly/3T1ibUF (Added 11-4-2022)
“Dottie Escobedo-Frank” via Paradise Valley UMC. Newly elected bishop: “Dottie believes we are living in a time of epochal change, which requires the church find sacred ways to die in order to be reborn. She calls for heretics and edge-dwellers to lead the church forward. Now is the time, she says, to push these new leaders to the forefront of church restarts.” (Added 11-4-2022)
“United Methodists Elect Another Gay Bishop, Set Liberal New Direction” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “Showing the new normal, a second openly partnered, gay activist bishop, Cedric Bridgeforth, was elected in the Western Jurisdiction, and a third came historically close to being elected in the Northeast, openly breaking longstanding rules..” (Added 11-4-2022)
Tweet via Oklahoma Conference UMC. “The Resolution 22-01 Leading with Integrity passed 138/30. #scj2022” [Image included.] Only those who intended to stay UMC should lead in the church. (Added 11-4-2022)
Tweet via North Texas Conference UMC. “Rev. Kim Jenne of Missouri AC offered a resolution in support of the Christmas Covenant which calls for the creation of regional conferences. Resolution passed 140/24 #scj2022” [Image of Resolution included] (Added 11-4-2022)
Tweet via North Texas Conference UMC. “Jesi Lipp of @greatplainsumc submitted resolution centering justice and empowerment for LGBTQIA+ people in the #umc. Submitted by 47 “queer’ delegates from across the U.S. Resolution passes 128/35 #scj2022” [Image included] (Added 11-4-2022)
“United Methodists to Meet in Charlotte for Worldwide Conference” via UMC. TheUMC General Conference 2024 will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina on April 23-May 3. (Added 11-4-2022)
“3 Reasons to Rethink the Independent Streak in the UMC Exodus” by RC Muhlbaier. Accountability, Maintaining Theological Distinctives, and Cooperative Ministry are reasons not to go independent. (Added 11-4-2022)
“Africa Again the Stepchild?” by Tom Lambrecht via Good News. Bishops are being elected everywhere except where they are needed the most: Africa. (Added 11-4-2022)
“GMC Thursday Night Live with Dr. Sterling Allen & Dr. David Watson” via GMC Thursday Night Live. The Dean of United Theological Seminary, one of the authors of the GMC doctrinal standards, interviewed. (Added 11-4-2022)
Tweet by Western Jurisdiction. “Here’s what’s happening now: A video of confession from the #scjumc2022 was shared here about the harm they caused Bishop Karen Oliveto after her election in 2016. Tears and a holy moment was among us as that confession was received and a response is being crafted. #wjumc” (Added 11-4-2022)
“Episode 107: Bishop Janice Huie and Bishop Gary Mueller” via Pod Have Mercy. Chapelwood (Houston) podcast episode from the South Central Jurisdictional Conference. (Added 11-4-2022)
“Rev. Copeland and the Discipline” by Randy Burbank. Responding to accusations on traditional bishops by Stan Copeland: “Why invoke our Discipline now? Bro. Stan, haven’t you been paying attention to the actions and words of other Bishops?” (Added 11-4-2022)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “United Methodist regional election of USA bishops, all liberal opponents of official church teaching, will accelerate exit by thousands of United Methodist congregations.” Reply by Talbot Davis: “Also, the charges of “influencing” or “misinforming” are so patronizing. As if congregations (like, hello!,@whiteschapelumc) can’t see denom dysfunction for themselves. (Added 11-4-2022)
Post by Steve Schonert via Facebook. An Illinois Great Rivers Conference lay delegate offers a traditionalists perspective on the Thursday, November 3 events at the North Central Jurisdictional Conference. (Added 11-4-2022)
Tweet by David Watson. “I see 4 groups emerging from the #UMC division: 1. Ps-UMC, mainline/progressive 2. Conservative/evangelical Methodists who join the GMC. 3. Conservative/evangelical Methodists who join another denomination (e.g. the FMC) 4. Independent/autonomous churches Thoughts?” (Added 11-4-2022)
“South Central Delegates Endorse LGBTQ Inclusion, Recusal of Disaffiliating Clergy” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “The South Central Jurisdiction cast off its traditionally conservative political stances Nov. 3 to adopt two resolutions aimed at a more inclusive, more unified United Methodist Church.” (Added 11-4-2022)
“Three Bishops Accused of Aiding Disaffiliation” by Sam Hodges via UMNS. “A South Central Jurisdictional Conference delegate asked the jurisdiction’s college of bishops to address the conduct and status of three episcopal leaders he said had provided “promotion and support” to the breakaway Global Methodist Church.” (Added 11-4-2022)
Post by John Eshleman via Progressive Methodists Facebook Group. An effort to start a new dissident UM congregation in Cypress, TX where all five UM churches have joined the GMC. (Added 11-3-2022)
