Explore this document with your browser’s search feature. Fallout archives are available for: June-August 2023, March-May 2023, Nov 2022-Feb 2023, Aug-Oct 2022, May-July 2022, Jan-April 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, or earlier.
“A year of schism: A timeline of the United Methodist Church in Alabama in 2023” by Will Blakely via 1819 News. “The schism has not only resulted in new Methodist denominations but has torn apart congregations, as church members disagree about whether their church should’ve remained in the UMC or parted ways.” (Added 12-31-2023)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. On the Regionalization Legislative Process: “…The burning question about what the Commission is proposing will be whether or not having 13 or more sidebar conversations about that in a forum that has no authority for action will satisfy that desire. I hope you are thinking about that, and if your answer, like mine, is in the negative, then I hope you’ll think about how to resolve the dilemma that creates. I’ll save my preferred solution to my next post.” (Added 12-31-2023)
“Why I Continue to Speak About the Sin of the UMC” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “This piece is a response to a critique I got. I provide some explanations for what I understand myself to be doing and why I think it is needed, not just at the present moment, but for all history, if the church is to be who Christ requires us to be. It is admittedly a self-centered piece. I’m hoping folks apply it to themselves and their church contexts and consider whether their current approach is right.” (Added 12-30-2023)
Post by The Global Methodist Church via Facebook. “This year we grew to 4,200 local churches, 4,400 clergy representing 14 countries, launched local annual conferences, and set the date for our convening General Conference in September 2024. To God be the glory!” (Added 12-30-2023)
“Conservative Methodist Exit Nears End Point” by Tom Raabe via The American Spectator. “The African church hierarchy itself, however, seems torn. While some bishops seek an exit vehicle similar to that provided by rule 2553, other African prelates, backed by the U.S. bureaucracy, are urging loyalty to the church body even while hewing to traditional views on sexual matters, including marriage.” (Added 12-30-2023)
“Methodist Church Of Great Britain Says Terms “Husband” And “Wife” Are Offensive” via Not the Bee. “The denomination made the statement in its “Inclusive Language Guide”, which will be updated every six months to advise congregations how to “repent of any hurtful language” when addressing groups which have been “marginalised and/or demonised by common culture”. LINK (Added 12-30-2023)
Tweet by Chris Ritter: “An article in which a retired #UMC bishop says a lot of things.” [Lots of comments made on this link to the Greg Garrison interview with Bishop Willimon.] (Added 12-30-2023)
[Updated 12-30-2023] Overheard: There has been a ruling in the case (see here and here) against the Baltimore-Washington Conference. “ORDERED, that the Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART; ORDERED, that Claims II, VI, VII, and VIII are DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE due to lack of subject matter jurisdiction; ORDERED that the Plaintiffs are DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE from Claim I due to improper venue; ORDERED that the remaining claims will proceed in the ordinary course.” The remaining claims that will continue in ordinary course are constructive fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, demand for accounting, and a quiet title claim (that last one only applies to The Methodist Church of Cape St. Claire).” (Added 12-29-2023)
“December 29 Weekly Live Stream” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “This is a time for the folks who are eager to build a future flourishing Methodism to come together, share ideas, encourage one another, and talk about worthy things.” (Added 12-29-2023)
“The Alligator” by Cindy Hickman via UM Insight. “Has the disaffiliation of churches been an alligator? We have certainly wrestled with it. The disaffiliation began as a difference in biblical interpretation, but it revealed deeply held beliefs about our identity. I am sorry that our commitment to community was not stronger than our convictions. I am sorry we are not still together. If nothing else, disaffiliation revealed that love is harder than we thought.” (Added 12-29-2023)
“Bankruptcy Case Forces Churches to Repay Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in Donations” by Kim Roberts via Ministry Watch. “In an effort to recover the $220 million judgment, the bankruptcy trustee Richard Arrowsmith filed a complaint under section 550 of the federal bankruptcy code against St. Andrew’s Methodist Church because it received about $700,000 in donations from Johnson between 2012 and 2014.” (Added 12-29-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: ““Fun” fact. United Methodist Church now has 7 million members in Africa & fewer than 5 million in USA. But Africans will only be one third of delegates at next governing General Conference in 2024. See also here. (Added 12-29-2023)
“Retired Alabama bishop blames Trump for United Methodist split as disaffiliation deadline arrives” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “It was the right cultural moment for that kind of stupid argument to hold sway,” Willimon said. (Added 12-29-2023)
“The Denial & Projection of #BlessedStayers” by Jefffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “In this segment, I cover a series of memes published last week on the Friends of The United Methodist Church Facebook Group. It is functionally a big cope that has great potential to continue destructive trends of self-justification and projection. I worry that a lot of folks who decided to stay might unquestioning adopt some of this reasoning, and I would rob them of that if I could in order to facilitate mutual understanding.” (Added 12-29-2023)
“LIST: Top 10 most-read stories on WJHL.com in 2023” by Emily Hibbitts via WJHL. “#9… Before more than 250 United Methodist churches left the Holston Conference on April 22, News Channel 11 sat down and interviewed local clergy members ahead of the special session.” (Added 12-28-2023)
“Methodist churches face split in disaffiliation” by Julianne Ackers via Northeast Georgian. “Four churches in Habersham County have disaffiliated from The United Methodist Church (UMC) in 2023, joining over 200 churches in a departure from the North Georgia United Methodist Conference… [paywall] (Added 12-28-2023)
“Segregating Bigoted Churches in the United Methodist Church? I’m All for It.” by Laura G. Owens via Medium. “My church, First United Methodist of Oviedo (FUMCO) recently voted to leave UMC. I’d already left them, and all Christian churches.” (Added 12-28-2023)
“As United Methodist churches schism across the U.S., congregations in the Northwest remain intact” via The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, WA). ““The impression that many of us get is that the Methodist church in the southeast is more like the Southern Baptist church in being theologically conservative,” Graves said. (Added 12-28-2023)
“Why thousands of congregations are leaving the United Methodist Church” via PBS News Hour (YouTube). “One of the dominant Christian denominations in the U.S., the United Methodist Church, is experiencing a major split. Since 2019, more than 7,000 congregations have received approval to leave the church. The factions have disagreements in theology, namely how the church considers LGBTQ+ ministers and congregants. Amna Nawaz discussed more with communities correspondent Adam Kemp in Oklahoma.” (Added 12-28-2023)
“East Tennessee’s biggest stories of 2023” via WBIR. “Faith’s role in East Tennessee has been pronounced throughout the area’s history. When the East Tennessee United Methodists split with ‘traditionalist’ churches, faith leaders did not describe it as dire or uncertain. Rather, they rejoiced in a chance to ‘write a new chapter,’ eager to go on ‘a renewed and revived path of faithfulness.'” (Added 12-27-2023)
“The Matchless Name of Jesus” by Scott Field via WCA. “This disaffiliation season, whether you have disaffiliated, failed at an attempt to disaffiliate, tried to keep congregations and pastors from taking the disaffiliation exit, or have launched a new congregation of one sort or another because of the frustration with disaffiliation and denominations and who knows what else…it has all been, as our British friends would say, “a right hard slog.” (Added 12-27-2023)
“Special North Central Jurisdictional Conference session called to approve new episcopal areas” via Iowa Conference. Includes a chart that shows the 22.2% membership decline in NCJ conferences from 2012-2021. Adds an estimated 22% loss in the number of churches due to disaffiliation. (Added 12-27-2023)
“Do the Numbers Add Up?” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). Conversation on GCFA’s 2020 list of Top 100 Churches by attendance in light of disaffiliation. (Added 12-26-2023)
“Wesley Memorial vote to leave UMC was controversial” by Jimmy Tomlin via The High Point Enterprise. #10 of the Top Ten stories in High Point, NC. (Added 12-26-2023)
“New Year’s Resolutions for the Global Methodist Church” by Bob Phillips via PeopleNeedJesus.org. Keys to building a healthy movement in 2024. (Added 12-26-2023)
“End of the Road for Church Denominations? Obsolete Church Structure is Failing” via The Well at Surf City (YouTube). “Join us as we unpack the decline of traditional denominational models in North American Christianity. In this eye-opening discussion, we explore the fading relevance of the covenant between national denominations and local churches, once built on print materials, leadership supply, and brand association. Discover why this once-effective model, reminiscent of 1962, no longer functions in today’s world. We examine the seismic shifts away from print materials in favor of digital communication, the drying up of leadership pipelines and seminaries, and the growing detachment of denominational labels from church identities.” (Added 12-24-2023)
“People are quitting the United Methodist Church over its views on gender and sexuality” by Scott Simon via NPR . “NPR’s Scott Simon speaks with Matthew Wilson, Associate Professor of political science at Southern Methodist University about the divide in United Methodist Church over sexuality and gender identity.” (Added 12-23-2023)
“Reconstructing Methodism with Matt O’Reilly” Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken. “Rev. Dr. Matt O’Reilly is Lead Pastor of Christ Church in Birmingham, Alabama, Director of Research at Wesley Biblical Seminary, and a fellow of the Center for Pastor Theologians…Matt and his church will be hosting the Reconstructing Methodist Conference on April 26-27. (Added 12-23-2023)
“The United Methodist reckoning” by Alex Ward via World. “The past four years have seen a flurry of attempts by Methodists to reckon with their own inconsistency on the topic of sexuality and biblical fidelity… If congregations are not united in doctrine, the word “united” is not going to keep them together.” (Added 12-23-2023)
“Confessions of a Maverick – Part II” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. “Denominational leaders seem to assume that they are for the most part aligned with the beliefs and views of ordinary church members. I argue they are not.” (Added 12-22-2023)
“After the UMC’s Longest Night” by Jeremy Smith via Hacking Christianity. “It has felt like an extended Longest Night for The United Methodist Church…” Southern conferences that experienced massive losses can look to the Western Jurisdiction to learn how to operate small. (Added 12-22-2023)
“Northeast Provisional Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church Approved to Launch on January 1, 2024” by Diane Hopkins via GMC NE. “President Pro Temp of the Northeast PAC, Rev. Steven Taylor said, “We have been blessed to have hundreds of exceptional leaders working prayerfully and diligently over the past 2 years to be given the opportunity to launch our Provisional Annual Conference. We are excited to formally begin our Conference in order to foster this movement across the Northeast.” (Added 12-22-2023)
“Weekend Plug-In Year In Review: The Best Religion Journalism Of 2023” via Religion Unplugged. Carla Hinton and Greg Garrrison recognized for their reporting on matters related to UMC disaffiliation. (Added 12-22-2023)
Tweet by Chris Ritter. “Yes, by raw numbers, Mexit is the biggest denominational schism in U.S. history. The “planned” schism of 1844 was a 60/40 split of only 1,184,064 Methodists. Mexit is (to date) a 75/25 split of +/- 7M. The GMC alone is larger than both 1844 groups.” LINK (Added 12-22-2023)
“Explaining the Growth of Non-Denominational Churches” by Thom Rainer via Outreach Magazine. “The UMC has been in a steady decline for years, but that decline has been exacerbated by the departure of thousands of congregations in the past three years. The denomination’s membership decline will likely be 40 percent from its peak after the full effect of the disaffiliation movement transpires. UMC attendance in the United States has fallen from around 3 million to about 2 million. The numbers again will likely be much worse after the full disaffiliation effect takes place.” (Added 12-22-2023)
Tweet by Jeff Walton: “In evolving United Methodist institutionalist narrative, the 4 stages of disaffiliation denial: 1) “Almost no churches are disaffiliating” 2) “Disaffiliating churches are all small” 3) “Few exiting churches are joining Global Methodism” 4) “Congratulations on destroying the UMC” (Added 12-22-2023)
“A lifetime in the United Methodist Church, and the complicated process of breaking away” by Adam Kemp via PBS News Hour. “After years of uncertainty, debate and discussion about the future of the United Methodist Church, Tiger helped lead his church in Mustang, Oklahoma, a suburb of Oklahoma City, through the disaffiliation process in October. Ultimately, he left that church and started at Christ Church in Tulsa, which had also disaffiliated from the UMC.” (Added 12-22-2023)
“The Religion Guy (as usual) dissents somewhat on the votes for 2023’s top religion stories” by Richard Ostling via Get Religion. “If the 2023 Story of the Year is defined in terms of unambiguous, substantial and seemingly fixed change, then The Guy proclaims a first place tie between disruptions in America’s two largest Protestant denominations, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and United Methodist Church (UMC) as depicted in this prior Memo.” (Added 12-21-2023)
“Dec. 31 Deadline for United Methodist U.S. Church Departures: Could an ‘African Wave’ be Next?” via CBN News. “However, Rev. Scott Field, president of the conservative Wesleyan Covenant Association, which has advocated for churches leaving the UMC, told the Associated Press he predicted “an African wave” of churches seeking to leave the denomination.” (Added 12-21-2023)
“Numerous Oklahoma churches left the United Methodist Church. How did other regions fare?” by Carla Hinton via The Oklahoman. “A special provision that has dramatically transformed the United Methodist Church has come to an end.” (Added 12-21-2023)
“The Dramatic Disaffiliation: The Biggest Schism in American Protestantism Is Taking Place in the United Methodist Church Right Now” by Al Mohler via The Daily Briefing. A Southern Baptist reports on the UM split. (Added 12-21-2023)
“United Methodists Lose One-Fourth of their Churches in the ‘Largest Denominational Divide’ Since Civil War” by Michael Foust via CrossWalk. “While the convening Conference will make many decisions, it is anticipated the GM Church will have to hold another General Conference in 2026 to deal with matters not addressed in 2024,” said Cara Nicklas, the chairwoman for the Global Methodist Church’s Transitional Leadership Council. (Added 12-21-2023)
“Fair for Some, Fair for All – Not Just for the WCA” by David Livingston. “As I showed here, the Global Methodist Church and WCA have celebrated the fact that churches in Europe and Africa have left. Talking out of both sides of your mouth is saying something cannot happen while simultaneously celebrating that it has happened.” (Added 12-21-2023)
“As grace window closes, UMC is 25% smaller” by Steve Jordahl via AFA News. “”I think when all is done in a couple of years, of the 13 million United Methodists that existed several years ago, there will only be maybe three and a half million left,” [Tooley] predicts. (Added 12-21-2023)
Tweet by John Lomperis: “Actually, my #UnitedMethodist denomination has lost > 30% of congregations since 2019 General Conference. We had 30,955 churches in 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20201127020536/https://www.gcfa.org/services/data-services/… Then 7,659 disaffiliated http://tinyurl.com/34wyku2p while another 1,731 closed http://tinyurl.com/5fd5hum3 @liamsadams” (Added 12-20-2023)
“Livestreamed Orientation to Prepare General Conference Delegates” by Brenda Smotherman via UM Insight. “Topics to be covered during the orientation include an overview of the General Conference, encompassing the basics of the legislative process, voting and parliamentary procedure; information about the Charlotte area; resources for engaging in positive dialogue; tips for first-time delegates; information on issues, proposals and action items that will be considered by the legislative body and more.” (Added 12-20-2023)
“Is it really about the gay stuff, though?” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “Yesterday’s report dealt partly with an article written by Ruth Graham for the New York Times. Part of it stated the primary reason for disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church being opposition to gay marriage and ordination. I got an email from a gentleman who wanted me to speak about this. Is it really the case that the primary reason for the “biggest denominational split ever” is the gay stuff? Or are things perhaps a bit more complicated than that?” See also a written version of this content in Substack. (Added 12-20-2023)
“CT’s Top 10 News Stories of 2023” via Christianity Today. “#1: United Methodist Disaffiliations. As a result of ongoing denominational divides on same-sex marriage and LGBT clergy, more than 7,600 congregations have left the United Methodist Church, with around 5,600 departing in 2023 alone. Some struggled to disaffiliate and keep their property, including Korean American churches and churches in states like Georgia, where they took legal action.” (Added 12-20-2023)
“Disaffiliation votes over homosexuality doctrine hold special risks for rural United Methodist churches” by Sarah Melotte via The News & Advance (VA). An update of an article first published in September: “The Daily Yonder looked at how, in small communities, the effects of this debate could be especially deep and painful.” (Added 12-19-2023)
[Update: This RNS article has been picked up by the Washington Post] “How a remnant group of United Methodists is making a new church home” by Yonat Shimron via Religion News Service. “In many Davie County churches, the disaffiliation process was often secretive, involving a select group of church members working behind the scenes, often without the knowledge of the church pastor. In Davie County, church groups hired a local lawyer to help their congregations navigate the disaffiliation process.” (Added 12-19-2023)
“Final 2023 Methodist Exits” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “Amusingly, Council of Bishops President Thomas Bickerton is quoted saying the exits are slightly more than expected, and claiming: “This is about power, control and money.” The latter seems to be about projection, as bishops and other denominational officials try to maintain the structures of the fast-shrinking denomination.” (Added 12-19-2023)
“Separation among the French Methodists” via umc-cse.org. “Nine of the sixteen French local churches will leave the worldwide United Methodist Church. This was the result of votes in early October, which have now been confirmed by an assembly of all local churches in France. The reasons for leaving are the different views on questions of sexual orientation.” (Added 12-19-2023)
“NYTimes & Tennessean Take Notice of United Methodist Split” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “In this segment, I walk through the reporting of both outlets to some degree, while also consulting a couple of other resources for ascertaining where things currently stand.” (Added 12-19-2023)
“‘Leaving it to God’ | Cresson Community Church rebrands, expands ministry to Cresson Pods” by Ashley Terry via The Hood County News (TX). Profile of a disaffiliated church. (Added 12-19-2023)
“I thought I was clear but apparently I need to explain a few things for Brother Holland” by Scott Field via WCA. “Our campaign is an appeal directly to General Conference delegates to extend a pathway for discernment and disaffiliation by Central Conference UM congregations that choose to leave. Central Conference United Methodists are in Africa, the Philippines, and Europe. Disaffiliation is an option that has been denied to them and reserved forUMs in the United States alone. The injustice of this situation is obvious. The General Conference can remedy this situation by their action this coming spring. We are not upending, attacking, or sabotaging anything. We are asking for what has been allowed in the USA to be allowed everywhere in the UMC. Period.” (Added 12-19-2023)
“Council Bluffs Fifth Avenue joins hundreds in disaffiliating from United Methodist Church” by Dave Golbitz via The Daily Nopareil (IA). “Fifth Avenue member Bob Fienhold said that churches are disaffiliating because United Methodist Church leadership is being swayed by outside forces.” (Added 12-19-2023)
“The most consequential year in UMC split leaves uncertainty, new horizons. Here’s how” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. “Sheer scale of church disaffiliations shifted earlier plans aimed at resolving the crisis through proposed legislation at UMC General Conference, which is set for April 2024.” PDF (Added 12-19-2023)
“United Methodists Down 7,659 Churches As Exit Window Ends” by Kate Shellnut and Daniel Silliman via Christianity Today. Extended National Christian Coverage: “1 in 4 UMC congregations have now disaffiliated in the largest US denominational schism since the Civil War. Will African Methodists leave next?” PDF (Added 12-19-2023)
Overheard: UMNS has updated their disaffiliation numbers after John Lomperis questioned their reporting of 41 disaffiliations in the New Mexico Conference. There seems now to be agreement that number should be listed as 42. The UMNS number stands now at 7659 approved disaffiliations. (Added 12-18-2023)
“Looking ahead to General Conference next year” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “Whether that church-exit policy will be extended beyond this year or expanded to include churches outside the United States will be up to General Conference. The same is true for any change in the denomination’s policies related to LGBTQ people.” (Added 12-18-2023)
“First United, Mt. Zion pastors discuss reasons behind thousands of congregations leaving, remaining with the United Methodist Church” by Patrick Camp via The Cullman Times (AL). “Danette Clifton, director of communication for the UMC’s North Alabama Conference, said just more than 330 local churches from the North Alabama Conference have left within the last three to four years. Those numbers, combined with the 240 congregations from the Alabama/West Florida Conference — which represents areas in Alabama south of Jefferson County as well as Florida’s panhandle — make up roughly half of the UMC’s pre-2019 membership.” (Added 12-18-2023)