“Tennessee Church Votes to Disaffiliate from UMC over Homosexuality Debate” by Milton Quintanilla via Christian Headlines. Coverage of Christ Church Memphis’ vote to disaffiliate from the UMC. (Added 11-3-2022)
“The Future of the NIC Runs Through Indiana” by Scott Field via Northern IL WCA. What episcopal elections in the North Central Jurisdiction forebode for the Northern Illinois Conference. (Added 11-3-2022)
UMNS Episcopal Elections Page. via United Methodist News Service. “Bookmark this page for voting results, stories on the elected bishops and the latest coverage of the Nov. 2-5 episcopal elections.” (Added 11-3-2022)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “Michigan-backed United Methodist bishop candidate Kennetha Bigham-Tsai: “No, it is not important that we agree on who Christ is.” “God became flesh, but not particular flesh. There’s no particularity around that. God became incarnate in a culture, but not one culture.” (Added 11-3-2022)
“Jurisdictions Elect Centrist, Racial-Ethnic Bishops on Early Ballots” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. A round-up of the first day of episcopal elections in the five U.S. jurisdictions. (Added 11-3-2022)
“The Split Continues” by Steve Jordahl via American Family Association. Mark Tooley interviewed. (Added 11-3-2022)
Post by Steve Schonert via Facebook. An Illinois Great Rivers Conference lay delegate from a disaffiliating church shares his reasons for participating fully in jurisdictional conference. (Added 11-3-2022)
“New Opportunities in the Wake of Disaffiliations” via Louisiana Conference UMC. “Disaffiliation has become a path forward for some conservative congregations that have bristled at a more inclusive stance toward LGBTQ rights in the United Methodist Church… we are excited by the new opportunities this moment affords us to establish new United Methodist communities where everyone can know they are loved and always welcomed.” (Added 11-2-2022)
“An Unofficial IGRC Disaffiliation Worksheet” via PeopleNeedJesus.net (PDF). Based on a new October 28 disaffiliation process approved by trustees of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the UMC. (Added 11-2-2022)
“Edenton UMC faces schism” by Tyler Newman via Chowan Herald (North Carolina). A congregation left divided after a disaffiliation vote falls short. “At least 260 churches in the state’s 779-church eastern conference have voted to disaffiliate or plan to next year.” (Added 11-2-2022)
“Global Methodist Church’s Transitional Leadership Council Elects New Leader” by Walter Fenton via Global Methodist Church. Oklahoma Attorney Cara Nicklas chairs the TLC now that Leah Hidde-Gregory has been appointed as president pro-tem of the Mid-Texas Provisional Conference. (Added 11-2-2022)
“‘Flagship congregation’ of Tennessee UMC votes to leave denomination amid LGBT schism” by Michael Grybooski via Christian Post. Coverage of the exit of Christ Church Memphis. (Added 11-2-2022)
“Separation” by Rachel Heyduck via UM Insight. Hurt feelings at a special AC session to approve disaffiliations. (Added 11-1-2022)
“47 Louisiana churches have left United Methodist Church over gay marriage, LGBTQ issues” by Rob Masson via KNOE. Coverage of St. Timothy’s exit from the Louisiana Conference of the UMC. (Added 11-1-2022)
“Christ Church Votes Overwhelmingly to Leave United Methodist Church” by Jane Roberts via Daily Memphian. Coverage of the disaffiliation of one of United Methodism’ flagship congregations. (Added 11-1-2022)
“St. Timothy in Mandeville votes by overwhelming margin to leave the United Methodist Church” by Sara Pagones via NOLA.com. Coverage of the exit of Louisiana’s largest UM congregation. (Added 11-1-2022)
“Western Jurisdiction Comments on Bishop’s Suspension” by Western Bishops via UM Insight. Bishop Carcano will be appointed by the jurisdictional conference but remain under suspension while a committee on investigation does its work. (Added 11-1-2022)
“Electing Bishops: Jurisdictional Conferences, Another Step Toward The UMC of Tomorrow, Today” by JJ Warren via UM Insight. “Now that those who are vehemently opposed to the full affirmation and inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons have a denomination of their own, it’s time for United Methodism to move confidently toward the land of inclusion for all.” (Added 11-1-2022)
“Staying Video/Podcast Series Highlights Differences without Disaffiliation, Unity without Uniformity” by Mark Lambert via Louisiana Conference UMC. An effort to keep churches and members in the UMC. (Added 11-1-2022)
Post by Lynn Malone via Facebook. “It was a bad day for Louisiana United Methodism [Sunday]. It’s two largest churches voted to disaffiliate (one with a vote of 99% in favor, the other with nearly 90% in favor). In addition, a third church (another of its largest) voted by 86% to disaffiliate. A fourth congregation (a mid-sized church) voted 94% to disaffiliate. A fifth congregation (another mid-size) voted last Wednesday to disaffiliate. Overall, a very bad day (and week) for the LAC.” (Added 11-1-2022)