“Fiducia supplicans [supplicating trust]” via Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith via The Vatican. Blessings for same-sex couple are allowed but not to be ritualized: “In a brief prayer preceding this spontaneous blessing, the ordained minister could ask that the individuals have peace, health, a spirit of patience, dialogue, and mutual assistance—but also God’s light and strength to be able to fulfill his will completely.” (Added 12-18-2023)
“Doctrinal declaration opens possibility to bless couples in irregular situations” via Vatican News. “With the Declaration “Fiducia supplicans” issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, approved by Pope Francis, it will be possible to bless same-sex couples but without any type of ritualization or offering the impression of a marriage. The doctrine regarding marriage does not change, and the blessing does not signify approval of the union.” (Added 12-18-2023)
“Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples if they don’t resemble marriage” by Nicole Winfield and David Crary via Associated Press. “Pope Francis has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, with a new document explaining a radical change in Vatican policy by insisting that people seeking God’s love and mercy shouldn’t be subject to “an exhaustive moral analysis” to receive it.” (Added 12-18-2023)
Tweet by Talbot Davis: “Interesting to see UMC execs continuing to hold to false narrative that it’s abt “power, control, & money.” No. It’s about biblical surrender, sexual restraint, & historic orthodoxy: https://nytimes.com/2023/12/18/us/the-united-methodist-church-schism.html
@jhaskinscabrera @JeffGreenway @JeffreyRickman” (Added 12-18-2023)
“Why Are So Many United Methodist Congregations Leaving The Denomination Over Lgbtq+ Issues?” via Happening Out TV Network (YouTube). Kevin Tisdol of the Sunshine Cathedral offers an outside analysis of the UMC exodus from an affirrming viewpoint. (Added 12-18-2023)
“With a Deadline Looming, the United Methodist Church Breaks Up” by Ruth Graham via New York Times. “It’s the biggest denominational schism ever,” said Ryan Burge, a political scientist at Eastern Illinois University. There were eight million Methodists in the United States in 2020, according to the U.S. Religion Census. Between large-scale departures and the broader trend of decline, Dr. Burge said, that number could drop by half in a decade. (Added 12-18-2023)
“Our Story” via Korean Rainbow Tree. This fellowship of affirming Boston-based Koreans formed following GC2019 and now has joined the Reconciling Ministries Network. (Addd 12-18-2023)
Tweet by Jason Leininger: [List of 100 Top UM churches by attendance] “Came across this data sheet on 2020 UMC top 100 Churches in Attendance at https://gcfa.org/_files/ugd/5524b1_20f39c75fee649c69ec49751578b2b08.pdf… Wondering what the #umc or #globalmethodist folks would write for a headline?” (Added 12-17-2023)
“Parting Ways: Methodist Pastors Grapple with Church Disaffiliations” by Sarah Readdean via The Toledo Blade. [Paywall] (Added 12-17-2023)
“Why have thousands of United Methodist churches in the US quit the denomination?” via Associated Press. A national Q&A style article about UM Fallout. (Added 12-16-2023)
“Send Pastors to School, Churches Ask” via Education News (Kenya). The president pro tem of the Kenya Conference of the Global Methodist Church encourages pastoral education in order to avoid misleading congregations and promoting radical beliefs. (Added 12-16-2023)
“African Higher Education Leaders Reflect, Plan for Future” by Eveline Chikwanah via UMNS. [While Bishops Lunge and Moyombo spokes favoorably of regionalization, “Bishop Kasap Owan of South Congo expressed reservations, saying The United Methodist Church must have one universal doctrine. ‘We can keep the unity of the church if we have one church, one spirit, one faith and one God,’ he said. ‘I don’t understand why we want to follow this way (regionalization).'” (Added 12-16-2023)
“From Colonialism to Globalization: Global Governance in the UMC” by Darryl Stephens. “The effect and reality of this asymmetrical arrangement of power remain, despite near-continuous studies of Central Conference relations to the US church since 1948. United Methodists in central conferences, located in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines, now outnumber those in the United States.” (Added 12-16-2023)
“Regionalization Series, Part 5: The path to greater regionalization in the future” by Taylor Burton-Edwards via Ask the UMC. “Assuming the General Conference passes the constitutional amendments, it will be up to the delegates, bishops and other leaders to inform and effectively persuade their annual conferences about the importance and the benefits to be achieved by approving these amendments when the conferences vote on them in 2025.” (Added 12-16-2023)
“New Mississippi Conference District Map” via MIssissippi UM Conference. Report on work to downsize from 11 to 7 districts. (Added 12-16-2023)
“More to the Story Podcast – Top Ten Wesleyan Stories 2023” by Andy MIller III via Facebook Live. Ryan Danker and Jonathan Powers participate in this countdown of the top ten stories of 2023. (Added 12-15-2023)
Post by Jimmy Boone via Facebook: “FINAL. Updated: Dec. 15, 2023. We are now at 7,662 which is 25.55% of the 30,000 original total of U.M. Churches in the US (in 2021.)” (Added 12-15-2023)
“NCJ Bishops Announce Special Session” via Michigan Conference. Citing further reductions due to disaffiliations, the report recommends the merger of Wisconsin and Northern Illinois into a single episcopal area, along with Western and Eastern Ohio. Trimble and Palmer to retire. (Added 12-15-2023)
Tweet Thread by Liam Adams. The religion reporter for the Tennessean discusses the state of things as the disaffiliation process expires. (Added 12-15-2023)
“One Way in Which United Methodist Disaffiliation is NOT Like Divorce” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “The Global Methodist Church is committed to preserving the best of our United Methodist heritage while also carefully learning from and avoiding repetition of the bad habits that hurt United Methodist congregations’ faithfulness and effectiveness.” (Added 12-15-2023)
“Former United Methodist Members Form New Churches as Disaffiliation Rule Nears Expiration” by Will Blakely via 1819 News. Alabama-based coverage. (Added 12-15-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “Church exits from USA United Methodism per temporary church law Para 2553 now done with 4 approved exits today from Texas Conference (Houston), totaling 319 or 51% of 621 churches there & 7662 nationally.” (Added 12-15-2023)
“One fourth of United Methodist churches in US have left in schism over LGBTQ ban. What happens now?” by Peter Smith via Associated Press. Nationally syndicated coverage over the completion of exits under the original Par. 2553. See also the same story in YahooNews. Quotes Bishop Bickerton, Keith Boyette, and Jan Lawrence. (Added 12-15-2023)
“Global Governance is Dead” by Mark Holland via Mainstream UMC. “Our global governance is already dead. Churches outside the US can officially ignore the Book of Discipline; churches inside the US are unofficially ignoring it too. This is an untenable situation.” (Added 12-14-2023)
Overheard: The Texas Conference approved the exit of four churches in the final special session of 2023 in the U.S. before the expiration of Par. 2553 on December 31. (Added 12-14-2023)
Tweet Poll by John Lomperis. “Before the #UMC split birthing the #GlobalMethodist Church, Hank Hill of the adult “King of the Hill” cartoon was perhaps the most famous fictional #UnitedMethodist on tv. Which denomination would he be part of now? Please vote in the poll, and share your reasons as a reply!” (Added 12-14-2023)
“An Open Connectionalism and Change as Perfection” by David Scott via UM & Global. “An open and dynamic understanding of Christian perfection calls us to an open and dynamic understanding of connectionalism.” (Added 12-14-2023)
Overheard: Big changes at important seminaries in the Wesleyan tradition: Dr. Tim Tennent at Asbury Seminary will transition from president to Professor of World Christianity. Dr. Matt Ayars has resigned as president of Wesley Biblical Seminary. (Added 12-14-2023)
“Resilience, Faith, and Radical Change at Blandburg UMC” via Western PA UM Conference. “After the vote to stay with the United Methodist Church, only seven regular attendees remained in the dwindling congregation. Faced with this stark reality, the Hullihen family and their church community recognized the need for radical change. Around three weeks into the new year, they made a momentous decision – to shift their traditional service, which had been in place for a century, into a service focused on inclusion and specifically tailored for the special needs community.” (Added 12-14-2023)
“Joy, hope, and energy amid the struggle” by John Carney via Medium. “Secular news coverage makes it seem like the United Methodist Church is on its deathbed, but I’ve seen something different.” (Added 12-14-2023)
[Update: Rick Danielson reached out to report that the first pic is actually from First UMC in Jonesboro, Georgia, not Arkansas. The post-er agrees and has deleted the tweet.] Tweet by Stephen Fife: “A tale of 2 pictures…[photos linked] Advent at two different Methodist churches in Jonesboro, AR. StayUMC kept the building and the debt but lost the people. (Meeting in the chapel because there’s not enough for the sanctuary) This is what we should have avoided at all costs.” (Added 12-13-2023)
“Drag ‘Sister’ Indulges Episcopal Washington National Cathedral” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. “Liturgical readings were offered ‘in honor of black trans lives,’ ‘A Prayer for My Queer and Trans Siblings’ and a prayer thanking God ‘for creating us in your holy image, with a wide range of genders and sexualities that reflect your own sacred diversities.'” (Added 12-13-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “7658 churches approved for exit from United Methodism, while to my knowledge 7 were refused exit for vindictive reasons & with destructive results. But the Gospel moves forward.” (Added 12-13-2023)
“More congregations are ditching the United Methodist Church over LGBTQ issues (Livestream)” by Friendly Atheist (YouTube). Outside perspective and analysis. (Added 12-13-2023)
“Regionalization Series, Part 4: What does the proposed regionalization plan do — and not do?” by Taylor Burton Edwards via UM Communications. “More than simply a new name for central conferences, regional conferences would have more explicit and clearly defined powers than their predecessors. Since one of the regions would be the United States, United Methodists there would have, for the first time, authority to adapt the Discipline in the same ways that every other regional conference would be able to do.” (Added 12-13-2023)
“2023 UMC Overview and What to Expect in 2024” by Dalton & Tomich (YouTube). An attorney representing a number of exiting UMC churches offers perspectives on where things stand and what might be ahead. (Added 12-12-2023)
“Monitoring Report of The United Methodist Church Western Jurisdiction Trial of Bishop Minerva Carcaño” by UMC General Commission on Status and Role of Women (PDF). “This trial has shed light on the lack of uniformity of process and related practices across the denomination. The United Methodist Church has an opportunity to learn and to develop practices which reflect the highest standards in resolving formal complaints in a timely manner.” (Added 12-12-2023)
“Light That Candle! Advent as a Season of Resistance” by Suzanne Nicholson via Firebrand Magazine. “In response to horrors of war occurring in Israel and Gaza, the Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church has called for a change in the lighting of the Advent candles this season. The second candle, traditionally symbolizing peace, is normally lit on the second Sunday of Advent and subsequent Sundays; Global Ministries has called for this candle to remain unlit in memory of those killed in the Holy Land. It seems an odd gesture…” (Added 12-12-2023)
“Ghost of Christmas Past…or Christmas Future? Decolonization comes to the UMC General Conference Delegates in 2024” by Scott Field via WCA. Includes a statement from the Northern Nigeria Conference against the Christmas covenant regionalization legislation. (Added 12-12-2023)
“What I Learned from the Closing of Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church: Bishops Have Way Too Much Power” by Paul Stallsworth via Firebrand Magazine. Includes three suggestions for checking excessive episcopal power. (Added 12-12-2023)
“Former United Methodist members form new churches as disaffiliation rule nears expiration” by Will Blakely via 1819 News. “According to the GMC’s Emerald Coast Conference Director of New Church Start-Ups Rusty Hutson, new churches have formed from churchgoers who left congregations like Auburn United Methodist Church (AUMC) and First United Methodist Church Montgomery (FUMC), both of which remained in the UMC.” (Added 12-12-2023)
“5 Reasons Why Non-Denominational Churches Are Growing” by Thom Rainer via Church Answers. “The UMC has been in a steady decline for years, but that decline has been exacerbated by the departure of thousands of congregations in the past three years. The denomination’s membership decline will likely be 40 percent from its peak after the full effect of the disaffiliation movement transpires. UMC attendance in the United States has fallen from around 3 million to about 2 million. The numbers again will likely be much worse after the full disaffiliation effect takes place.” (Added 12-11-2023)
Post by Nuhu Absalom via UM Clergy Facebook Page . “Just now we started the special called session today Monday 11/12/2023 [12-11-2023] to take a crucial decision regarding the future of this church. Pray for the guidance of the holy spirit. Bishop John Wesley presiding .” See also here. (Added 12-11-2023)
Post by Nuhu Absalom via UM Clergy Facebook Page . The procession yesterday was magnificent. Centenary celebration ended yesterday in praise under the Leadership of Bishop John Wesley. Any liar who will be posting on Facebook that the rebellion group are majority he is doing nothing but spreading missinformation. As you can see from the procession. Plss use your head to count in this video how many clergy are here with Bishop yohanna. Then go to the page of those rebelling and count how many clergy they have. Only few with their hired clergy from other factions. This is the UMC connection. We love everybody and we have our beliefs.” (Added 12-11-2023)
“LGBTQ and the Methodist church” by Athena via Medium. “This proposal, while not yet formalized, represents a significant change from the church’s previous position, which considered same-sex marriages “incompatible with Christian teaching” and barred “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” from ordination.” (Added 12-11-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “Thx sort of. Many worked decades to reform United Methodism. Split was next best option. Grateful for new community of nearly 8000 churches committed to replanting Methodism in USA with millions overseas.” In response to this.(Added 12-11-2023)
Post by David Livingston via UM Clergy Facebook Group: “Sometimes when I complain that radical right-wingers in the UMC have conspired to tear down the denomination I get push back. If you don’t believe me, I offer you the opening to the latest fundraising letter from Mark Tooley and the IRD. This is about tearing down, not building up, and he explicitly says it comes from years of work:” (Added 12-11-2023)
“Months after schism, former and current United Methodist churches pick up the pieces” by Julie Marusa via the Tribune Review. “This year marks the first Christmas since almost 40% of churches in the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church officially disaffiliated from — in a word, left — the denomination.” (Added 11-12-2023)
“Weekend vote ends mass exodus of MS Methodist churches for 2023. See UMC churches leaving” by Ross Reily via Clarion Ledger. “”I know this disaffiliation process has been tough. You aren’t being honest if you say that isn’t the case,” Lewis said in Tupelo. “I wanted after we voted to have a service of blessing. … It is not blessing them to leave. I am blessing to go and be what God has called them to be. … I want all of y’all to stay. But I have to have the faith that clergy, laity and faith communities took the time to pray about their next steps. Also, if we are honest, it has been tense. I wanted this to be a time and a space we could put all of that down.” (Added 12-11-2023)
Overheard: All eight churches approved by 97% in the New Mexico Confereence special session on December 9. See New Mexico Special Session via NM Conference. A recording of the special session will be available son. (Added 12-9-2023)
Overheard: All 142 churches presented by the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Conference were approved for exit. (Added 12-9-2023)
Special Called Session of the Mississippi Conference. The December 9 main session begins at 10 am Central Time at Anderson UMC in Jackson. 142 additional disaffiliations anticipated. “The called annual conference session will be livestreamed and available through conference media.” (Added 12-9-2023)
“The Marks of a Methodist 5: Freedom” by Thomas Lambrecht via Good News. “The most controversial mark of a Methodist is perhaps the freedom given to its clergy and laity. We shall see that freedom is not absolute and has perhaps been taken further in current Methodism than Wesley or even Kennedy would have allowed.” (Added 12-9-2023)
“Celebrating 150 years of Methodism in Mexico” by Paul Jeffrey via UMNS. “While the Methodist Church of Mexico has enjoyed a special concordat relationship with The United Methodist Church, the relationship has been troubled of late by spillover from the disaffiliation movement in the U.S.” (Added 12-9-2023)
Post by Jarrell Wilson via UM Clergy Facebook Page. A November 25 post in support of changing the UM Cross and Flame logo has garnered over 200 comments. (Added 12-8-2023)
“Bishops discuss regionalization legislation” via United Methodist Videos (YouTube). “Eight United Methodist bishops representing episcopal areas in Africa, Europe, the Philippines and the United States share why they believe the proposed regionalization legislation will help The UMC to be more connectional, contextual, equitable and just in its organization. The regionalization plan will be presented at General Conference 2020.” (Added 12-8-2023)
“‘Just Like Me’ VBS Aims to Teach Acceptance and Community” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “Reconciling Ministries Network introduced a new VBS program, “Just Like Me: Digging In and Growing Deep” on Nov. 15. “Just Like Me” offers a multigenerational resource that teaches the virtues that build “the beloved community” of Jesus’ gospel, said Reconciling Ministries resources director the Rev. Emily Bagwell (who uses she/her pronouns)…. Bagwell said the development process had excellent coaching and support from both Cokesbury, the retail arm of the United Methodist Publishing House, and Discipleship Ministries, the program agency responsible for educational resources… ‘RMN has never been in the business of grooming,’ said Bagwell.” (Added 12-8-2023)
“A Future for Protestantism” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “This week I joined Robert Nicholson and Dominique Hoffman of the Philos Project on their weekly podcast The Deep Map to discuss division in the United Methodist Church and the challenges Protestantism faces in an age of radical secularism.” (Added 12-8-2023)
“Alabama-West Florida Conference Delegation Provides Update Leading into 2024” via Alabama-West Florida Conference. “It is expected that several conferences will share a bishop starting in 2024. The delegation members welcome sharing an episcopal area with North Alabama and/or continuing with South Georgia.” (Added 12-8-2023)
Tweet by Jeff Walton: “Note that total ratified United Methodist disaffiliations have now passed 7,500, exceeding our highest forecast. More to come this Saturday.” [See also this Tweet by Christianity Today’s Megan Fowler] (Added 12-8-2023)
“Updated statement from Oregon-Idaho Conference leadership dispelling Trinity UMC Eugene rumors” by Kristen Caldwell via Oregon-Idaho Conference. “Because rumors and harmful statements about the pastoral leadership of the church have been spread leading up to, and in the wake of this decision, it is incumbent upon The Oregon-Idaho Conference to shed more light on a harmful situation. While doing this, we acknowledge there are many faithful members of the congregation not involved in the situation who wished for a more peaceful resolution. We very much wished for that, too.” (Added 12-8-2023)
“WCA Fundraising to Sabotage GC” via Mainstream UMC. A fundraising e-mail pitched against WCA’s “Fair for All” Campaign. (Added 12-8-2023)
“Bishop Berlin’s Sour Goodbye” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “A reflection on a strange farewell – This segment deals with the conclusion to the recent ‘special called’ Florida Conference, at which they said goodbye to another 74 local churches. The bishop had some choice words for people who ‘did not leave in peace.’ What could this mean?” (Added 12-7-2023)
“Leaders Reconnect, Reflect on Hispanic/Latino Ministry” by Gustav Vasquez via UM Insight. “Disaffiliations, affecting 13.4% of Hispanic-Latino churches, were discussed as well. This presents a challenge to Hispanic-Latino ministry, leaders said, but also an opportunity, as many felt that this moment might create the space and the agility in The United Methodist Church to be intentional about developing more ethnically diverse congregations.” (Added 12-7-2023)
“Nebraska church survives turmoil with eye on future” by David Burke via Great Plains UM Conference. Recovery after story: “Several people in leadership roles in the church left and left rather abruptly.” Suzanne Wendorff, secretary of the church council, said. “It caused some great holes in the framework of our church.” Attendance had gone from 100 to an average of 64. The former Morning Star UMC, which Callaway was yoked with, voted to disaffiliate and immediately joined the Global Methodist Church, and those in Callaway who voted to leave flocked there.” (Added 12-7-2023)
“Facing the Future” by Miguel Padilla via Rio Texas UM Conference. “The General Council Of Religion and Race (GCORR) perceives we are living in a similar situation across our denomination, and I see this too. This is because multiple conferences are in the process of disaffiliation. Others are trying to forecast what will happen at General Conference, Jurisdictional Conference, and Annual Conference. Many local churches are figuring out the new normal. We are letting ourselves be consumed by speculations and uncertainty.” (Added 12-7-2023)
“‘Move Toward a New Horizon’” by James Deaton via the Michigan Conference. Report on the November 30 special session in which 62 churches were approved for disaffiliation. (Added 12-7-2023)
“142 more MS United Methodist churches set to leave fold in Saturday vote. See which ones” by Ross Reily via Clarion Ledger. “This year is not the first time churches have chosen to leave the denomination over the same issues. It is just the largest group to do so as a combined 331 of the 856 (38.7%) fully connected members are expected to be allowed to disaffiliate in 2023. Leading up to this year, a total of 55 churches disaffiliated from the conference with seven leaving in 2019, 11 in 2020, 23 in 2021 and 14 in 2022.” (Added 12-7-2023)
“COB calls for hope, joy, love and especially peace this Christmas” via UMC Council of Bishops. Bishop Bickerton: The peace candle is harder to light this year with wars, gun violence, and climate change. He leaves the peace candle unlit for much of the video, lighting it at the end. Context: There is a call among some Christians to leave the peace candle unlit in 2023 in protest of Israeli actions in Gaza. (Added 12-6-2023)
“Florida Methodist Conference approves departures of 74 more churches” via Lakeland Ledger. “It was the final round of requests for disaffiliations before the global denomination holds its worldwide meeting next year. The Florida Conference, based in Lakeland, had previously approved the departures of 175 congregations, or about 33% of the total membership.” (Added 12-6-2023)
“Over 260 Georgia churches break away from United Methodist Church over LGBTQ issues” via WXIA. “Embry Hills United Methodist Church pastor said he’s never seen an exodus this big.” (Added 12-6-2023)
“‘A solemn day’: 51 Illinois churches leave UMC amid homosexuality schism” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “Bishop Frank J. Beard spoke in advance of the vote, calling the occasion “a solemn day” because those leaving the UMC “have played an important role in the life of this conference and in the life of many of us.” (Added 12-6-2023)
“Advent Hope for a Genuine Methodist Revival” by Luther Oconer via GMC. “We are on the cusp of the next rebirth of Methodism. This is why I don’t see the GMC as a mere default destination for those who have made the exodus. I am in the GMC because I believe that God is not yet done with Methodism, otherwise, I would have gone elsewhere. I believe Methodism is not yet a spent movement, or to use the words of Wesley, ‘a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power.’” (Added 12-6-2023)
“For Every People and Nation: What is Fair for Some Should Be Fair for All” by Scott Field via WCA. “The Wesleyan Covenant Association is committed to informing, assisting, and advocating for every United Methodist congregation to end up where it wants to be at the close of this season of denominational disaffiliation. Our commitment includes not only evangelicals/traditionalists and progressives/liberationists, not only UMs in the United States, but also United Methodists in Africa, the Philippines, and Europe.” (Added 12-5-2023)
“Making Disciples in Liberian United Methodism through Self-Support [Firebrand Big Read]” by Jerry Kulah via Firebrand. Jerry Kulah offers thoughts about how Methodism can move forward in Liberia absent denominational support. (Added 12-5-2023)
“Room at the inn, courtesy of Hispanic church” by Sam Hodges via UMNS. “After First United Methodist Church of Seguin voted in February to disaffiliate, some members chose to remain with the denomination and have been meeting for worship. La Trinidad United Methodist Church of Seguin has taken the lead in helping the new group, with other churches of the Rio Texas Conference providing support as well.” (Added 12-5-2023)
[Updated 12-4-2023] Upcoming special sessions: Mississippi (Dec. 9, 142 anticipated disaffiliations, 232 previous exits), New Mexico Conference (December 9, Zoom), Texas Conference (December 14, Zoom). (Added 10-26-2023)
Overheard: [The 142 listed for disaffiliation in Mississippi [should have been a little higher except for some heartbreaking votes at several big churches in Mississippi. Each has a church plant already or in the works. St. Matthews in Madison (61% to leave), First UMC in Starkville (65.76% to leave), and Central in Meridian (58% to leave after significant exodus under vocally #StayUMC pastor) most prominent among them. (Added 12-4-2023)
“Ballot for the December 9 Special Called Session” via The Mississippi UM Conference. 142 churches listed for ratification. (Added 12-4-2023)
“January 2024 Projected Appointment Changes” via North Georgia Conference. New church starts and new appointments in the aftermath of the November 18 disaffiliations. (Added 12-4-2023)
“74 churches granted disaffiliation from UMC Florida Conference amid homosexuality schism” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. Reporting on the December 2 special session and context of the lawsuit dismissed earlier this year. (Added 12-4-2023)
“Sexuality, Theology, and the Church – The UMC in Crisis Interview with Rev. Jeffrey Rickman” via Heart t Heart (YouTube). Dr. Lee Valentine “Interview with Rev. Jeffrey Rickman, a former clergy in the United Methodist Church, and currently an Elder with the Global Methodist Church in Nowata, Ok.” (Added 12-3-2023)
“From Unity to Division: The United Methodist Church Split Demystified” via Church History Short Stories via YouTube. “Whether it’s a megachurch like the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Kansas or a small church like New Hope United Methodist, everyone is affected by the events of the United Methodist schism. The UMC Disaffiliation process, and the way it came about, can be hard to understand. This short video will help to clear up some mystery.” (Added 12-3-2023)
Overheard: Five churches were approved for disaffiliation at a December 2 special session of the North Texas Conference, held in person at Richardson First UMC: Oak Grove (Decatur), Boxelder (Annona), Como, Floyd, and Kemp. (Added 12-3-2023)
Post via WCA of Florida (Facebook). “This year, [The Florida UM Conference] conducted the disaffiliation process with kindness, and in a professional and thoughtful way. This provided a pathway for 175 churches to disaffiliate from the United Methodist church during the three special called sessions of the Florida Annual Conference. We wish them well on their continuing journey in the UMC.” (Added 12-3-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “Today (12-2-2023) 147 more churches exited United Methodism from Florida (74), Illinois Great Rivers (51), Rio Texas (17), now totaling 7499, with more to go.” (Added 12-3-2023)
“With disaffiliation complete, the Florida Conference looks to a united future” by Joe Henderson via The Florida UM Conference. ““We must simply acknowledge today that some people insulted those who are pleased to remain United Methodists. This small portion has judged us in the worst ways,” he said. “Some in this small portion have spread lies and gossip about our church. These persons have sown the seeds of division. Sadly, they’ve chosen to violate the unity of the body of Christ, which our Lord Jesus Christ prayed for in John 17.” (Added 12-3-2023)
[Updated 12-2-2023] Upcoming special sessions: Mississippi (Dec. 9, 142 anticipated disaffiliations, 232 previous exits), New Mexico Conference (December 9, Zoom), Texas Conference (December 14, Zoom). (Added 10-26-2023)
Post by Jimmy Boone via Facebook. “Updated: Dec. 2, 2023: We are now at 7,499 which is 25% of the 30,000 original total of U.M. Churches in the US (in 2021.)” (Added 12-2-2023)
Overheard: All seventeen churches were approved by the Rio Texas Conference special session on December 2. (Added 12-2-2023)
“Now What?” by Warren Lathem via Facebook. The aftermath in North Georgia described, along with a call for renewal. (Added 12-2-2023)
Overheard: The Florida Conference approved 74 disaffiliations via an online special session held at 10 am on December 2, 2023. 593 votes were cast. 557 yes. 36 no. (93.9%). View a transcript of notable comments here, including a speech by Rev. Emily Shughart stating that disaffiliation is a vote of no confidence in these congregations to represent the mission of the UMC, and a call by Bishop Berlin for a group within the disaffiliating group that need to repent for their behavior. (Added 12-2-2023)
Overheard: The Illinois Great Rivers Conference approved 51 disaffiliations at a 10 am online special session. The motions were grouped into one omnibus motion, approved 313 to 47 (86.9%). (Added 12-2-2023)
“62 Michigan churches leave UMC amid schism over homosexuality” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “The dim glimmer of new horizons is perhaps growing less dim. Perhaps even a little brighter,” said Bard. “Isaac and Ishmael standing at the grave of their father Abraham. They cannot stand there forever.” (Added 12-2-2023)
“As Methodists Disaffiliate from the Mainline Liberal Denomination, Traditionalists Unite” by Kate Quiñones via Catholic Vote. John Lomperis interviewed in this report for a Catholic audience. (Added 12-2-2023)
Post by Jimmy Boone via Facebook. “Updated: Dec. 1, 2023. We are now at 7,352 which is 24.530% of the 30,000 original total of U.M. Churches in the US (in 2021.) When remaining ACs with estimates are added we will be at 7,500 (with no estimates from 6 ACs)” (Added 12-2-2023)
Tweet by Chris Ritter: “The ruling also clarifies that abstentions are not votes. In many church conference votes, conferences have been counting abstentions against the 2/3 majority needed.” (Added 12-1-2023)
“Bishop Issues Answer to Question of Law from 2023 Special Session” via North Georgia Conference. “Based on the foregoing provisions from Robert’s Rules, Trinity UMC – Rome’s disaffiliation request should have been ratified because the 695 affirmative votes that were cast exceed the threshold of what constitutes a ruling majority for that Annual Conference vote, which in this case was 694.5 affirmative votes.” (Added 12-1-2023)
“Rio Texas Conference – Lawsuit Update & Final Disaffiliations” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “In May of this year, the Rio Texas Conference of the UMC filed suit against 40 of its own churches because negotiations around disaffiliation had broken down. Both sides have spent a good deal of money on litigation, and it remains to be seen which will prevail. Meanwhile, 17 churches are appearing before their assembled conference body this Saturday, seeking ratification of their disaffiliations from the conference. This segment deals with the history of the conference, the events leading up to the lawsuit and where things currently stand, and the implications of potential legal eventualities.” (Added 12-1-2023)
“December 2 Special Session” via Illinois Great Rivers Conference. The livestream link for the 10 am special session at which 51 disaffiliations will be considered. (Added 12-1-2023)
“FUMC-Jonesboro names new senior pastor” via KAIT (AR). “In a post on Facebook, First United Methodist Church announced Rev. David Hoffman will be replaced by Rev. Dr. Michael Roberts…. The post did not say why there was a change… FUMC went through turmoil earlier this year when the congregation voted to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.” (Added 12-1-2023)
“Finding a Renewed Hope After Disaffiliation” by Amy Graham via The West Ohio Conference. “The process of disaffiliation at both churches was frustrating and hurtful. Before the vote, there wasn’t space available at either church to discuss the issue. Barbara said, “There was just this unspoken cloud hanging over us at all times. There was a feeling the leadership knew the direction they wanted to take the church and only included people in conversations who thought like them and agreed with them.” (Added 12-1-2023)
Post by Jack Harnish via Facebook. On the MI special session: “So it is done. The final list of 62 disaffiliating churches was approved, and regrettably, they get to take the family farm with them, properties like the one my father-in-law helped build in Lapeer. I’m glad Burdette isn’t here to see this. But the 85% or UM Churches in Michigan will go on. Thanks be to God.” (Added 11-30-2023)
[Updated 11-30-2023] Upcoming special sessions: Florida (Dec. 2 (Zoom), 74 anticipated disaffiliations), Illinois Great Rivers (Dec. 2, 51 anticipated disaffiliations), North Texas (Dec. 2, five anticipated disaffiliations), Rio Texas (Dec. 2, 17 churches listed), Mississippi (Dec. 9, 82 anticipated disaffiliations, 232 previous exits), New Mexico Conference (December 9, Zoom), Texas Conference (December 14, Zoom). (Added 10-26-2023)
Overheard: The Michigan Conference approved 62 disaffiliations by 98% in a single motion via an online conference session. Another congregation was approved for closure. (Added 11-30-2023)
“The Politics of Holy Conferencing with Mark Holland” via The Bar of the Conference Podcast. “He is Executive Director of Mainstream UMC, a United Methodist advocacy group working for unity in the Body of Christ. Mark has a public voice within the UMC, but this interview reveals more of his personal journey into ministry, his years in public service in Kansas City, Kansas, and his commitment to inclusion within the denomination. Mark understands the politics of the UMC and is not afraid to be provocative.” (Added 11-30-2023)
“Gospel Clarity with Rev. Molly Vetter” via Bar of the Conference Podcast. “Molly is an elder in the California-Pacific Annual Conference and serves as senior pastor of the Westwood United Methodist Church in Los Angeles. In our conversation, we talk about her upbringing as the daughter of a UM pastor, her journey in exploring her call to ministry and her thoughts on how our denomination has been held captive by our disagreements around human sexuality. Molly reminds us of our Gospel commitment to love, grace, justice and inclusion.” (Added 11-30-2023)
“A General Conference for Mission and Ministry with Rev. Caleb S. G. Dormah” via Bar of the Conference Podcast. “Caleb is an ordained elder in the Liberia Annual Conference, where he serves as the conference director of ministry to at-risk youth. He also serves as the West Central Conference Regional Coordinator for the United Methodist Africa Forum… You will also hear his heart for the UMC and why he believes regionalization is our best next step in keeping our denomination united on the African continent and worldwide.” (Added 11-30-2023)
“The Core Values of our Unity with Christine Flick” via Bar of the Conference Podcast. “Christine is the conference lay leader in the Germany South Annual Conference. She lives near Stuttgart, Germany and has served on various committees and boards at multiple levels of the denomination. Christine helps is understand the perspectives of United Methodists in Germany. She speaks with clarity about her desire for us to be a worldwide Church that listens to each other and honors the unique challenges within our regional contexts.” (Added 11-30-2023)
“Michigan Conference Special Session Livestream” via Facebook. Begins at 7 pm Eastern on November 30 with 62 anticipated disaffiliations. See also here. Single motion to be voted. Another church is voted to close. (Added 11-30-2023)
“United Methodist Leader Bishop Nihwatiwa to Retire Next Year” via The Herald (Zimbabwe). Two church members taking legal action to secure his retirement and make sure the bishop does not interfere with the right to disaffiliate from the UMC. See also “FEATURED NATIONAL: United Methodist Church In Zim Bishop Fired Over Gay” via Zim Eye (Zimbabwe). (Added 11-30-2023)
“Methodist Conference will vote on departures for another 74 churches in Florida” by Gary White via Lakeland Ledger. “Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church includes more than 500 churches. A total of 175 congregations, or about 33%, have already been granted departures from the conference at previous meetings.” (Added 11-30-2023)
“Fair For Some Fair For All: A Wesleyan Covenant Association Initiative” by WCA. “The Wesleyan Covenant Association believes, and we believe most fair-minded United Methodists also believe, that what is fair for some should be fair for all. The UMC will be unable to turn the page on this season of disaffiliation unless all congregations have been provided with the option of choosing their preferred future.” (Added 11-30-2023)
“5,200 churches exit UMC in 2023 over LGBTQ+ policies” via Faith On View. “The United Methodist Church (UMC) is experiencing significant division over its stance on homosexuality, resulting in over 7,000 congregations leaving the denomination since 2019. More than 5,200 churches have disaffiliated in 2023 alone.” (Added 11-30-2023)
Post by Bill Pascoe via UM Clergy Facebook Group. A poll about changing the cross and flame logo has 711 votes. The overall support for keeping the logo is 55/45. But those under 50 prefer to change the logo. (Added 11-30-2023)
“Scott Jones’ Support for Regionalization” by David Livingston. “Staying at the Table by then United Methodist Bishop (and my bishop) Scott Jones gave a strong defense of unity for the denomination even with our many disagreements. Much water has passed under the bridge since Jones wrote, but I recently read through it again and was reminded of why even today I yearn more for unity than separation, even as I acknowledge that separation is now unavoidable. One piece that Jones advocated for still has legs – what we now call regionalization.” (Added 11-30-2023)
“Toccoa Congregations Split from UMC Denomination” by Jessica Waters via WNEG (Ga.). “Last week, WNEG News sat down with the pastor at Toccoa First, Rev. Brent White, to talk about what led to the growing division among the denomination, and Toccoa First’s decision to join those breaking from the United Methodist Church.” (Added 11-30-2023)
“Emergency exit: Thousands of congregations leave the United Methodist Church ahead of a year-end disaffiliation deadline” by Elizabeth Russell via World. “The Book of Discipline has kept, and even strengthened, that orthodox statement on human sexuality ever since. But the UMC rarely enforces any of its doctrinal statements; in fact, its leaders often encourage flagrant disregard. Because the denomination’s accountability structures are regional, a few liberal bishops in high positions pave the way for others beneath them. Two top bishops are currently involved in openly gay relationships. Denial of Scripture, references to God as female or some vague animistic force, and celebration of transgenderism and homosexuality are common.” (Added 11-30-2023)
“United Methodist split: changing signs hint at upheaval” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “The disaffiliation vote not only split the church, it split up some couples on Sunday mornings. “We have some wives in this church, but the husbands in that church,” Gonia said. (Added 11-30-2023)
“Churches leaving United Methodist conference in north Georgia face Thursday deadline” by Wayne Ford via Athens Banner-Herald. “‘I suspect at our next general conference in 2024, a much smaller denomination will approve the ordination of LGBTQ members and same sex marriage. But that’s my opinion,’ University of Georgia professor of Religion and Native American Studies Jace Weaver said Wednesday.” (Added 11-30-2023)
“Closure of Oregon Church Under ‘Exigent Circumstances’ Leads to Protests” via UM Insight. Compilation of coverage on the closure of Trinity UMC in Eugene, OR. (Added 11-29-2023)
Post by Skipper Lawson via Facebook. “Disaffiliation and the Estimated Impact on Membership and Church Attendance-2023 and the Coming General Conferences 2024-2028.” (Added 11-29-2023)
“Regionalization Series, Part 3: Regionalization requires effective communication” by Taylor W. Burton Edwards via Ask the UMC. “At the most basic level, every regional conference will need its own website or share a common website where it posts regularly updated information about the adaptations it and its annual conferences have made. Currently, several central conferences and a large percentage of their annual conferences do not have websites, or, if they do, they are not complete or up to date.” (Added 11-29-2023)
“Another One: Trinity UMC in Eugene CLOSED” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “The United Methodist Church continues closing churches against their will in what Chris Ritter has termed “connectional cannibalism.” Some churches closed lean right or center-right. Yet a couple of weeks ago, the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference closed a Reconciling Ministries church AGAINST THEIR WILL. They saw it coming a mile away, named it, fought it, and the DS came to worship and announced they would be closed and can no longer worship there.” (Added 11-29-2023)
“Finding My Way Home” by Art Collins. ” I said that I wasn’t leaving because of the controversies over doctrine or sexuality; after all, The UMC still officially agreed with me. But I couldn’t stay where promises weren’t stable, covenants weren’t stable, where the caprice of the powerful made up the rules as we went along. “Sin is lawlessness,” I told the bishop, quoting St. John, and I could no longer be associated with the lawlessness of The UMC.” (Added 11-29-2023)
“December 2, 2023 Special Session Information Guide” via The Florida Conference. 74 church disaffiliations to be ratified. (Added 11-29-2023)
[Updated 11-29-2023] Upcoming special sessions: Michigan (Nov. 30, 62 anticipated disaffiliations), Florida (Dec. 2 (Zoom), 74 anticipated disaffiliations), Illinois Great Rivers (Dec. 2, 51 anticipated disaffiliations), North Texas (Dec. 2, five anticipated disaffiliations), Rio Texas (Dec. 2, 17 churches listed), Mississippi (Dec. 9, 82 anticipated disaffiliations, 232 previous exits), New Mexico Conference (December 9), Texas Conference (December 14). Note: A NWTX conference previously anticipated for December was held Oct. 23 with 5 disaffiliations. A majority of that conference disaffiliated previously. (Added 10-26-2023)
“Special Session Set for Thursday” via Michigan UM Conference. Agenda and motions available for the November 30 special session at 7pm via Zoom. Sixty-two churches to disaffiliate and another to close. (Added 11-29-2023)
“Church closed under exigent circumstances” via UMNS Daily Digest. “The Rev. John Tucker, the church’s district superintendent, said a combination of factors led to the decision, including “difficulty electing trusted leaders, exhaustion from existing leaders, a culture of distrust that includes anonymous agents seeking to undermine the pastoral team and lack of trust with staff.” Some church members gathered to protest the closure on the church’s front lawn on Nov. 26. Read conference story. Read KVAL story. Read the Rev. Tucker’s letter” (Added 11-29-2023)
“A Pentecost Vision for Scripture: A Review of Cheryl Bridges Johns’ Re-Enchanting The Text: Discovering the Bible as Sacred, Dangerous, and Mysterious” by Matthew Sichel via Firebrand Magazine. “The emergence of the Global Methodist Church has initiated conversations on a variety of theological topics. In each case, the objective is to build something that is faithful to Wesley’s vision and theology. One such conversation centers on how Wesleyan Christians handle the Bible, and old positions persist, turning on words like inerrancy, infallibility, and authority. Because of this, moving the discussion forward toward consensus is challenging.” (Added 11-28-2023)
“Dandelions in December” by Scott Field via WCA. “The network of the WCA and the rapidly growing Global Methodist Church are both part of God’s relentless initiative that all should hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, be welcomed into a community of love, worship, witness, and service, and be sent out together, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, for the healing of the world in Jesus’ name in preparation for his return.” (Added 11-28-2023)
“SEJ Black Methodist for Church Renewal meets in Charlotte” by Kevin Kosh, Jr. via South Carolina Advocate. “The SEJ-BMCR gathering focused on how during the transition and uncertainty of The United Methodist Church because of disaffiliation, the Black church can still boldly proclaim that there still is hope and a future.” (Added 11-28-2023)
“Several area churches disaffiliate from United Methodist Church” by Gil Pound via Union-Recorder (Milledgeville, GA). “Those churches that do not satisfy all obligations by 30 days following the disaffiliation date will have their disaffiliation agreements marked null and void, meaning they would remain UMC members should they not comply.” (Added 11-28-2023)
“United Methodist congregations leaving denomination tops 7,000” Alan Goforth via Metro Voice News (Kansas City). “While thousands of congregations across the United States have disaffiliated under the parameters of paragraph 2553, some congregations have either had their disaffiliation votes rejected by their regional conferences or have faced other obstacles in their bids to leave. Some of these churches have filed legal action against their respective conferences, accusing them of either not properly following the disaffiliation process or arguing that the process is unfair.” (Added 11-28-2023)