“Meet Your Presiding Elders” via Mid-Texas GMC Conference Facebook Page. Presiding elders (DS’s) named in the Mid-Texas Provisional Conference of the GMC. (Added 11-1-2022)
“Debate looming on how low budget should go” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “But disagreements are brewing on just how big those cuts need to be as financial leaders seek to be good stewards of local churches, annual conferences and denomination-wide ministries.” (Added 11-1-2022)
Post via Mid-Texas Conference GMC (Facebook). Lists 76 congregations representing 18,000 members who have joined the new provisions conference. (Added 11-1-2022)
“Dr. Leah Hidde-Gregory has been selected by the Global Methodist Transitional Leadership Council to serve as the President Pro-Tem for the Mid-Texas Provisional Conference of the Global Methodist Church” via Mid-Texas GMC Facebook Page. (Added 11-1-2022)
“Why the United Methodist Church has such a bright future ahead” via Grace Birmingham (YouTube). Tyler Christiansen shares his enthusiasm for the future of the UMC. (Added 11-1-2022)
“The First GMC Provisional Annual Conference in the US Holds Inaugural Meeting at Epworth by the Sea!” via SGGMC.org. Details of a meeting of a provisions annual conference of the GMC. (Added 11-1-2022)
“Gaslighting & Saving Face” by Roger Wolsey via Patheos. A progressive pastor often quoted in disaffiliation presentations for his denial that Jesus died for our sins writes about the “current disaffiliation wave in the UMC “poster child for all that is wrong with the UMC.” (Added 11-1-2022)
“Local Methodist churches will no longer be United” by Mark Fleming via The Baytown Sun. Texas Local News: “Several United Methodist churches, including Cedar Bayou Grace and St. Mark’s in Baytown and First United Methodist Church of Mont Belvieu have voted to withdraw from the United Methodist Church in recent congregational votes. They will be joining the newly formed Global Methodist Church.” (Added 11-1-2022)
“WNA Week 7: The Future of Methodism; The Future of St. Luke’s” via St. Luke’s, OK City (YouTube). An information session in a congregation exploring options, including the Methodist Collegiate Church (starting at 7:00). No decisions to be made until January. (Added 11-1-2022)
“Special Called Conference Friday Episcopal Remarks” by Bishop Jimmy Nunn via OKUMC Communications (YouTube). A bishops’ address as a special called session dealing with disaffiliations. (Added 11-1-2022)
“Section 2553 expires at the end of 2023. What does this mean for local churches?” via Dalton & Tomich (YouTube). “Time is ticking away on the process to disaffiliate.” (Added 11-1-2022)
Board of Trustees Report via The North Carolina Conference. A very large list of churches to be approved for disaffiliation at the November 19 special session. (Added 11-1-2022)
“From Mourning to Morning” by Bishop Fairley via North Carolina Conference. “Sisters and brothers who have shared the sorrows and joys of ministry and mission have made decisions to separate using disciplinary paragraph 2553. It is painful to be here.” (Added 11-1-2022)
Tweet by Tim Reaves. “The NC Conference just put out email from the bishop saying 249 churches have voted to disaffiliate. It still has to be ratified by the annual conference at a special called session on Nov. 19.” (Added 11-1-2022)
Post by Andrew Zeringue via Facebook. “The issue is this, the UMC has overtime shifted away from biblical truths. Those who attended the Louisiana Annual Conference heard many things contradictory to the bible’s teachings.” (Added 11-1-2022)
Post by Brady Whitton via Facebook. A progressive responds to several large Louisiana churches voting to disaffiliate last Sunday. (Added 11-1-2022)
Post by Dan Stambaugh via Friends of GMC Facebook Group. Information on the vote to disaffiliate by Bumcombe Street UMC in South Carolina. (Added 11-1-2022)
“Why Christianity is More Naturally Suited for Connection Rather Than Independence” by Sam Powers via his blog. Oklahoma DS: “But if a church has thrown off connectionalism in favor of independence, they are not helping those other churches thrive. When this becomes the case, the independent church has actually become predatory.” (Added 11-1-2022)
Statistical Update by Rich Jones via Going Global – Western Texas Global Methodists. In the Northwest Texas UMC Conference, 163 of 200 churches have held church conferences. 134 have voted to disaffiliate so far. (Added 11-1-2022)
“UM Fallout: Aug-Oct 2022 Archive” by Chris Ritter via PeopleNeedJesus.net. The UM Fallout Compendium gets very large over time. Older posts are periodically archived to keep things manageable. (Added 11-1- 2022)
“Methodism, the Boll Weevil, and Hope” by Jay Therrell via WCA. “…what might initially be seen as a disaster of epic proportions can be redeemed to become the greatest cause for hope imaginable.” (Added 11-1-2022)
See Also: Aug-Oct 2022, May-July 2022, Jan-April 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, or earlier.
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