“547 churches have disaffiliated from UMC in Alabama conferences since November 2022 — What’s next?” by Will Blakely via 1819 News. “The [GMC] now has over 4,000 churches worldwide,” he explained. “Over 24% of the [UMC] Churches have now disaffiliated … Plus, that’s not counting all the churches that are dying. It’s also not counting the people who are just leaving in droves, the churches that did now leave, the church that did not disaffiliate or were not allowed to disaffiliate … They’re voting with their feet.” (Added 11-28-2023)
“The Death of Due Process?” by Chris Ritter via PeopleNeedJesus.org. Critique of the Louisiana UM bishop’s threat to revoke the healthcare benefits of retired clergy. (Added 11-27-2023)
Special Session via The Texas Conference. December 14 at 6pm Central Time. “The special session shall be held for the sole purpose of voting on the Texas Conference Board of Trustees’ recommendations for the churches disaffiliating per paragraph 2553.” (Added 11-27-2023)
[Updated 11-27-2023] Upcoming special sessions: Michigan (Nov. 30, 63 anticipated disaffiliations), Florida (Dec. 2 (Zoom), 71 anticipated disaffiliations), Illinois Great Rivers (Dec. 2, 51 estimated), North Texas (Dec. 2, five anticipated disaffiliations), Rio Texas (Dec. 2, 17 churches listed), Mississippi (Dec. 9, 82 anticipated disaffiliations, 232 previous exits), New Mexico Conference (December 9), Texas Conference (December 14). Note: A NWTX conference previously anticipated for December was held Oct. 23 with 5 disaffiliations. A majority of that conference disaffiliated previously. (Added 10-26-2023)
Rio Texas Special Session Information via Rio Texas Conference. The names of 17 disaffiliating churches has been added to the information about the December 2 Special Session. (Added 11-27-2023)
“Mountain View UMC joins Global Methodist Church after disaffiliation” by Wendy Parker via East Cobb News. “Combined with more than 70 congregations disaffiliating last year, the North Georgia Conference has been reduced from nearly 900 churches to 440. The South Georgia Conference has lost 60 percent of its churches in disaffiliation votes in the last two years.” (Added 11-27-2023)
“The United Methodist Church in Oklahoma is looking to positives after rift and exits” by Carla Hinton via The Oklahoman. “Hamilton wants to see 127 new churches started to replace those lost through disaffiliation. The minister said this is a goal that may be ambitious, but she thinks it can be done through Dream A Church, a regional conference initiative that she created.” See also PDF. (Added 11-27-2023)
“Here are the 142 Iowa congregations leaving the United Methodist Church” via The Des Moines Register (paywall). “About 19% of the congregations in Iowa’s United Methodist Church conference have chosen to split from the denomination over differing LGBTQ beliefs.” (Added 11-27-2023)
“Rev. Dr. Edward W. Williamson Joins Global Methodist Church and is Designated Bishop Emeritus” by Walter Fenton via GMC. “In 1984, he was part of a group of conservative clergy and churches that departed from the UM Church to join the Evangelical Methodist Church. In 1998, Williamson was elected bishop of the EM Church, and then re-elected every four years thereafter until 2018 when he retired. While an active bishop, he was instrumental in establishing EM Church conferences in Mexico, the Philippines, Myanmar, and among Congolese people in Africa, Canada, and Europe.” (Added 11-27-2023)
“Project Reconquista and The Militant Effort to Retake Mainline Denominations” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “On my live stream last week, I covered a crew of young folks trying to take back the mainline. Before people write them off, it is worth considering if they might have a chance to do some good.” (Added 11-26-2023)
Post by Doug Ezell via Facebook. “Below is a picture of a letter demanding that my credentials in the UMC be surrendered by December 31st and declaring that I will no longer receive my health care benefits if I continue to preach and teach in both United Methodist Churches and Global Methodist Churches. The same is being sent to other retired colleagues.” (Added 11-26-2023)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. “…In any organization large enough to have a staff structure that is in theory designed to support its line organization, over time the staff will absorb more and more of management’s attention to the neglect of the line organization to the point that it will appear to a dispassionate observer that the line operation functions to support the staff, rather than the intended other way around….” (Added 11-26-2023)
“Americans Under 30 Don’t Trust Religion — or Anything Else” by Jessica Grose via New York Times. “When the congregation he grew up in cut ties with the United Methodist denomination because it was too open to L.G.B.T.Q. rights, Moss said that even though he had moved away from religion at that point, it still felt like ‘a slap in the face.'” (Added 11-25-2023)
“Concerned New York United Methodists Issue Call for Anti-Racism Action” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. Reporting on the New York group calling for conference-level reparations for black and brown churches. (Added 11-24-2023)
“United Methodist split: 45 churches who sued bishop to disaffiliate file appeal to state Supreme Court” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “The Supreme Court did not grant a request for an emergency review, but plaintiffs’ attorney Jonathan Baile told AL.com he hoped that the state’s highest court will still rule in favor of the churches to ‘keep the churches’ right to disaffiliation from being taken from them.'” (Added 11-24-2023)
“20% of Iowa Methodist churches disaffiliate from United Methodist Church” by Conner Hendricks via KCRG. “Dawson says some of the more conservative churches are wanting to form a new denomination. ‘Part of the thought is that the United Methodist Church will meet again in 2024 and it’s expected, it’s hoped, that those provisions would be released and that we would move that restrictive language,’ Dawson said.” (Added 11-24-2023)
“Confessions of a Maverick – Part 1” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. “Still, some of us, even in the midst of division and disaffiliation, are staying with our mainline denominations because we want to encourage others who are staying (some without a choice) and we still pray for renewal within the churches we have loved and given ourselves to all of our lives.” (Added 11-24-2023)
“Four Challenges for Reconquista” by David Watson via Substack. “We have conducted a cost-benefit analysis. On the one hand, we can stay and fight for the soul of denominations for the rest of our lives. On the other, we can leave and form new denominations, focusing on the work of evangelism, mission, and service. We have commonly chosen the latter.” (Added 11-24-2023)
“Trinity” via TrinityUMC Eugene (YouTube). Reaction to the forced closure of Trinity UMC in Eugene, OR. (Added 11-22-2023)
Tweet by Chris Ritter: “Another example of Cannibalistic Connectionalism in the #UMC…” (Added 11-22-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “Closing & selling churches will become increasingly common in United Methodism. This church [Trinity in Eugene, Oregon] worth $4.8 million.” And here: “I’ve heard estimated value of USA United Methodist churches is $60 billion. With 25% exiting, about $45 billion left, which can go a long way.” (Added 11-22-2023)
“Giving Thanks (Even Now)” by Shannon Vowell via Good News. “Methodist schism, that necessary but excruciating process of separation, has put both profound evils and plebian peevishness on display in the Church – and Methodists of all stripes are the walking wounded.” Reminder that Thanksgiving became an official national holiday during the Civil War. (Added 11-22-2023)
“Trinity United Methodist Church in Eugene suddenly and permanently closes” by Rebecca Hansen-White via KLCC. “As of today, the property–both real and personal–purchased by the Trinity Church are under the authority, possession, and responsibility of the annual conference of trustees,” Tucker told the congregation, “There will be no worship services going forward.” The church is a reconciling congregation. See also the Save Trinity Website. View the announcement by the DS that mentions “difficulty electing trusted leaders… anonymous agents seeking to undermine the pastoral team.” (Added 11-22-2023)
“UMC leadership speaks out right after vote” via CNN. Video reporting following the Nov. 18 North Georgia vote. (Added 11-22-2023)
“Methodist Hymnal and Disaffiliations” via Guitars and Music (YouTube). A church musician argues against those who ask disaffiliating churches to turn in their UM hymnals. (Added 11-22-2023)
“Alabama Supreme Court to review Dothan’s Harvest Church lawsuit as UMC disaffiliation continues” by Grant Burdette via Yellowhammer News. “Harvest Church, one of Dothan’s largest churches, filed a lawsuit in November of 2022 seeking a restraining order against the United Methodist Church’s Alabama-West Florida District.” (Added 11-22-2023)
Tweet by Ryan Danker: “Independent Methodism is temporary Methodism.” (Added 11-22-2023)
“A Call for Accountability and Action” via NYAC Methodists in New Directions, et. al. A call for conference level reparation payments to black churches and other measures. ” However, after these many efforts, including countless hours of time given by members of the annual conference and $70,000 of annual conference funds, New York Annual Conference leadership disregarded the report and declined to engage in dialogue with the consultants. Meanwhile, racist systems and practices continue to harm the people and ministry of the New York Annual Conference.” (Added 11-22-2023)
Post by Jay Allred via Facebook: “I can honestly say that being on the losing side of a congregation disaffiliation vote may have been the best thing that has happened to my faith in years. I am amazed and in awe of what God has provided these last few months…” (Added 11-22-2023)
“Let Peace Reign” by Cara Nicklas via GMC. “As we launch the new Global Methodist Church, I appreciate the return to an emphasis on our Wesleyan family traditions. This past Sunday, the new church plant I am a part of declared the Apostles’ Creed and experienced the sacredness of Holy Communion. We had a guest preacher because we have no pastor at the moment (nor a name, nor a permanent location, nor a worship leader). There was nothing spectacular about the worship service except that the Holy Spirit was so near in the simplicity of it. There was no drama or conflict or crisis that hovered over the worship experience. There was a sweet, sweet spirit in the place.” (Added 11-22-2023)
Post by Sterling Allen via Facebook. On the Rome (N. GA) Trinity vote: “Wrong is wrong… The word “majority” in this context means, simply, more than half. The use of any other definition, such as 50 percent plus one, is apt to cause problems. Suppose in voting on a motion 17 votes are cast, 9 in favor and 8 opposed. Fifty percent of the votes cast is 8½ so that 50 percent plus one would be 9½. Under such an erroneous definition of a majority, one might say that the motion was not adopted because it did not receive 50 percent plus one of the votes cast, although it was, quite clearly, passed by a majority vote. [RONR (12th ed.) 44:1; see also p. 66 of RONR In Brief.]” (Added 11-22-2023)
“Methodists Leaving Church in Huge Numbers” by Hannah Hiester via Catholic Vote. “Traditionalist Methodists that reject LGBTQ ideology requested withdrawal with property from the Methodist denomination in recent years, meaning that they petitioned to disaffiliate from the denomination but still retain their church for worship. Under their church law, Methodists are allowed to request disaffiliation, but there are several challenges and requirements to overcome.” (Added 11-22-2023)
“Special Called Session Conference Workbook” via North Texas UM Conference. Five churches listed for disaffiliation, along with budgetary matters necessitated by earlier disaffiliations. (Added 11-21-2023)
“Untangling the Holiday Mashup” by Scott Field via WCA. “How about a bit of theological untangling as we head into the final month of our ongoing, church by church, conference by conference, disaffiliation conflict that is overshadowing our Methodist family?” (Added 11-21-2023)
[Updated 11-21-2023] Upcoming special sessions: Michigan (Nov. 30, 63 anticipated disaffiliations), Florida (Dec. 2 (Zoom), 71 anticipated disaffiliations), Illinois Great Rivers (Dec. 2, 51 estimated), North Texas (Dec. 2, five anticipated disaffiliations), Rio Texas (Dec. 2), Mississippi (Dec. 9, 82 anticipated disaffiliations, 232 previous exits). New Mexico Conference (December 9). Note: A NWTX conference previously anticipated for December was held Oct. 23 with 5 disaffiliations. A majority of that conference disaffiliated previously. (Added 10-26-2023)
Tweet by Liam Adams. “A few more special sessions for disaffiliations will occur at the end of this month and in December. My current disaffiliation total is 7,100+. Our state-by-state map is updated:” [image] (Added 11-21-2023)
“261 Georgia congregations part ways with United Methodist Church over LGBTQ divide” via The Times of India (New Delhi). “Decades-long disputes over sexuality and Scripture at the General Conference, the church’s top legislative body, intensified after the strengthening of bans on partnered LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage in 2019. Many Methodists anticipated an inevitable split in the second-largest Protestant denomination in the US.” (Added 11-21-2023)
“Dozens of United Methodist Churches in Iowa leave denomination after LGTBQ clergy rule change” by KCCI Des Moines. “Fifty-nine Iowa churches disagreed and will no longer be a part of the UMC. Earlier this year, 83 other Iowa churches disaffiliated themselves. It’s not clear what comes next for those churches.” (Added 11-21-2023)
“261 GA Churches Leave United Methodist Church in Ongoing LGBTQ Schism” by Steve Warren via CBN News. “A total of 186 congregations had sued the conference for the right to have their disaffiliation requests heard, CBN News reported in April. A Cobb County judge agreed “a church-level vote” must take place before the deadline, according to CNN. ” (Added 11-21-2023)
“Over 7,000 churches have left the UMC amid homosexuality schism” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “While thousands of congregations across the United States have disaffiliated from the UMC under the parameters of paragraph 2553, some congregations have either had their disaffiliation votes rejected by their regional conferences or have faced other obstacles in their bid to leave.” (Added 11-21-2023)
“North Georgia Congregations Vote to Leave United Methodist Church” by Dean Dyer via WRWH. Cleveland, GA local coverage. (Added 11-21-2023)
“These Churches Have Split Over LGBTQ Issues—As Hundreds More United Methodist Congregations Leave The Denomination” by Conor Murray via Forbes. “Given that we have been at an impasse, this is a grace-filled way to move forward. For one, LGBTQ lives will no longer be held as scapegoats for divisions in the church,” the UMC’s first lesbian bishop, Karen P. Oliveto, said after the UMC proposed splitting into separate entities. (Added 11-21-2023)
“Africa Initiative Speaks: Why Regionalization May Not Be an Option for the United Methodist Church in Africa” by Jerry Kulah via Firebrand Magazine. Regionalization is wrong for reasons listed. African traditionalists want the same opportunity to disaffiliate as American traditionalists. (Added 11-21-2023)
“Iowa Annual Conference Special Called Session Approves Disaffiliation of 59 United Methodist Churches” via Iowa Conference. “The Resolution for the Approval of Disaffiliation Under Paragraph 2553 of the Book of Discipline sunsets at the end of 2023. The Book of Discipline outlines the polity of The United Methodist Church, including its organization and procedures. The vote passed by 96%. All the disaffiliation agreements can be viewed in the Resolution. It includes 59 Iowa churches that will no longer be a part of The United Methodist Church, effective November 30, 2023.” (Added 11-20-2023)
“Board reviews spending on bishops, agencies” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “Disaffiliations have happened quicker than we anticipated and at a higher rate,” King said. “This has an impact on the quadrennial budget.” (Added 11-20-2023)
“About that North Georgia Special Session” by Chris Ritter via PNJ’s Team Caffeine. Information and perspectives on the November 18 special session in North Georgia. (Added 11-20-2023)
“Behind the ‘On Again Off Again’ 2026 General Conference” by Jeremy Smith via Hacking Christianity. “Why do these matter? The bishops have a lot more control over the agenda of a special session, and the delegates to the special session are the 2024 delegates, not the upcoming 2028 delegates. Conferences can elect new delegations to a special session if they wish, but the likelihood is low because they would elect new delegations to 2028 later in 2026 no matter what.” (Added 11-20-2023)
“United Methodist Exits Near 7300” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “Selling closed churches has filled the bank account of the North Georgia Conference, increasing five fold to $100 million. In the future, United Methodism will increasingly rely on closing and selling churches for income even as it loses millions of members. The denomination will essentially become a real estate firm.” (Added 11-20-2023)
Post by Bob Lester via Facebook. “Our disaffiliation vote at McEachern did not pass. Today we worshipped at another facility with 217 present. It was a God and Holy Spirit filled service. A significant number of McEachern’s active members joined us and rejected the UMC agenda. Additionally, our coffers overflowed to a staggering amount due to the generosity of these God and Bible loving people. In hindsight we are much better off. God is good.” (Added 11-20-2023)
Tweet by Jeff Walton: “In the future, United Methodism will increasingly rely on closing and selling churches for income even as it loses millions of members. The denomination will essentially become a real estate firm.” (Added 11-20-2023)
“Moving Forward Together with Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright” via Bar of the Conference Podcast. “We also talk about her journey into conference leadership, particularly in Indiana, and how she has navigated the last few years of institutional disruption. This conversation helps us think about the denomination we are becoming.” (Added 11-30-2023)
“Hundreds more US United Methodist congregations disaffiliate amid LGBTQ+ tensions” via The Guardian. A London newspaper picks up the AP coverage of the North Georgia exits. (Added 11-20-2023)
“Church of England’s ‘blessings’ for gay couples are not enough” by Rev Andrew Foreshew-Cain via The Guardian. “Progressive clergy are pretending this is a victory, that the C of E has agreed to accept gay relationships and will cheerfully offer these non-blessings to gay couples – gaslighting them about the reality of what is on offer.” (Added 11-20-2023)
“Methodist Church approves split of 261 Georgia congregations after LGBTQ+ divide” via Associated Press. “So far 7,286 congregations, many in the South and Midwest, have received approval to disaffiliate from the denomination since 2019, according to an unofficial tally by United Methodist News Service. Most of the disaffiliations, more than 5,000, occurred this year.” (Added 11-19-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “Yesterday North Georgia United Methodism refused exit for McEachern Memorial UMC, whose sanctuary this morning was mostly empty as many reconvened across street at funeral home to form new church. I’m told it took them just 11 hours to organize after the failed vote.” See also here. (Added 11-19-2023)
Overheard: “In order to save money, the North GA Conference chose not to pay their parliamentarian to be on site for the day’s special called Annual Conference. After the 50+1 vs simple majority debate surrounding Trinity UMC’s vote and the request for a special ruling, it seems that would have been money well spent.” (Added 11-19-2023)
Tweet by Smith Lilley. On the controversial ruling by N. Ga. bishop that the 695 to 694 vote on Rome Trinity did not meet the majority threshold for exit. “The JC ruling was clear. Disaffiliation church conferences required 2/3 of those present. AC votes are a majority of those present and voting. An abstention is a non-vote. Trinity Rome met the threshold. https://resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/judicial-council/judicial-council-decision-home/judicial-decisions/in-re-petition-for-declaratory-decision-from-the-council-of-bishops-re4…” When Katie Z. tweeted, “Unfortunately, an abstention is a vote. They could have not voted, but they voted to abstain,” Lilley replied, “That is not correct by Robert’s Rules.” and shared a photo quote from Robert’s Rules stating that an abstention does not count in the vote total. (Added 11-19-2023)(Added 11-19-2023)
Tweet by Greg West: “We walked from the building & from the UMC in Williamsburg, VA after we were singled out and denied disaffiliation, despite a 97% vote to leave. Now we are Daybreak GMC and we are excited about our present freedom and God’s future for us. Check us out at: http://daybreak.church” [photo] (Added 11-19-2023)
Post by Donnie Newsom via Facebook. “The day after McEachern Memorial UMC was not allowed to disaffiliate. Two services at 11:00am one at the church are stay UMC and the other across the street at a funeral home. [side-by-side picture of a near-empty sanctuary at McEachern Memorial and a full room at the funeral home. See also Post by Jessica LaGrone. (Added 11-19-2023)
Post by Jimmy Boone via Facebook. “Updated: Nov. 18, 2023. We are now at 7,296 which is 24.30% of the 30,000 original total of U.M. Churches in the US (in 2021.) When remaining ACs with estimates are added we will be at 7,500 (with no estimates from 6 ACs)” (Added 11-19-2023)
Livestream Video via McEachern Memorial UMC Facebook Page. At 55:30, Rev. Craig Hutto informs the church they will be staying UMC since the conference denied the disaffiliation request. Staff and leadership changes coming. At 7:10, a separate announcement was made to a largely empty sanctuary as many attended a new church start in Powder Springs. (Added 11-19-2023)
Livesteam Video via Griffin First UMC (8:27 mark). All administrative meetings are suspended by the conference… SPRC, Church Council, Trustees, Finance, and finances are frozen beyond budgets and salaries. This is a North Georgia church denied disaffiliation. (Added 11-19-2023)
Overheard: 217 in worship at this GMC plant in the McEachern UMC area. See Macland Community Church Plant Facebook Page. This is a new church start from a UM congregation denied disaffiliation on November 18. (Added 11-19-2023)
Tweet by Bill Stikes: “Shoutout to @ConnectNGUMC for freezing our assets and suspending our committees at Griffin 1st out of their “love for us” and in the “spirit of reconciliation” per the letter from our DS.” (Added 11-19-2023)
Post by David Donnan via Facebook. Images of the individual vote totals at the November 18 special session in North Georgia. (Added 11-19-2023)
Post by Michael McCord via Facebook. “11 pulled from north ga for individual discussions. The others were all approved. To clarify. Most (253) were approved at 80% as a block, as a consent agenda. Roberts allows items to be removed with a simple motion and second. 11 were pulled, and are being discussed/voted individually. Trinity was 695 to 694. By my math that is 50%, plus 1 person (and not 50.4, but 50.004). So that should work. Chancellor had some convoluted explanation. I asked Dan Parr about it, and he somewhat dodged the question, which tells me he likely already has a plan.
I’ll update this as the 11 are voted
Norcross is approved as individual
Fountain is NOT out
Alpharetta approved
Mt Pisgah approved
St John Atlanta approved
St. James Alpharetta approved
McEachern NOT
Trinity Rome approved (by one). Now she is saying NOT. 50.4 %. Should count…
Forsyth approved
Griffin NOT
Snellville approved” (Added 11-19-2023)
“Let’s Breathe in Hope” by Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai via bighamtsai.org. “This past year has been hard. It has been a time of recriminations, attacks on character, division and pain. Many have felt betrayed and have become estranged from colleagues and friends. Long-term relationships have been damaged. Churches have been divided.” (Added 11-19-2023)
“State Supreme Court to hear arguments from Harvest Church and Methodist Church” by Aaron Dixon via WDHN. “The Alabama Supreme Court agreed on Friday to hear arguments in a lawsuit involving one of Dothan’s largest churches. The lawsuit is between Harvest Church in Dothan and the United Methodist Church and its Alabama-West Florida Conference.” (Added 11-19-2023)
“Missouri Conference of The United Methodist Church Releases 20 Churches During Special Session of Annual Conference” via Missouri UM Conference. “The Missouri Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church voted on its Board of Trustees’ recommendation for 20 United Methodist churches to disaffiliate from the Conference and UMC during a special session on Saturday, November 18, 2023. The churches listed below represent 4% of the United Methodist Churches in the state. The Missouri Conference has approved a total of 111 disaffiliations since 2021.” (Added 11-19-2023)
“261 Georgia congregations leave the United Methodist Church over a divide on LGBTQ issues” by Andy Rose via CNN. “Factions have fought for decades about sexuality and Scripture at the General Conference, the church’s top legislative body. After the church strengthened its bans on partnered LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage in 2019, many Methodists argued a split was likely inevitable in the second-largest Protestant denomination in the US.” (Added 11-19-2023)
“59 more Iowa churches are leaving the United Methodist Church over LGBTQ disagreements” by F. Amanda Tugade via Des Moines Register. “The conference held its second — and final — special session Saturday morning via Zoom where 405 laypeople and clergy electronically voted to approve nearly five dozen churches’ disaffiliation agreements. Only 12 voted “no,” and five voted to “abstain.” Eighty-three churches were already approved to part ways with the United Methodist Church this spring.” See alsoo KWWL Coverage. (Added 11-19-2023)
“United Methodists vote to approve emotional split over LGBTQ issues” by Riley Bunch via Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “More than 1,500 members then voted in favor to “affirm the consent agenda to ratify the disaffiliation of churches.” Over 80% of members present approved the disaffiliation of 254 churches through an initial vote. Eleven churches remained to be debated among all members. The discussions showed the depth of the divide down to the individual members of each congregation — some urged attendees to stop the disaffiliation process while others declared they had the right to part ways.” (Added 11-19-2023)
“Annual Conference Gathers for November 2023 Special Session” by Sybil Davidson via North Georgia Conference. “In what was a solemn day, members of the 2023 North Georgia Annual Conference ratified the disaffiliation agreements of 261 churches at a Special Called Session…. The requests of four churches were not ratified following discussion by the members of the Annual Conference. Those churches are The Fountain UMC at Sugarloaf in Duluth, McEachern Memorial UMC in Powder Springs, Trinity UMC in Rome, and Griffin First UMC…. Additionally, during the month of December, we anticipate the beginning of several new United Methodist faith communities in our Conference.” (Added 11-19-2023)
Tweet by Chris Ritter: “4 [North Georgia churches] denied after various arguments: Fountain at Sugarloaf, McEachern, Rome Trinity, Griffin 1st. Two rulings requested, one of which is what constitutes 50+1 in Roberts’ Rules. Trinity Rome was said to have not met that threshold. Bishop said she will take up to 30 days.” (Added 11-19-2023)
Tweet by Chris Ritter: “A screen shot of one moment in voting at North Georgia #umc as they hold their special session today to consider the ratification of disaffiliation requests.” [screenshot of 695/694 vote narrowly ratifying the disaffiliation of Trinity UMC in Rome, GA. (Added 11-18-2023)
[updated] Overheard: Close voting at the North Georgia Conference on the eleven churches removed from the consent agenda for individual consideration. Examples: Norcross First UMC was approved by only 52.65%. The Fountain at Sugarloaf was denied with only 47.19% approval. See Livestream Link via North Georgia Conference. The consent agenda churches were approved by 80.55%. (Added 11-18-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “United Methodism’s future is closure & merger.” [link to a news story on the merger of three Texas Conferences] (Added 11-18-2023)
“November 17, 2023 Live Stream” and “Second Attempt Live Stream” by Jeffrey Rickman via Livestream. Discussion of Methodist news for the week. (Added 11-18-2023)
Livestream Link via North Georgia Conference. 265 churches are being presented at 10 am Eastern Time, Nov. 18 at a live event in Athens. It may be a long day because only a motion and a second are required to removed a church from the trustees list for separate consideration. A group called “Know in November” is targeting certain churches for rejection. There are also potential hard feelings over the North Georgia Conference’s “disaffiliation pause” and the court order that reversed it. (Added 11-18-2023)
Today’s special sessions: Iowa (59 anticipated disaffiliations via zoom, no livestream, 10 am Central), Missouri (20 anticipated disaffiliations, online webinar, 10 am Central), North Georgia (265 anticipated disaffiliations). (Added 11-18-2023)
“Court to UM churches: You want to leave? Jump through the hoops” by Steve Jordahl via AFA News. “Mark Tooley of The Institute on Religion & Democracy says the UMC’s Alabama-West Florida Conference is apparently tired of the rush to the exits and put out a door stop or two.” (Added 11-17-2023)
“David W. Scott: The Challenges of Being a Rural Church in an Urbanizing World” via UM & Global. “The problem for rural ministry arises when a drive toward efficiency in the church comes into conflict with the realities of rural ministry.” (Added 11-17-2023)
Tweet by John Lomperis: “With 2026 #UnitedMethodist General Conference, KIM that for a special session, it is mostly same delegates as the last GC. So Africans became majority of #UMC back around 2020, but this further extends white American dominance, African under-representation
https://unitedmethodistbishops.org/newsdetail/bishops-to-call-special-session-of-umc-general-conference-in-2026-18142624” (Added 11-17-2023)
“Church faces shake-up in ecumenical relations” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “Ongoing disaffiliations and the launch of a conservative, breakaway denomination pose challenges for United Methodist relations with other Methodists.” (Added 11-17-2023)
“Local churches sever ties with United Methodist Church during ongoing split” by Debra Haight via Leader Publications (Michigan). “While the reason for the split has been blamed on the United Methodist Church’s expected move toward a more progressive, tolerant stance on issues such as the acceptance of gay clergy and gay marriage, Methodist leaders say that it’s not just that.” (Added 11-17-2023)
“Liberty Hill UMC Designated as First Lighthouse Congregation by North Georgia Conference” by Lin Breeden via Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News. “The Lighthouse designation was awarded to Liberty Hill because it was a natural extension of continuing to provide a place of family and home for those who had searched for a church after being displaced due to disaffiliation.” (Added 11-17-2023)
“Divided congregation illustrates heartbreak of United Methodist split” by Sheila Poole via Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Feature on Carrollton First (paywall). (Added 11-17-2023)
“Final 6 Minnesota churches disaffiliate from denomination” by Christa Meland via Minnesota UM Conference. “The six most recent disaffiliations come after 17 disaffiliations that have already taken place under paragraph 2553, which sunsets at the end of this calendar year. The conference’s 23 total disaffiliations together represent approximately 8 percent of its churches.” (Added 11-17-2023)
“United Methodists will decide realigning church’s structure, authority in 2024” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. “For the first time in half a century, acceptance of sexual minorities isn’t likely to be the major issue coming before The United Methodist Church’s worldwide legislative assembly next spring. Instead, the looming political fight appears to be how to realign the structure and authority of the UMC by reorganizing the global denomination into roughly continental regions, including the United States.” (Added 11-17-2023)
Tweet by Drew McIntyre: “I have considered myself a centrist long before it became a faction in #UMC debates. It seems, for many, to mean, “I am not progressive, but I despise conservatives.” For me, being a centrist means loving people in both camps while not being fully comfortable in either. (Added 11-17-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “Revival is on the way as United Methodist missions agency deploys new team of “EarthKeepers.” [link] (Added 11-17-2023)
“United Methodist Church Bishops to call special session of general Conference in 2026” via Press Release. “The Council of Bishops plans to call a special session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church in 2026 for the delegates to strategize and work toward bringing about the next vital expression of United Methodism.” (Added 11-16-2023)
“Enhancing and Expanding the Gospel of Jesus in the United Methodist Tradition” via North Texas Conference. A plan to merge the North Texas, Central Texas, and Northwest Texas UM conferences in the wake of disaffiliations. (Added 11-16-2023)
“Take Bold Steps and Dream Again” by Jack Harnish via Michigan Conference. “The address invited participants to look beyond the current wave of disaffiliation and the upheaval brought about by the formation of the Global Methodist Church. With the majority of churches in Michigan choosing to remain United Methodist, it’s time to focus on what we need to do to move the church forward.” (Added 11-16-2023)
“SPARK: System Reset?” by Ken Sloane via Discipleship Ministries. “I think January could be a really important time for our United Methodist churches. The process of disaffiliation is behind us (the window the Book of Disciplined opened with ¶2553 closes on December 31, 2023). We will move into the new year with fewer worldwide members but with a keener interest in our identity, doctrine, and sense of mission.” (Added 11-16-2023)
“Mainstream UMC Misrepresents United Methodist 2024 Options” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. Answering “IRD’s Disinformation Campaign” by David Livingston via Mainstream UMC. (Added 11-16-2023)
[Updated 11-16-2023] Upcoming special sessions: Iowa (Nov. 18, 59 anticipated disaffiliations), Missouri (Nov. 18, 20 anticipated disaffiliations), North Georgia (Nov. 18, 267 have voted so far to disaffiliate), Michigan (Nov. 30, 63 anticipated disaffiliations), Florida (Dec. 2, 71 anticipated disaffiliations), Illinois Great Rivers (Dec. 2, 51 estimated), North Texas (Dec. 2), Rio Texas (Dec. 2), Mississippi (Dec. 9, 82 anticipated disaffiliations, 232 previous exits). New Mexico Conference (December 9). Note: A NWTX conference previously anticipated for December was held Oct. 23 with 5 disaffiliations. A majority of the conference disaffiliated previously. (Added 10-26-2023)
“Why a “Reconstructing Methodism” Conference? // Dr. Matt O’Reilly” by Theology Project via YouTube. “In this video, Dr. Matt O’Reilly explains why the newly formed Global Methodist Church needs the “Reconstructing Methodism” conference, which will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, on April 26-27, 2024.” (Added 11-15-2023)
“Court rules against 42 churches trying to leave UMC” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “A court has rejected a lawsuit by 42 congregations in Alabama and Florida who were trying to leave the United Methodist Church but believed that the disaffiliation process was unfair.” (Added 11-15-2023)
“Mobile Megachurch Latest Among 6,935 Churches to Leave the UMC” by Steve Warren via CBN News. “One of the largest United Methodist (UMC) congregations in Mobile, Alabama, along with seven other UMC churches officially disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church on Sunday amid the ongoing debate over ordaining gay clergy and homosexual marriage.” (Added 11-15-2023)
“Pacific Northwest Special Called Session” via PNW Conference. Livestream link, 6 pm Pacific Time, November 15. Three disaffiliations being considered. (Added 11-15-2023)
“Miracle of Oakdale Emory Church Road – An Interview with Tim Parker” via Omnia Methodist. “An interview with Pastor Tim Parker, Associate Pastor of the Oakdale Church. Oakdale was faced with a 4 million dollar demand to disaffiliate from the UMC. In an amazing 5 weeks, Oakdale witnessed seeing what God can accomplish through their obedience and sacrifice!” (Added 11-15-2023)
“Statement of Support to the Incumbent Bishop of The Philippines Central Conference” by The incumbent District Superintendents and Chairpersons of the Board of Ordained Ministry of the three Episcopal Areas of the Philippines Central Conference. “We support the initiative of the College of Bishops to create a Task Force to produce and compile study materials and pieces of literature that will guide the denomination in charting the course for Philippine Methodism.” (Added 11-15-2023)
“6 Fallacies about Africa Disaffiliations” by Mark Holland via MainStream UMC. “Africa is in the driver’s seat for their own destiny. The WCA, Good News, and the GMC have already abandoned Africa. They are shamelessly using Africa disaffiliations as cover for their own self-interest at home.” (Added 11-15-2023)
Post by Jimmy Boone via Facebook. “We are now at 6,939 which is 23.13% of the 30,000 original total of U.M. Churches in the US (in 2021.) When remaining AC’s with estimates are added we will be at 7,500 (with no estimates from 6 ACs)” (Added 11-15-2023)
[Updated 11-15-2023] Overheard: Upcoming special sessions: Pacific Northwest (Nov. 15, 3 churches listed), Iowa (Nov. 18, 59 anticipated disaffiliations), Missouri (Nov. 18, 20 anticipated disaffiliations), North Georgia (Nov. 18, 267 have voted so far to disaffiliate), Michigan (Nov. 30, 63 anticipated disaffiliations), Florida (Dec. 2, 71 anticipated disaffiliations), Illinois Great Rivers (Dec. 2, 51 estimated), North Texas (Dec. 2), Rio Texas (Dec. 2), Mississippi (Dec. 9, 82 anticipated disaffiliations, 232 previous exits). New Mexico Conference (December 9). Note: A NWTX conference previously anticipated for December was held Oct. 23 with 5 disaffiliations. A majority of the conference disaffiliated previously. (Added 10-26-2023)
“Oregon-Idaho Conference Special Session November 14” via Vimeo. Eight disaffiliations approved for exit. Individual votes overwhelmingly approved. (Added 11-15-2023)
“Starkville church remains within UMC amid schism over LGBTQ+ bans” by Michael Cassidy via The Reflector. The Student Newspaper at Mississippi State offers a local piece on disaffiliation. (Added 11-15-2023)
“Weekly Live Video – Update on the OKUMC Supreme Court Trial and more…” by Matt Morgan via YouTube. An Oklahoma UM Conference clergy discusses recent events, including the supreme court trial. (Added 11-15-2023)
“Provisional GMC Annual Conferences Flourish in 2023” by Walter Fenton via GMC. “Nicklas was reflecting on the dramatic growth of the GM Church in 2023, despite the challenges local churches face in joining it. She noted that nearly all the congregations that have joined in the past 20 months are former United Methodist local churches or remnants from those churches. They have formed discernment teams that led their congregations through difficult conversations about disaffiliating.” (Added 11-15-2023)
“Alabama megachurch with nearly 5,000 members leaves UMC” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “Christ Methodist Church in Mobile, which reportedly has 4,936 members, was one of eight churches granted disaffiliation from the UMC by the Alabama-West Florida Conference at a special session held on Sunday.” (Added 11-14-2023)
“Bishops elect new leaders, plan for renewed church” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “Malone will assume the presidency from Bickerton midway through General Conference, the denomination’s top lawmaking assembly scheduled to meet April 23-May 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina. ” (Added 11-14-2023)
“Christ United in Mobile, with 5K members, leaves the Methodist Church” by Summer Poole via WKRG. “Today is another somber day in the life of the Alabama-West Florida Conference,” stated Graves. “We are saddened to say farewell to the eight churches disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church and wish them the best in ministry. We pray for these churches as they navigate ministry in a new season.” (Added 11-14-2023)
“Let’s Agree To Turn The Page Bishop Bickerton” by Scott Field via WCA. “The General Conference, perhaps despite the bishops, can resolve this situation when they meet to vote in April-May. Providing an exit path for congregations in Central Conferences to depart will allow for the United Methodist Church in the US, Africa, and the Philippines to move forward with congregations that are committed to the UMC rather than constrained to remain within it. Instead of chronic conflict, the delegates to General Conference can allow for departure of all those congregations which, after prayerful discernment, choose to separate.” (Added 11-14-2023)
Final Denominational Update via Good Shepherd Charlotte (Facebook). “On Tuesday, September 5, the people of Good Shepherd voted to depart the United Methodist Church… Good Shepherd was one of the 113 churches whose departure was approved on Saturday, and that number is in addition to the 192 congregations who separated from the Western North Carolina conference in May. The cost for Good Shepherd to disaffiliate is $1.223 million dollars payable to the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Good Shepherd UMC is now officially Good Shepherd Church (Good Shepherd Church of Charlotte) and the legal asset transfer and payment process will begin and run through December 31, 2023.” (Added 11-14-2023)
“Will Wonders Never Cease – The UMC Lives with Alice” via Laity Sharing Network (Facebook). “Are these people so isolated that they cannot acknowledge that they are NOT about John Wesley or his teachings/beliefs. All other options are even further into the Looking Glass but sadly are equally viable with the bishops.” (Added 11-14-2023)
Tweet by Christianity Today: “A group of 1,000 Gen Z mainliners committed to their historic denominations claim to have mailed, emailed, or physically posted their 95 theses to every mainline church in the United States.” (Added 11-14-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “In my early 20s 35 yrs ago I began my work to reform United Methodism, which now concludes w/denominational split. If others are called to labor in the old crumbling structure, all power to them.” (Added 11-14-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “Congrats to 128 churches in Tennessee/West Kentucky approved last night for exit from United Methodism, on top of 238 already exited from there, about 42% of total. Total USA exits now exceed 6900 & may reach 7500 in few weeks as process concludes, about 25% of USA total from 2020.” (Added 11-14-2023)
[Updated 11-14-2023] Overheard: Upcoming special sessions: Oregon-Idaho, (Nov. 14, 8 anticipated disaffiliations, 3 previously), Pacific Northwest (Nov. 15, 3 churches listed), Iowa (Nov. 18, 59 anticipated disaffiliations), Missouri (Nov. 18, 20 anticipated disaffiliations), North Georgia (Nov. 18, 267 have voted so far to disaffiliate), Michigan (Nov. 30, 63 anticipated disaffiliations), Florida (Dec. 2, 71 anticipated disaffiliations), Illinois Great Rivers (Dec. 2, 51 estimated), North Texas (Dec. 2), Rio Texas (Dec. 2), Mississippi (Dec. 9, 82 anticipated disaffiliations, 232 previous exits). New Mexico Conference (December 9). Note: A NWTX conference previously anticipated for December was held Oct. 23 with 5 disaffiliations. A majority of the conference disaffiliated previously. (Added 10-26-2023)
“Young Methodists for Tradition Website” “The Young Methodist For Tradition’s goal is to revive the traditional Wesleyan spirit within the United Methodist Church. We affirm the perfection of the Bible, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, the real presence of Christ in communion, and the salvific nature of Christ’s sacrifice.” (Added 11-14-2023)
“‘Operation Reconquista’ Aims to Return Mainline Churches to ‘Orthodoxy’” by Mark Wingfield via UM Insight. “On the United Methodist side, called Young Methodists for Tradition, two leaders are named: Gabriel Ervin, chairman, a third-generation Methodist from Michigan and liturgist in his unnamed home church, and Tanner Russell Strunk, council member, a member of First United Methodist Church of Glendale, Ariz., and a fourth-generation Methodist.” (Added 11-14-2023)
Livestream Recording via Minnesota UM Conference. Six churches approved for disaffiliation at the November 13 special session. 294 total votes. 292 yes. 2 no. (99.3%) (Added 11-14-2023)
“Rev Dr. Rob Couch Announcement” via Christ United. The entire pastoral team has decided to stay with the local church following disaffiliation. (Added 11-14-2023)
“An Update on the Local Church Disaffiliation Lawsuit” via Alabama-West Florida UM Conference. “This ruling did not affect the special-called annual conference session which was held Sunday, November 12, 2023. Eight churches went before the lay and clergy members of annual conference for a disaffiliation vote. These churches completed the necessary steps outlined by the AWF Board of Trustees and were ratified at this special session.” (Added 11-14-2023)
“Montgomery Judge dismisses lawsuit from Methodist churches seeking to disaffiliate with UMC, ‘hopeful’ for Supreme Court appeal” by Craig Monger via 1819 News. “In her decision, Judge Brooke E. Reid gave a broad sentiment of support for the plaintiffs. However, she ultimately dismissed the case and the plaintiff’s request for a temporary restraining order on the grounds that the court did not have proper jurisdiction over the claim.” (Added 11-14-2023)
“Christ United disaffiliates from United Methodist Church” by Scott Johnson via Lagniappe Weekly. One of the largest congregations in the Mobile area leaves the UMC. (Added 11-14-2023)
Overheard: All 128 disaffiliations presented to the November 13 special session of the Tennessee -Western Kentucky Conference were approved by 96.1%. (Added 11-14-2023)
“Know in November Church Fact Sheet” by “Stay UMC”Know in November” North Georgia Group. Information on six churches targeted for disaffiliation rejection at the November 18 special called session of the North Georgia Conference. See also initial letter. (Added 11-13-2023)
[Updated 11-13-2023] Overheard: Upcoming special sessions: Minnesota (Nov. 13, 6 expected, 18 previous), Tennessee-Western Kentucky (Nov. 13, 128 anticipated disaffilations), Oregon-Idaho, (Nov. 14, 8 anticipated disaffiliations, 3 previously), Pacific Northwest (Nov. 15, 3 churches listed), Iowa (Nov. 18, 59 anticipated disaffiliations), Missouri (Nov. 18, 20 anticipated disaffiliations), North Georgia (Nov. 18, 267 have voted so far to disaffiliate), Michigan (Nov. 30, 63 anticipated disaffiliations), Florida (Dec. 2, 71 anticipated disaffiliations), Illinois Great Rivers (Dec. 2, 51 estimated), North Texas (Dec. 2), Rio Texas (Dec. 2), Mississippi (Dec. 9, 82 anticipated disaffiliations, 232 previous exits). New Mexico Conference (December 9). Note: A NWTX conference previously anticipated for December was held Oct. 23 with 5 disaffiliations. A majority of the conference disaffiliated previously. (Added 10-26-2023)
“Special Called Session” via Pacific Northwest Conference. Three churches listed for the November 15 special session. (Added 11-15-2023)
“Legal Defense Fund for Pastor Kihwan Choi” by Scott Field via Go Fund Me. “This is an unhappy, unjust, and unnecessary situation. But Bishop Daniel Schwerin and the leadership of the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church have forced the issue with an unwarranted attack against a Korean pastor and his young family.” (Added 11-13-2023)
“GM Church Seeks Qualified Applicants for Executive Communications Director” via GMC. The GMC is hiring a full-time Communications Director. (Added 11-13-2023)
Overheard: Loraine Church (Prophetstown, Henry County, IL) voted unanimously to join the Evangelical Free denomination. This congregation was formerly UMC and EUB. (Added 11-13-2023)
“Consent Agenda for November 13, 2023 Special Session” via Tennessee-Western Kentucky UM Conference. All 128 churches placed on a single consent agenda for voting. Conference begins at 7 pm. (Added 11-13-2023)
“2023 Special Session Legislation” via Minnesota UM Conference. Lists the six churches to be voted out at 7 pm Central Time on November 13. (Added 11-13-2023)
“United Methodist split: 8 more Alabama churches disaffiliate, including 1 of Mobile’s largest” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “Eight more churches disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church on Sunday, including the 4,936-member Christ Methodist Church in Mobile, one of the city’s largest congregations.”
(Added 11-13-2023)
“The Movement of the Spirit & Healing from the Past” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). Conversation with Angela Pleasants. (Added 11-13-2023)
Post by Hugh Knapp via Facebook. Shares Jimmy Boone’s latest numbers: Updated: Nov. 12, 2023: We are now at 6,808 which is 22.653% of the 30,000 original total of U.M. Churches in the US (in 2021.)
When remaining ACs with estimates are added we will be at 7,500 (with no estimates from 6 ACs)…” (Added 11-13-2023)
Tweet by John Lomperis: “The #UMC could allow win-win solutions to allow different factions to move forward. But some liberal caucus activists seem to so despise non-liberal #UnitedMethodist s, that their attitude is “I’ll do everything to make you people lose, even if it makes me less likely to win” (Added 11-12-2023)
“Special-Called Session of the California-Pacific Conference” via Cal-Pac Conference (YouTube). Three churches who were able to afford the high cost of exit were approved 93%+. (Added 11-12-2023)
Overheard: The suit brought by 45 Alabama-West Florida Conference churches against the AWFC for the right to disaffiliate was defeated in court. (Added 11-12-2023)
Post by David Livingston via Facebook. “Yes, the GMC ordains women. Yes, some want the GMC to cozy up with the ACNA. The ACNA leaves ordination of women up to each diocese and does not allow women to be bishops because not all diocese recognize them….” (Added 11-11-2023)
“Letter to UMC Leaders” by Surf City UMC. “You denied our request under the guise that we were not a viable congregation. However, 2553 says nothing about a ‘viable’ congregation. Furthermore, the Book of Discipline makes no reference to nor define a ‘viable congregation.’ It seems as though your definition of “unviable” is having valuable real estate.” See also here. (Added 11-11-2023)
“Weekly Live Stream – November 10, 2023” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “PlainSpoken is an attempt to talk about issues pertaining to Christianity through a conservative Methodist lens. The live stream is a time for other interested parties to give their own analysis, ask their own questions, make friends with one another, and essentially do our part to create a true connection in Christ. There are usually 50 or so people involved. So tune in, check in, and pray with us.” (Added 11-11-2023)
“The Methodist Church Split & Empty Parking Lots” by George Shamblin. “You may have noticed an increasing number of empty spaces in many Methodist church parking lots near you. Most of these increasingly vacant lots belong to congregations that have completed the discernment process and decided to remain within the mainline UMC denomination (United Methodist Church).” (Added 11-11-2023)
“The UMC is a Rural Church in an Urbanizing World” by David Scott (UM Insight). “Prior to disaffiliation, the UMC had more churches than the US had post offices. This was not largely the result of plentiful churches in urban and suburban areas but rather the continuation of the many rural congregations started by early Methodists.” (Added 11-11-2023)
“United Methodist Church Releases 2022 State of the Church Report” by Brenda Smotherman via UMCom. “The United Methodist Church has released the 2022 State of the Church Report. This offering centers around how the people of The United Methodist Church have dug deeper into our Wesleyan roots to reclaim, revive and renew our identity as United Methodists. The report is themed around being bound together, and is inspired by the excerpt “A threefold cord is not quickly broken” from Ecclesiastes 4:12 NRSV.” (Added 11-11-2023)
“First United Methodist sees renewed enthusiasm after unofficial split” by Tommy Murphy via LaGrange Daily News. Paywall. (Added 11-11-2023)
Overheard: From IGRC for Unity: “The Central Conference Coordinating Council will be meeting in the Philippines at the end of this month as part of their preparation for General Conference. If you wish to help ensure delegates are able to attend this gathering, you can donate here (be sure to click the “Christmas Covenant” box when designating what the money is for). Details about this gathering can be found near the bottom of page 4 of our notes.” (Added 11-10-2023)
“Final 2023 special called conference ends with eclipse” via The Oklahoma Conference. “Like the brief dimness wrought by the moon’s shadow during the solar eclipse, the difficult season of disaffiliations had finally come to an end at Oklahoma City Community College in Oklahoma City.” (Added 11-10-2023)
“Global Methodists and Anglicans: a Complementary Geography” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. ACNA is urban and GMC is mostly rural. “Let’s foster this budding relationship and discover what the Lord may have in store for us.” (Added 11-10-2023)
“Judicial Council (Partly) Faces Reality” by Thomas Lambrecht via Good News. “In a recent decision, the Judicial Council has partly walked back their earlier resolution that the 2020 General Conference was not cancelled, only postponed. Unfortunately, this walk-back comes too late to remedy the unfair treatment it extended to our African brothers and sisters.” (Added 11-10-2023)
“Muddled United Methodist Messaging on the Middle East” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “For those in my denomination, this brutal ethnic cleansing has recalled the ugly realities of United Methodist Church officials’ track record on Israel and Hamas.” (Added 11-9-2023)
[Updated 11-9-2023 )] Overheard: Upcoming special sessions: California-Pacific (Nov. 11, 22 want to disaffiliate but perhaps only three can afford the 50% property payment), Alabama-West Florida (Nov. 12, 8 anticipated disaffiliations, 240 previously), Minnesota (Nov. 13, 6 expected, 18 previous), Tennessee-Western Kentucky (Nov. 13, 128 anticipated disaffilations), Oregon-Idaho, (Nov. 14, 8 anticipated disaffiliations, 3 previously), Pacific Northwest (Nov. 15), Iowa (Nov. 18, 59 anticipated disaffiliations), Missouri (Nov. 18, 20 anticipated disaffiliations), North Georgia (Nov. 18, 267 have voted so far to disaffiliate), Michigan (Nov. 30, 63 anticipated disaffiliations), Florida (Dec. 2, 71 anticipated disaffiliations), Illinois Great Rivers (Dec. 2, 51 estimated), North Texas (Dec. 2), Rio Texas (Dec. 2), Mississippi (Dec. 9, 82 anticipated disaffiliations, 232 previous exits). New Mexico Conference (December 9). Note: A NWTX conference previously anticipated for December was held Oct. 23 with 5 disaffiliations. A majority of the conference disaffiliated previously. (Added 10-26-2023)
“Consent Agenda for November 13, 2023 Special Session” via Tennessee-Western Kentucky UM Conference. 128 churches listed for disaffiliation, effective November 30. (Added 11-9-2023)
“UMC top court rules against church forcibly closed before it could disaffiliate” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church of Wilmington was shuttered by the UMC North Carolina Annual Conference in March, even though the congregation was discerning a possible disaffiliation from the UMC.” (Added 11-9-2023)
[link repaired] Paul Stallsworth Judicial Council Brief and Reply Brief on the forced closure of Fifth Avenue UMC. The court ultimately sided with the conference over the local church. (Added 11-9-2023)
“Churches Disaffiliating Under Par. 2553” via the Missouri Conference. Lists 20 churches set to disaffiliate at the November 18 special session. (Added 11-9-2023)
“Sharing the Good News in the Democratic Republic of the Congo” by Walter Fenton via GMC. “We have over 300 local churches in the country meeting under trees or tents, or at schools and homes, and a few church buildings are now under construction, thanks to Crosspoint Church [a Global Methodist congregation in Niceville, Florida],” said the Rev. Dr. Kimba Evariste, President Pro Tem of the Global Methodist Church’s Provisional Annual Conference in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. (Added 11-9-2023)
“AC2023: Special Preliminary Report, Legislation, Voting Guide & Demo” via California-Pacific UM Conference. “With all that, the Board of Trustees have received three (3) signed Disaffiliation Agreements representing churches that have followed the process to this point and have met the requirements. They are from Wesley United Methodist Church of San Diego, Covenant United Methodist Church of Pomona, and Blessed Chinese United Methodist Church of Hacienda Heights. I acknowledge there were other churches that voted to disaffiliate but did not submit a disaffiliation agreement.” (Added 11-9-2023)
“A Call to Our Church in a Time of Moral Reckoning” via UM Insight: UM Kairos Response: “We are aware of Israel’s expertise in creating disinformation that exonerates Israel and accuses or defames Palestinians. In that vein, we note the reports of atrocities committed by Hamas that have no confirmation, and contested evidence that purportedly clears Israel of responsibility for the bombing of Al Ahli hospital.” (Added 11-9-2023)
“Reverend’s Funeral Spotlights Clash Between Christianity And African Tradition” by Cyril Zenda via UM Insight (Religion Unplugged Story). “The Rev. Oscar Nyasha Mukahanana, the third most senior cleric in the United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, committed suicide on Oct. 20 after audio of a conversation between him an a younger congregant that he was having a sexual relationship with mysteriously leaked onto the church’s WhatsApp group.” (Added 11-9-2023)
Post by Dale Thomas via Facebook. “There are several UMC voices out there that are pushing a false narrative that it is traditionalists’ fault for the UMC fallout. That all traditionalists want(ed) to do is burn down or blow up the whole house that is the UMC because they weren’t getting what they wanted…” (Added 11-9-2023)
Post by Lewis Smith via Facebook. “The Rio Texas litigation is getting very little discussion here. It involves about 30-40 churches – some were dismissed because they decided to disaffiliate at the last minute. According to the court’s docket in Bexar County (San Antonio) a motion to transfer venue is set for 11/13. The Motion to Transfer by multiple churches would then send the case to the home county of each local church….” (Added 11-9-2023)
“Agenda Set for Special Session” via The Michigan UM Conference. 63 Churches listed for a disaffiliation vote on November 30. (Added 11-9-2023)
“Church History: Avoid the Mistakes That Led to United Methodist Collapse” by Church History Short Stories via YouTube. “Whether it’s a megachurch like the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Kansas or a small church like New Hope United Methodist, everyone is affected by the events of the United Methodist schism. Tne UMC Disaffiliation process, and the way it came about, can be hard to understand. This short video will help to clear up some mystery.” (Added 11-8-20-2023]
“What Good Is Lament?” by Lisa Hancock via Discipleship Ministries. “Add The United Methodist Church’s season of disaffiliations, and it is clear that the people who enter our churches are burned out, overwhelmed, anxious, wary, and hesitant to trust. The instinct to dissociate is high and for good reason.” (Added 11-8-2023)
Post by Tim Parker via Facebook. “Thanks everyone for your prayers and contributions to our raise $4 million [to disaffiliate]. After raising $2.3 million a local bank was willing to work with us to finance the rest!” Oakdale Church in the Baltimore Washington Conference has a reported 2021 attendance of 124. (Added 11-8-2023)
“UMC Bishops challenged to keep the Methodist movement going” via UMC Council of Bishops. “We cannot afford to walk into Charlotte continuing to talk about disaffiliation and separation. As bishops, we must play our part in doing the absolute hard work of helping to craft a narrative about our aim to love God and love neighbor SO deliberately that people will notice it and be transformed by it,” Bishop Bickerton said. (Added 11-8-2023)
“United Methodist bishops called to craft ‘narrative of hope’ amid harsh break-up realities” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. “We cannot afford to go into General Conference where the narrative is about our arguments, our disagreements and our division,” said Thomas Bickerton, council president and resident bishop of the New York episcopal area. (Added 11-8-2023)
“United Women in Faith Board of Directors meet Oct. 13-14” via United Women in Faith. “Her words of encouragement preceded board action that included eliminating five staff positions and relocating United Women in Faith headquarters to the Church Center for the United Nations (CCUN), which is owned by United Women in Faith. These changes will go into effect by the end of 2023. Two additional staff positions will be eliminated in 2024.” (Added 11-8-2023)
“Top court backs conference on church closure” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “A church’s intent to leave The United Methodist Church does not prevent that church from being closed if conditions warrant, the denomination’s top court ruled.” (Added 11-8-2023)
“Bishops urged to turn page on painful chapter” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “The meeting also will include strategizing for the coming General Conference, the denomination’s top lawmaking body at which bishops preside.” (Added 11-8-2023)
Tweet Thread by John Lomperis: “Today’s #UnitedMethodist judicial ruling effectively declares “open season” on congregations that R part of any disfavored minority in a #UMC annual conference, saying bishop (w/consent of subordinates) can interim-seize property for no good reason https://resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/judicial-council/judicial-council-decision-home/judicial-decisions/judicial-council-decision-1490″ (Added 11-7-2023)
“Decision Number 1490” via Resource UMC. “The interim closure of Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church and the vesting of the church’s property in the annual conference board of trustees under ¶ 2549.3(b), and that congregation’s interim and final closure, did not violate the plain reading of ¶¶ 414.2, 419.4, 2549.3(b), or 2553 of the Book of Discipline.” (Added 11-7-2023)
“Bishop Carter Issues Edict for Disaffiliating Churches” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “His tone was mostly warm and pastoral, but near the end he turned paternal and controlling, instructing churches leaving on how they were and were not to act after separation. I haven’t seen anything like this yet and thought it worthy of note. What will happen if churches refuse to obey his commands? What if churches or pastors insist on publicly speaking about what they have experienced to be dysfunction, or even abuse?”Also, where do things stand in Western North Carolina? Did any churches get voted down? What does the future look like?” (Added 11-7-2023)
“Why Does a Large Church Join the GMC?” by Darren Hook. Why a large South Carolina church joined the GMC. (Added 11-7-2023)
“Presidential Address” by Bishop Bickerton via UM Council of Bishops (Facebook). Live feed from the November of the Council of Bishops meeting. “We can not afford going to Charlotte with a narrative of division and disaffiliation.” (Added 11-7-2023)
Tweet by Matt O’Reilly: What a Reconstructing Methodism Conference? “The tent has collapsed. The [pluralism] experiment failed. The Church is in schism. The split, nay the splintering, is happening before our very eyes.” (Added 11-7-2023)
“United Methodist Leaders: Soft on Hamas, Increasingly Anti-Israel” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “There are some examples of otherwise liberal United Methodists opposing anti-Israel divestment. Leaders of the Global Methodist Church prize unity on core doctrine while welcoming diverse views on political issues (precisely the opposite of the ethos in today’s UMC).” (Added 11-7-2023)
“John Wesley, Sommelier?” by Scott Field via WCA. “It felt like a family reunion: hugs, high-fives, and “hallelujahs” throughout. What struck me was our actual experience: unity! There was not a legislative resolution affirming unity, not a report from a sub-commission on unity, and not going through a checklist of categories to prove to ourselves that, at least by externally observable demographics, we are “united.” No, it was the actual, real, palpable, joyful experience of one heart and mind, a passionate, common devotion to Christ, a deep appreciation of, trust in, and respect for one another, and an overriding commitment to the Jesus Mission before us.” (Added 11-7-2023)
“Special Called Session – Nov. 14, 2023” via Oregon-Idaho Conference. Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth calls a special session to consider eight disaffiliations. Documents provided. (Added 11-7-2023)
“Clip of Bishop Ken Carter’s Meditation” via Vimeo. This is making the rounds because of the bishop’s instructions to those disaffiliating [14:00]: “You are to fully detach from this connection, an act that you have initiated. You are not to recruit members from United Methodist churches. You are not to recruit clergy from the Western North Carolina Conference. You are not even to comment on who we are as a church. This will not contribute to your peace.” (Added 11-7-2023)
“Hamilton Scheduled to Appear in Upcoming Leadership Clinic” via West Ohio UM Conference. Janaury 16 Event: “Hamilton will share his perspective on the topic ‘The Future of the United Methodist Church’, followed by an interview with Bishop Palmer and questions from the audience.” (Added 11-7-2023)
“Karlie Taylor: Disaffiliation” via Fifty-Word Stories. “Blood from the cross is dripping into the sky and the air smells of wild onions. It is Sunday and inside the church house they’re discussing taking the “united” out of our Methodist name. The stained-glass windows are nearly shattering and the God of sunsets watches from the back row.” (Added 11-7-2023)
“Judge to rule on parish assets” by Heather Koontz via Bedford Gazette (PA). “The question of whether monies held by the Breezewood Wesley United Parish belong to them, or should have been turned over to the United Methodist Church when they unofficially disaffiliated, will be determined by a judge following a nonjury trial.” (Added 11-7-2023)
“United Methodists bishops, seeking to turn page on difficult chapter, converge on Lake Junaluska” by Andrew Schwarz via Chattanooga Times Free Press. “United Methodist Church leaders from across the world are convening this week near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to discuss the future of a denomination shrunken by schism and preparing for its first global assembly in years.” (Added 11-7-2023)
“Good Riddance? No, Weeping for the UMC’s Pain, Loss” by Mary John Dye via UM Insight. “I am grieving for those who have wounded the Body of Christ. They carry a heavy load of conscience. And I weep for those wounded in the fight — the United Methodists caught in the crossfire.” (Added 11-7-2023)
Post by Jimmy Boone via Facebook. [Includes data through Nov. 6] “We are now at 6,797 which is 22.653% of the 30,000 original total of U.M. Churches in the US (in 2021.) When remaining ACs with estimates are added we will be at 7,487 (with no estimates from 6 ACs).” (Added 11-7-2023)
“Reconstructing Methodism Event” An Apri 26-27 Event at Christ Church Birmingham, featuring a line-up of traditional Methodist leaders. (Added 11-7-2023)
“United Methodist Church Split: 6,500 and Counting” via DataWrapper. The conferences with the most disaffiliations ranked. (Added 11-7-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “Glad to see Western North Carolina United Methodism approved another 117 church exits added to 222 already approved equaling over one third of churches there. Total UMC church exits in USA will exceed 7000.” (Added 11-6-2023)
“Regionalization Series, Part 2: Regionalization is Customization” by Taylor Burton Edwards. “At its heart, regionalization in The United Methodist Church means connectionalism customized to enhance local effectiveness.” (Added 11-6-2023)
Post by Christ Church Galstonia, NC (Facebook). “Christ Church Gastonia was approved for disaffiliation by the Western NC Conference, United Methodist Church, by a 94.4% vote. We now enter the final phase of disaffiliation to be completed soon. Our prayers are with the Western NC Conference, United Methodist Church, and its constituent churches, as well as the other 112 churches that join Christ Church in this round of disaffiliation.” (Added 11-6-2023)
“Totally Normal: Large Man in Purple Dress Performs Flag Dance During Church Service” via The Dissenter. “And just last week, the “church” featured drag queens handing out communion not just to adults, but clearly to underage children who were present for the service as well. Yeah, totally normal and, you know, Christlike and all.” (Added 11-6-2023)
Post by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (Facebook). “It is still concerning and upsetting that 328 people voted to hold them against their will. They got out by a smaller margin than any other church I saw on that list. Even so, the right decision was made. Congratulations to the WNC annual conference on not heaping more sins upon themselves.” (Added 11-6-2023)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. “In a remarkable development, the United Methodist Judicial Council has vacated its previous split decision in which it called for a regular session of the General Conference to be held in the interim period between the 2024 holding of the postponed GC2020 and the next already scheduled GC2028.” (Added 11-6-2023)
“Voting Results” via Western North Carolina Conference. All 113 disaffiliations approved on November 4. Wesley Memorial had the lowest margin of approval, 78.5%. All others 92%+. (Added 11-6-2023)
“Oliveto’s Emblematic Wolfish Theology” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “Since her ‘consecration’ as a bishop, she has revealed herself to be aligned against all forms of traditional Christianity, compromising the integrity of the UMC from within. Her continued standing in the denomination delegitimates among the episcopacy who continue to suffer the lawlessness of her administration.” (Added 11-6-2023)
“Why I left the UMC & how it went down” by Daniel Hixon (YouTube). “Why I left The United Methodist denomination, and the events leading up to my departure.” (Added 11-5-2023)
“Dozens of Church of England bishops want to allow clergy same-sex civil marriages” by Anugrah Kumar via Christian Post. “Forty-four senior church figures, including 15 diocesan and 29 assistant or suffragan bishops, issued a statement this week calling for immediate guidance to allow LGBT clergy and ordinands to marry.” (Added 11-5-2023)
Tweet by UMNS. “The @umcbishops will meet Nov. 6-11 at Lake Junaluska Assembly in North Carolina to discuss the future of the denomination, prepare for the upcoming General Conference, elect new officers and address other topics. https://buff.ly/3QsLIXM” (Added 11-5-2023)
Tweet by UMC Jeremy Smith. “Loki meme on #UMC and #GMChurch philosophies. GMC burning down a connection is easy. UMC tending to the connection is hard. I guess hope is in both of them, but from my seat, it’s a clear division.” (Added 11-5-2023)
“The (Self) Righteous Victim” by C. Don Jones via Patheos. “The real victims of the UMC split are the members who remain United Methodists but lost to the 2/3 majority in their congregations. We are trying to provide places for these folks. And to show them we reward faithfulness while others seek to punish it.” (Added 11-5-2023)
[updated] “Livestream” via Central Texas UM Conference. Four disaffiliation requests (see p. 16-20 here) approved without debate. Total of five disaffiliations (one added late.) (Added 11-4-2023)
Post by Leon Morrow via Facebook: “WNCCUMC–Bishop Carter’s count… “Today we say goodbye to 117 churches and 49 clergy…” (Added 11-4-2023)
Tweet by John Lomperis: “back in 2016, Liberal #UnitedMethodist pastor + caucus “organizer” admitted that in terms of the #UMC splitting, “The breaking point was created intentionally… because of a long term progressive strategy” https://snarkypastorrants.blogspot.com/2016/05/” (Added 11-4-2023)
Western North Carolina Livestream via Facebook. The special called session of the Western North Carolina Conference. Ballot process being used through 5 pm, so results will not be immediately known. (Added 11-4-2023)
“You Don’t Have to Demonize Us Just Because We’ve Left the Faith as You Believe It” by Richard Pidcock via UM Insight. “Editor’s note: While Rick Pidcock writes from a Baptist perspective, many of the experiences he describes here have also been reported by United Methodists going through disaffiliations.” (Added 11-4-2023)
Post by F. Gordon Hubbell via Facebook. “As a member of the Western North Carolina Conference I will spend time today suborning the failure of another bunch of churches who believe grace is conditional. My heart hurts. God forgive all who cannot love and who must close doors, close hearts, and close minds. Let us pray for both faith and forgiveness. Let there be always a world of light and love that conquers darkness and brings peace. We are forgiven.” (Added 11-4-2023)
“Top 10: Updated lists of Holston’s largest churches” by Annette Spense via Holston Conference. “The most recent top 10 lists of Holston Conference’s largest congregations show increases in attendance and the loss of one large church by disaffiliation.” (Added 11-4-2023)
“American Progressive Methodists’ Self-Interest at the Expense of Africa” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “Simon Mafunda has been active in The United Methodist Church for much of his adult life. He has capably and conscientiously served. Recent developments in Africa leave him concerned about the institution he has given so much of his life to. In this talk, we address concerns around African bishops who seem to have lost loyalty to their constituents, especially Muyombo and Wandabula.” (Added 11-4-2023)
“Friday Show for November 3, 2023” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). Discussion of the news and media of the week. (Added 11-3-2023)
“Boards’ move comes as agencies face challenges” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “The move may be a precursor to other shifts at boards and agencies as finances tighten in The United Methodist Church.” (Added 11-3-2023)
“November 4, 2023 Special Session Information Guide” via Western North Carolina Conference. Lists the disaffiliation status of every church in the conference, including the voting percentages of those who voted to leave. (Added 11-3-2023)
“Nearly 100 Ohio churches leave UMC amid homosexuality schism” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “In June, the West Ohio Conference voted to allow 172 congregations to disaffiliate from the UMC, having allowed 80 churches to leave the denomination last year. It is estimated that, at present, the regional body covering over 50 counties has a little over 600 member congregations remaining.” (Added 11-3-2023)
Post by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoke (Facebook). “I was contacted by a representative of their church [Wesley Memorial of High Point] and told that they wanted for me to take my segment down, as they don’t want to draw attention to themselves or give the impression that they asked me to assert this pressure.” (Added 11-2-2023)
“Bishop Schnase Announced the Completion of the Just Resolution Process Concerning Dr. Randall Partin” via New Mexico Conference. “Dr. Randall Partin acknowledges that as part of the process of coming to terms with his sexuality he engaged in acts of marital infidelity, immorality, and sexual misconduct… He voluntarily surrenders his clergy membership… As part of this Just Resolution, we acknowledge the continued brokenness of our denomination in terms of human sexuality.” (Added 11-2-2023)
“United Methodist split: 42 churches sue bishop for right to disaffiliate” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “A group of 42 United Methodist congregations in south Alabama and the Florida panhandle has filed a lawsuit against Bishop David Graves and the Alabama-West Florida Conference, saying he has delayed the disaffiliation process and won’t let them leave the denomination by the end of the year.” (Added 11-2-2023)
“A Response to the Local Church Disaffiliation Lawsuit” via Alabama West Florida UM Conference. “We are saddened by this litigation, but we are confident the process we have adhered to is fair and just.” (Added 11-2-2023)
“Church court reverses call for extra General Conference” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “The Judicial Council reiterated its ruling that no new delegates be elected to the lawmaking assembly, except under certain conditions.” (Added 11-2-2023)
“Florida Methodist church hosts “drag gospel” service in defiance of Ron DeSantis’s ban on drag shows for kids” via NotTheBee. “The church apparently decided that it was their mission to oppose Ron DeSantis’s ban on drag shows for kids in Florida by having a drag Sunday service at their church this week.” (Added 11-2-2023)
“Conference Livestream” via Heartland Conference of the GMC. Schedule and links for the Heartland Conference convening event in Wichita, November 2-4. (Added 11-2-2023)
Post by Drew McIntyre via Facebook: “…I implore my colleagues who can vote on Saturday to allow all these churches and clergy to depart. We have been giving our attention, energy, and resources to fighting long enough. Let us choose to be gracious instead of vindictive, and realistic instead of nostalgic…” (Added 11-2-2023)
Overheard: The Convening Conference of the Heartland Provisional Conference of the GMC meets November 2-4 in Wichita. The conference encompasses Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado. YouTube Channel. (Added 11-2-2023)
“Wesley Memorial About to Be Blocked From Disaffiliating from WNC?” by PlainSpoken via YouTube. “Chris Ritter’s peopleneedjesus.net chronicled the opening developments of what may be a drama in the Western North Carolina Annual Conferences as many institutionalist voices are starting to make noise about a church called Wesley Memorial. Allegations and insinuations around voting impropriety have been spoken by other clergy in front of a national audience. Given that the vote to approve Wesley Memorial’s disaffiliation is to be held this Saturday, it is in order that the facts be marshaled and dots connected. This is such an attempt.” (Added 11-2-2023)
“Bishop Easterling on BWC restructure” by Baltimore-Washington UM Conference (YouTube). “BWC sets the stage for restructuring due to impact of COVID, disaffiliations, and decline. At the least, restructuring will likely include downsizing the number of districts, particularly absorbing the Greater Washington District into other districts. Restructuring plans may also include a merger of the BWC with the Peninsula-Delaware Conference.” (Added 11-2-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “This evangelicalish vibrant United Methodist church [Embrace] in Sioux Falls isn’t exiting but never cites denomination or Methodism. Pastor podcasts evangelical personalities. Denominations are becoming almost irrelevant.” (Added 11-2-2023)
“Are There Any Centrists Left These Days?“by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. “Separation has come, but not amicably. I strongly support the opportunities for disaffiliation but I more strongly support ideas that we must still be working and witnessing together. Our conference Historical Society, for one, has changed its name from United Methodist Historical Society to ‘Indiana Methodist Historical Society.'” (Added 11-2-2023)
“The United Methodist Church” via Wikipedia. The article on the UMC has been updated to reflect the October 2023 disaffiliation numbers. (Added 11-2-2023)
“Split from global Methodist denomination results in historical study” by Paula Grubbs via Butler Eagle (PA). “A small church in a tiny village about 1 mile from Route 8 has had a rich and faithful history since its official incorporation in 1847, and that history was largely revealed by its split three months ago with the global United Methodist Church… the liberal pastors sent by the denomination recently to preach at the rural church went against the largely conservative beliefs of the membership.” (Added 11-2-2023)
“‘Do You Think I Am Still a Christian?’” by Martin Thielen via UM Insight. A UM clergy explored whether those who don’t believe in God but believe in the ethical teachings of Jesus should be regarded as Christian, or perhaps Jesusians? (Added 11-2-2023)
“First UMC Van Alstyne Rises Up After Disaffiliation Vote Fails” via North Texas UM Conference. Feature on a congregation that found a positive future after a close disaffiliation vote. (Added 11-2-2023)
“Council docket brings more church-exit questions” via UMC.org. Disaffiliation issued before the Judicial Council include Fifth Avenue UMC in Wilmington and the high price of disaffiliation in Cal-Pac. (Added 11-2-2023)
“Dozens of Alabama UMC churches file lawsuit for ‘right to vote’ on disaffiliation” by Scott Johnson via Lagniappe (Mobile Bay). “United Methodist Churches in Spanish Fort, Theodore, Irvington, Mt. Vernon, and McIntosh have signed onto the lawsuit. Christ United UMC in Mobile is expected to be the only local church to be approved to disaffiliate later this month.” (Added 11-2-2023)
“West Dubuque Global Methodist Church opens in Epworth” by Daniel Charland via Dyersville Commercial (IA). “The West Dubuque Global Methodist Church was founded July 1. A part of the relativity new Global Methodist Church, it was previously affiliated with the Epworth United Methodist Church before splitting over doctrinal disagreements that have recently affected many Methodist churches in the country.” (Added 11-1-2023)
“The Woodlands Methodist Church to Offer Online Training for Church Planters and Multipliers” by Walter Fenton via Global Methodist Church. “Yes, we have situations where we have ‘orphan congregations’ seeking guidance on planting a new church, and many looking for a pastor to lead them,” said Ms. Cara Nicklas, Chairwoman of the GM Church’s Transitional Leadership Council. “I am part of such a church plant myself in Oklahoma City. We just had our first service, and immediately learned we have one of those ‘good problems’ many GM church plants are having – more people in attendance than our temporary space can accommodate!” (Added 11-1-2023)
“Four local Methodist churches leave Arkansas Conference; 62 leave in Arkansas” via KTLO. “On Oct. 15, United Methodist Church Bishop Laura Merrill called for a Special Session of the Arkansas Annual Conference to discuss disaffiliation agreements for consideration by the annual conference… Sixty-two congregations who requested disaffiliation, including four in the Twin Lakes Area, were approved. This adds to the 100 other who have already left the conference in the past 11 months.” (Added 11-1-2023)
“Korean Congregations Leaving The United Methodist Church” by Kim Roberts via Religion Unplugged. “Majority-Korean Methodist churches, which tend to be more conservative and evangelical than other congregations within the United Methodist Church denomination, are finding it difficult to disaffiliate for fear they will lose their land and leaders.” (Added 11-1-2023)
“Rev. Dr. Warren Lathem on Methodist Changes” via Juicy Ecumenism. “Now, about the sheep stealing, ethical behavior, etc. accusation. Several thoughts come to mind…” (Added 11-1-2023)
“Nearly 100 churches sever ties with United Methodist Church during ongoing split” by Samantha Wildow via Dayton Daily News. “More churches have disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church as the prominent Protestant denomination continues its split along lines of progressive and traditional theology.” “Disaffiliation is a disappointing accommodation, and I wish it were not the case,” Palmer told the Dayton Daily News.(Added 11-1-2023)
“High court orders church-exit suits be dismissed” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that a judge had unlawfully interfered in The United Methodist Church’s disaffiliation policies and ordered that she dismiss two congregations’ lawsuits challenging those policies.” (Added 10-31-2023)
“Florida Church Hosts ‘Drag Gospel Worship’ Service Amid DeSantis’ Ongoing Battle Against Drag For Kids” via The Daily Caller. “Allendale United Methodist Church (AUMC) in St. Petersburg, Florida, hosted a “drag worship” service Sunday amid an ongoing battle in the state over drag shows for kids.” (Added 10-31-2023)
Overheard: A group in the North Georgia Conference is promoting the rejection of six specific congregations because their exits would create a “UMC Desert” in their locations. See here. PNJ holds additional information on this and will share once permission is obtained. (Added 10-31-2023)
“Mainstream UMC, UM Insight Misrepresent the Truth, Once Again” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “As for the above quotes from the Rev. Mark Holland, even one of Mainstream UMC’s own former Advisory Board members has issued a public rebuttal, worth reading in full, saying ‘Now I think Mark [Holland] has really gone a bridge too far–way too far…'” (Added 10-31-2023)
“Nordic, Baltic and Ukrainian UMC Leaders Move into the Future” by Press Release via UM Insight. “This report was distributed via the office of Bishop Christian Alsted, episcopal leader of the Northern Europe-Baltic Central Conference.” (Added 10-30-2023)
“The United Methodist Church Apportionment Collection Financial Update for Q3 of 2023 | GCFA” via YouTube. Third Quarter financial report from the UM General Council on Finance and Administration. (Added 10-30-2023)
“Convening Conference concludes, the movement continues” via Great Lakes GMC Conference. “The service was a profound and sacred occasion as eighty women and men were ordained, with seventeen designated as deacons and sixty-three as elders. Many ordinands had waited decades for this moment, all were empowered and authorized by the church for their life and work.” (Added 10-30-2023)
“Rector Independent Church announces disaffiliation” via LeTrobe Bulletin (PA). “Rector Independent Church (formerly Rector United Methodist Church), Route 381, Rector, over the weekend announced its disaffiliation, its new name and its Sunday service begins at 9 a.m.” (Added 10-30-2023)
“Special Session of the North Georgia Annual Conference” via North Georgia Conference. Page includes a recorded webinar about the voting process for the November 18 session. Churches will be voted on by eight separate district consent agendas. With a motion and a second, a church can be removed for individual consideration after the by-district voting. (Added 10-30-2023)
“Special Session 2023: A recap of disaffiliations in Upper New York” by Bill Gottschalk-Fielding via Upper New York. “Between October 2022 and October 2023, UNY Conference members ratified a total of 118 requests for disaffiliation…” (Added 10-29-2023)
“Summary of the Special Session of the 2023 West Ohio Annual Conference” via West Ohio Conference UMC. “96 churches requested disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church. This was supported by the conference members.” New budget also approved. (Added 10-29-2023)
“Ministry-Education and Mission Boards to Share Top Executive” by Press Release via UM Insight. “Fernandes said, ‘Our rapidly changing world and church context is requiring us all to work differently. I am honored to be asked to take on this leadership role as it provides impetus for even more program alignment, while still remaining separate entities. It will not be without challenges, but I look forward to addressing those challenges in partnership with the boards and staff of both agencies.'” (Added 10-29-2023)
“‘Let us be us’: Churches discuss life one year after first United Methodist exits” by Carla Hinton via The Oklahoman. Life in the Oklahoma Methodist diaspora: “What has happened in the last year to those 29 churches — the first of 127 total houses of worship to cut United Methodist ties?” (Added 10-29-2023)
Tweet by Shane Raynor: “If you think disaffiliation season has hit the United Methodist Church hard, wait until 2024, when ¶2553 expires. You’ll see more GMC church plants organized by the people leaving the churches that couldn’t get a supermajority vote this year. And lots of lawsuits.” (Added 10-29-2023)
Post by Dale Thomas via Facebook. “First, UM Insight tried to lay blame at Rob Renfroe’ s and Jeffrey Rickman ‘s feet. (Nevermind the fact that, as far as anyone can tell, Renfroe never said a word about Bryant’s vile screed. Meaning that UM Insight and Cynthia Astle straight up lied.) Now she is trying to lay blame at Christopher Ritter ‘s feet.” (Added 10-29-2023)
Post by Louis Kasongo via Facebook. “the bishops took advantage of the opportunity to get the petition on regionalization approved, but after the intervention of Bishop Kassap, who opposed this petition supported by Bishop Mande in his presentation, several speakers rejected this regionalization plan, to the great surprise of the delegation from the United States of America, which angered and confused the two Bishops, Mande and Lunge, who do not understand that these are precursor signs, but continue to persevere in their adventure with bad taste.” (Added 10-29-2023)
Post by Emmanuel Christopher Auta via Facebook. “During the 7th session of the Northeast Nigeria Annual conference at UMCN Cathedral karim Maudin on 28/10/2023 presiding by His Lordship Bishop John Wesley Yohanna, the petition to General conference 2024 on the matter on REGIONALIZATION the delegates with one voice vote NO to REGIONALIZATION.” (Added 10-29-2023)
“Strength For Today, Bright Hope For Tomorrow //Bishop Sue Series Pt. 1” by Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson via Virginia UM Conference (YouTube). A new series on the future of the UMC, interview with Bishop Ken Carter. (Added 10-28-2023)
“Fallout from Recent UM Insight Drama” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “After this week’s critique of a crazy article comparing disaffiliators to terrorists, I was accused of ‘vicious’ right wing attack. What is to be said about it? In what ways could I have been wrong? I give a few more details on the author and the publisher in this event and try to distill some wisdom from the whole experience.” See also “Low Level Violence as Progressive Strategy.” (Added 10-28-2023)
“More Conflict Coming for The United Methodist Church” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken. “A comment by John Lomperis leads to asking some demographic information that leads to some pretty clear indicators that a lot more conflict is coming for the UMC despite the irenic language of leadership. I talk a bit about anthropology (in the theological sense) and political theory, and we look at some of the latest disaffiliation numbers generated by Jeff Pospicil.” (Added 10-28-2023)
“Readers Respond to Article’s Removal” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. A round-up of reactions to UM Insight’s decision to remove the Bryant Article. (Added 10-28-2023)
“Cover Letter for the Disaffiliation Agreement Effective November 30, 2023” via Iowa Conference UMC. Details and dates for the 58 churches to be voted on Nov. 18 for a Nov. 30 exit. (Added 10-28-2023)
“The GMC Kenya Provisional Annual Conference To Launch in March 2024” by Amos Kerich via Revival News. “Since the Global Methodist Church was launched on May 1, 2022, in the United States, it has since grown, receiving an overwhelming reception in Africa even before its anticipated first General Conference in San Jose, Costa Rica, September 20 – 26, 2024.” (Added 10-28-2023)
“A Response to the Auburn Methodist Coalition Lawsuit” via Alabama-West Florida UM Conference. “While some members of that outside organization are technically members, they do not represent the leadership of Auburn United Methodist Church.” (Added 10-27-2023)
“More ‘Mainstream’ Misrepresentations” by Thomas Lambrecht via Good News. “…it would be wise to refrain from character assassination, mischaracterizing motives, and downright factual misrepresentation.” See also here. (Added 10-27-2023)
“Statement on churches seeking to leave the denomination post ¶2553” by Bishop Peggy Johnson via New England UM Conference. “Any local church that now attempts to affect an unlawful disaffiliation will be subject swift conference and, if necessary, legal action.” (Added 10-27-2023)
“Hope Amid Disaffiliations Continues” by Tyler Sprouse via Tennessee-Western Kentucky UM Conference. “At the November 13 called special session of the 2023 Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, there will be 128 churches considered for disaffiliation from the UMC.” (Added 10-27-2023)
“Eucharistic Blackmail” by Steve Harsh. “[A casualties of the great United Methodist schism of 2022-23] told me that a relative who still attends the now Global Methodist Church reported the following from their worship service last Sunday: prior to communion the pastor told the congregation that anyone planning to vote for Issue One in the upcoming Ohio general election should probably not take communion.” (Added 10-27-2023)
“Bishop updates EPA on church disaffiliation suit” by Bishop Schol via Eastern PA UMC Conference. “Last week, the judge ruled in favor of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference regarding a request by 11 of our churches for an injunction. These churches sought to disaffiliate without adhering to the process outlined by The Book of Discipline, Judicial Council rulings, and the Conference-approved procedures. We are grateful that the court acknowledged our polity and the EPA’s procedures.” (Added 10-26-2023)
“A Conversation with Mark Holland” via St. Luke’s Indy. Rb Fuquay talks with the head of Mainstream UMC in this livestream. (Added 10-26-2023)
“2023 Fall Update of the Current State of the United Methodist Church” by Dan Dalton via Dalton & Tomich (YouTube). “In this video, renowned authority in trust clause litigation, Dan Dalton, discusses the latest developments in the United Methodist Church. He covers a wide range of topics including the growing litigation cases in various states, challenges faced by local churches still within the UMC, including those who felt misled regarding their ability to leave in 2024, and the impact of disaffiliations on Conferences.” (Added 10-26-2023)
Post by Lewis Smith via Facebook. “Looks like 96 churches will be disaffiliating in West Ohio [at the October 28 Special Session]. The Bishop’s letter speaks of 348 churches and 252 have already left.” (Added 10-26-2023)
“Let’s Face the Future with Courage, Hope and Love” by Bishop Gregory Palmer via West Ohio UM Conference. “By the time you receive this note I will have affixed my signature by hand… to the Disaffiliation Agreements for 348 local churches that sought or are seeking to sever their connection to the West Ohio Conference… That said, it is expected that on November 1 following a Special Session of Annual Conference, the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, will be made up of 613 local churches. That’s a heaven of a lot of churches.” (Added 10-26-2023)
“Tishomingo Methodists Stay United” via Johnston County Sentinel. “The Oklahoma United Methodist Conference in Oklahoma City recently voted not to allow the Tishomingo United Methodist Church (UMC) to disaffiliate from the conference.” [paywall] (Added 10-26-2023)
“Korean Congregations Leaving the United Methodist Church” by Kim Roberts via MinistryWatch. “Majority-Korean Methodist churches, which tend to be more conservative and evangelical than other congregations within the United Methodist Church (UMC) denomination, are finding it difficult to disaffiliate for fear they will lose their land and leaders.” (Added 10-26-2023)
“Challenges exist, but Florida United Methodists ‘Abound In Hope’” by Joe Henderson via Florida UM Conference. “That said, Bishop Berlin didn’t gloss over the challenges The Florida Conference faces today and in the coming year.Once the third and final vote this year on disaffiliation is complete on December 2, approximately 175 churches – about 35% of all Florida United Methodist churches – will have left the Conference in 2023. More than 370 churches and missions and more than 300 Fresh Expressions will remain.” (Added 10-26-2023)
“Beacon Churches Shine Amidst Disaffiliation in the Arkansas Annual Conference” by Amy Ezell via Arkansas UM Conference. “Due to the excruciating discernment process for disaffiliation (referenced in ¶2553 of The 2016 Book of Discipline) thrust upon United Methodist Churches in Arkansas in May 2022, many found themselves just wanting to get away from the tension, untruths, and how ugly people were treating each other within our churches, friendships, and families, even before there was a vote to be taken.” (Added 10-26-2023)
“Life Together: Videos explore what UMC means to people” by Jessica Brodie via South Carolina Advocate. “What does The United Methodist Church mean to you personally? That’s the focus of a new initiative from the South Carolina Conference of the UMC, which is putting together brief videos sharing reflections from United Methodists on the church and how it impacts their lives and ministry.” (Added 10-25-2023)
“Empowering United Methodists for Inclusive Mission & Ministry” via the Association of Retired UM Clergy. November 18 Webinar: “Keynoting the webinar will be two episcopal leaders: Bishop Daniel Schweren, Chicago (Northern Illinois Conference) and Bishop Karen Oliveto, Denver (Mountain Sky Conference). A third keynoter will be Dr. Randall Miller, Oakland (California-Nevada Conference), a well-known lay spokesman in United Methodism.” (Added 10-25-2023)
“New vehicles ease bishops’ travel in Congo” by Chadrack Tambwe Londe via UMNS. “Each bishop in the Congo Central Conference, which includes four United Methodist episcopal areas covering six countries in central Africa, received an SUV with financial support from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.” (Added 10-25-2023)
“Oklahoma United Methodism prevails over Court Overreach” by Jeremy Smith via Hacking Christianity. “For better or worse, participation in our processes is the United Methodist way, and I’m thankful that this act of circumventing them by a Global Methodist Church lawyer failed spectacularly.” (Added 10-25-2023)
Post by UM Insight: “Reading the comments of all the conservatives who have objected to Richard Bryant’s essay leads me to think: nerve strike. Thus far, the response to our message has been running 4 to 1 in our favor.” (Added 10-25-2023)
“We Are All Hostages Now to Misinformation” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “After vicious right-wing backlash by the Rev. Rob Renfroe and the Rev. Jeffrey Rickman on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), the Rev. Richard Bryant’s essay that previously appeared in this space has been removed out of concern for the author’s safety.” (Added 10-25-2023)
“Huh? The Appeal of Non-Denoms for Disaffected United Methodists” by Bob Phillips via PeopleNeedJesus.net. Why former UM’s may be attracted to non-denominational churches that are not a good theological fit and the challenge this poses for the Global Methodist Church. (Added 10-25-2023)
“New DC Area Methodist Church?” by Mark Tooley via IRD. “Here’s the advantage of IRD starting the new Methodist church. We already have plentiful space in downtown Washington, DC, just a few blocks from the White House, by the subway station and a multitude of office buildings, blocks away from apartments buildings, condominiums, and houses full of tens of thousands of people.” (Added 10-25-2023)
“The Synod on Synodality at the halfway point” by George Weigel via the Catholic World Report. On “regionalization” talks within the Roman Catholic Church: “The Synod’s focus on certain “hot-button” issues – the ordination of women, the alphabet anthropology of the LGBTQ+ activists present – seems to many African and Asian bishops another exercise in the neo-colonialism against which the Pope has warned.” (Added 10-25-2023)
“Consent Agenda for November 13, 2023 Special Session” via Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of the UMC. 128 churches (listed) are set to disaffiliate on November 13 from the Tennessee Western Kentucky Conference. 238 disaffiliated previously, bringing the total to 366 (over 40%). (Added 10-25-2023)
“Fossil Free UMC: Walking Our Talk about Climate Change” by Sharon Delagado via UM Insight. “This article announces the return and revisioning of Fossil Free UMC, a movement to urge United Methodist boards, agencies, churches, and individuals to divest from fossil fuels, the primary driver of global heating.” (Added 10-25-2023)
Tweets about the Richard Bryant UM Insight Article: The Dodgey Rev, Joel Watts, Hambone, and PlainSpoken. (Added 10-25-2023)
Tweet by UM Insight: “This interpretation is totally erroneous. NOT ONCE does Richard Bryant liken disaffiliators to Hamas. You are utterly misreading the writer’s intentions — to point out the MANY ways in which we flawed humans MAKE OURSELVES hostages to inhumane beliefs… We publish all kinds of articles “in poor taste” depending on what the reader brings to the reading. In this instance, we stand by the author and our right to publish him.” (Added 10-25-2023)
“GM Church Continues Preparing for Its Convening General Conference” by Walter Fenton via GMC. The GM Church’s Transitional Leadership Council has announced that petitions for consideration at the Conference must be received by May 23, 2024. GM Church members, whether clergy or lay, can submit petitions, but their individual petitions must be signed by at least ten other lay or clergy members. (Added 10-25-2023)
“Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University Recognized as Recommended Educational Institution” by Walter Fenton via GMC. [second story on page] “The Transitional Leadership Council is pleased to announce that Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University (Marion, Indiana) has been approved as a recommended Educational Institution of the Global Methodist Church.” (Added 10-25-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “A progressive United Methodist caucus called Mainstream UMC said this in its newsletter. Post-denominational Christianity is today’s reality. Old Mainline denominations as institutions are almost irrelevant except as endowments. We @TheIRD hope to perpetuate best of Mainline Protestant traditions to benefit church & society.” [screenshot] (Added 10-24-2023)
“Wait, Disaffiliators are Terrorists?” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “What is to be said when a major publication associated with The United Methodist Church publishes an article that compares, in all seriousness, people and churches who want to disaffiliate from the UMC with Hamas terrorists? Is this something that should be ignored? Can it be? If things like this are publicly said, if bishops allow their clergy to malign their peers this way, then what kind of conferences can the UMC expect in the future?” (Added 10-24-2023)
“Breaking Free from the Pro-choice Captivity of a Church” by Paul Stallsworth via Human Life Review. “Bp. Whitaker’s sermon was a shot heard ‘round The United Methodist Church. His word provided a reforming infusion of the catholic and the evangelical, as Dr. Outler had hoped, into a denomination that had been hell-bent on following the elite currents of American culture.” (Added 10-24-2023)
“Fifty-one churches set for disaffiliation at Dec. 2 special session” by Paul Black via Illinois Great Rivers Conference. List of churches set to disaffiliate at the December 2 special session. (Added 10-24-2023)
“North Georgia Annual Conference Status Report on Churches as Related to Disaffiliation: Updated October 22, 2023” via North Georgia Conference. Reports 260 have voted thus far to disaffiliate with 8 more having requested votes. Nine votes have failed to reach 2/3 majority threshold. (Added 10-24-2023)
“Doctrine, Spirit, and Discipline: A Holistic Vision for Church Renewal” by Matt Reynolds via Firebrand Magazine. “As we approach the convening general conference in 2024, my longing and prayer for the Global Methodist Church is that we would again focus on these essentials that Wesley identified so many years ago. In the holistic renewal of doctrine, spirit, and discipline we may yet see a church in our lifetime that is anything but a dead sect and indeed has not only the form of religion, but the power.” (Added 10-24-2023)
“Whatever happened to ‘Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors’?” by Scott Field via WCA. “I can understand the weariness and frustration with this long season of congregational conflict and disaffiliation. But the actual majority of “good Methodists” I continue to experience are more open-hearted and open-minded than the recent unanimous decision by the MainstreamUMC Board. And “good Methodists” are also clear that the “open door” swings both ways.” (Added 10-24-2023)
“A Report from a GMC Annual Conference” by David Watson via Firebrand Magazine. “I began to become aware of the politics in the United Methodist Church when I was in seminary. Over the years the tensions around doctrine, ethics, and polity became ever stronger, until they finally rent the denominational fabric during the 2019 United Methodist General Conference. To anyone with eyes to see, it was clear there was no way forward under a single polity.” (Added 10-24-2023)
“We Are All Hostages Now” by Richard Bryant via UM Insight. Compares those disaffiliating from United Methodism with Hamas. (Added 10-24-2023)
“Pre-Session Letter to the Annual Conference” by Bishop Ken Carter via Western North Carolina Conference. “As you are aware, I have called for a special session vote of the Annual Conference to address the issue of 113 disaffiliation petitions from churches within our conference. This represents about 15% of the total 757 churches in our conference.” (Added 10-23-2023)
“New UMC: Revival!” by Steve Harper via UM Insight. “The past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to be in a variety of meetings with clergy and laity having to do with the emerging United Methodist Church. Each meeting has included the spirit of revival, revealing clearly that ours is a future filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11) as God does a new thing in our midst (Isaiah 49:13).” (Added 10-23-2023)
“Korean American Methodists Struggle to Split from UMC” by Megan Fowler via Christianity Today. “Majority-Korean churches looking for a way out of the United Methodist Church (UMC) fear they’re at risk of losing not only their land but also their leadership; a handful of Korean pastors say they were removed from their conservative congregations after the churches began the process to disaffiliate.” (Added 10-23-2023)
“It Doesn’t Work: United Methodist Church since 2020” by Aaron Vriesman via The Abide Project. A history of the UMC since 2020. See also the earlier post relating history from 1968-2020. “It Doesn’t Work” is a longer series on the liberal Mainline. (Added 10-23-2023)
“Going it on there own, looking to the future” by Kyle Kuphal via Pipeline County. “Earlier this year, Salem Church southwest of Pipe- stone near the South Dakota border separated from the United Methodist Church and became nondenominational. Church Board President Rodger Olivier said the decision was made to prepare for a future in which the small country church might have to close….”
(Added 10-23-2023)
“Disaffiliation decision carefully considered” by Robert Smith via Pawhuska Journal-Capital (OK). Pastor Brett Thomasson issues a statement on Pawhuska Methodist Church’s decision to leave the UMC. (Added 10-23-2023)
“Memorandum and Order” by Court of Common Please of Montgomery County, PA via PDF. “Eleven of the fifty churches in the litigation with the Eastern PA conference and Bishop John Schol sought an injunction to force Bishop Schol to reopen the disaffiliation process before 2553 sunset. This is the ruling denying the petition.” (Added 10-22-2023)
“Remaining Oklahoma United Methodists manage finances, moving forward with a ‘dream’” by Carla Hinton via The Oklahoman (via MSN). “After dissolving ties with 127 exiting churches, Oklahoma United Methodist Conference delegates turned their attention to matters of critical importance: money and moving forward with a bishop set to retire in 2024.” (Added 10-22-2023)
“The Disunited Methodist Church” by Robyn Rss via Texas Monthly. A long-form journalism piece following a UMC disaffiliation vote in Texas. (Added 10-22-2023)
“Massive US Church Votes to Leave Woke Denomination” by Rachel Emmanuel via The Western Journal. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist church, wrote, ” What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.” (Added 10-21-2023)
“Why “Mainstream UMC” Is Wrong About Exit Paths” by Tom Lambrecht via Good News. Response to “an article riddled with factual errors and distortions [in which] Mainstream UMC (the “centrist” caucus in the UM Church) called for ‘an end to disaffiliations through paragraph 2553.'” (Added 10-21-2023)
“Weekly Live Stream (October 20, 2023)” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken. “This is a time for people to come together and talk about those things pertaining to Methodism and Christianity more broadly. I bring some topics that I know I want to talk about, but I also try to make sure to be speaking to the questions asked or the topics suggested. Join me!” (Added 10-20-2023)
“Regionalization Series Part 1: Regionalization is already (partly) here” by Taylor Edwards Burton via UMC.org. “Even now, however, regionalization remains available in many ways to central conferences. Indeed, they may adapt and customize much more of the existing Part VI than they currently have done, should they so choose.” (Added 10-20-2023)
“Meet Your Neighbor: Renewal Methodist Church” via Sun City West Independent (AZ). “A friend and I decided to put out feelers on planting Renewal Methodist early this year. We quickly found that there was a significant desire for a Global Methodist Church presence in this region, and the decision to plant Renewal became obvious. We are planting here, because we see such a significant hunger for an orthodox, conservative expression of Methodism in this region.” (Added 10-20-2023)
“Harrisville church forms in the wake of United Methodist schism” by Irina Bucur via The Butler Eagle (PA). Coverage of a new GMC church start. (Added 10-20-2023)
Tweet by Chris Roberts: On video of protest centered around the UMC Board of Church and Society building: “Notice what building this gaggle of insurrectionists are being led from? Anyone in the #UMC know? The anti-Israel UMC that is?” (Added 10-19-2023)
“Entre Nos: A Hispanic/Latino National Gathering” via Desert Southwest UM Conference. “October 30 @ 4:00 pm – November 1 @ 4:00 pm MST. A pastor’s time for listening, self-care, and conversation hosted by the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministries as a response to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic and the denominational schism and disaffiliation of congregations. See https://nphlm.org/blog/our-life-values/entre-nos-2023/ for more information.” (Added 10-19-2023)
“Mississippi’s largest UMC church votes to leave the denomination” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “Although The Clarion-Ledger recently identified the church as the “largest” UMC congregation in the state, UMC Mississippi Conference spokesperson Jasmine Haynes told CP that this could not be confirmed, as the regional body is currently in the process of completing their current statistical reports.” (Added 10-19-2023)
“Let’s Not Forget Why” by Mark Holland via MainStream UMC. “This is why I do this work. It is neither dispassionate nor abstract. This work is about real people with real names and real lives. The Reconciling Ministries Network has been doing this work for 40 years by remaining grounded in the stories. Mainstream UMC is honored to work side by side with RMN to bring justice to the United Methodist Church. We have 6 months of work before General Conference 2024.” (Added 10-19-2023)
“It’s Official: Wesley Methodist Church holds chartering service” by Tommy Murphy via LaGrange Daily News (GA). “This wasn’t something that had been in the works for years,” Carmichael reiterated. “Prior to Aug. 13, we had no vision of Wesley Methodist Church.” (Added 10-19-2023)
“Legal Battle in Pennsylvania” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “In Pennsylvania, 11 of the churches are seeking to drop out of the lawsuit and instead disaffiliate under the unfavorable terms afforded by their conference. The conference leadership has told them that it is now too late for them to seek exit, so they are filing suit against the conference in order to have the state compel them to abide by Paragraph 2553 and allow them to exit before the provision expires. To the surprise of many, the proceedings in Pennsylvania took two days and hours of witness testimony, including that of Bishop Schol. Rev. Joe DiPaolo was in attendance, taking inscrutable notes. He was kind enough to join me to give a report and some analysis.” (Added 10-19-2023)
“‘All You Want to Do Is Worship’: A Student Reflects on 8 Months After Asbury” by JT Reeves via The Gospel Coalition. “In the spring of 2023, J. T. Reeves was a senior at Wheaton College. He and his friends drove to Asbury University when they heard the reports of the spiritual awakening happening on that campus. Eight months later, TGC asked Reeves to reflect on the lasting effects of that experience in his life and the lives of his fellow students.” (Added 10-19-2023)
“Global Methodists Do Annual Conference Differently” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “David Watson realized that Global Methodists will disagree about secondary issues, but said, “I don’t think we’re going to debate basic doctrine.” Greenway celebrated how “none of us have our fingers crossed behind our backs” in reciting the Apostles’ Creed.” (Added 10-19-2023)
Overheard: Drew McIntyre tweeted on 10/18: “Well, some leaders in our Conference clearly want to throw millions of $$$ down the tube in a lawsuit (which would inevitably result from blocking the disaffiliation of a large and wealthy church) and thus imitate the Jonesboro 1st debacle. This is a petty & vindictive course.” This seems to be in response to conversations about Wesley Memorial UMC, a Western North Carolina flagship church that voted to disaffiliate. At an October 16 event at Myers Park UMC with Mark Holland (Mainstream UMC), Pastor James Howell mentioned that the vote is being contested at Wesley Memorial because “they brought in ringers.” [See 21:00 here]. This statement raised eyebrows and concerns. One WNC conference clergy e-mailed: “The suggested reason to vote against Wesley Memorial’s disaffiliation is that 66 new members joined the church in the 4 months prior to its official vote, thus swinging the vote to ‘yes.’ [Quoting a conference source: ‘The reversal of this longstanding UM congregation came in the number of new members – people who had been part of Wesley Memorial less than 4 months. Some of them were members only days before the vote.’] This statement is undeniably false. August 27th Disaffiliation vote [Yes 615, No 241, Total 856, 71.85%]. Without alleged “invalid ” new members (66) [Yes 549, No 241, Total 790, 69.49%]. Even without the 66 new members, The members of Wesley Memorial present and voting still voted past the 67% threshold, with 69% voting yes.” See Bishop Carter’s reaction to Wesley Memorial’s vote here. (Added 10-19-2023)
“LGBTQ advocates plan for new day in church” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “But for many, the convocation was also a time to lament the loss of what The United Methodist Church was and celebrate the hope for what it is becoming.” (Added 10-19-2023)
“Status Report Related to Disaffiliation” via the Western North Carolina UM Conference. “This list shares the current status of each local church in the Western NC Conference, whether they will be remaining United Methodist, have held a church conference vote on disaffiliation, the ballot numbers and results of those votes, and which churches are being recommended for disaffiliation by the Conference Board of Trustees.” (Added 10-19-2023)
“Methodism’s Failed Political Witness” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “The official reason for their departure is denominational discord over marriage and sexuality. But traditionalists have been distressed by a wider range of theological, ecclesial, and political issues for many decades, if not most of the past century. United Methodism’s political witness for at least the last 60 years has been utopian and vacuous.” (Added 10-18-2023)
“2023 Uganda-South Sudan Annual Conference” via UMNS. “In Africa, [Bishop Wandabula] noted, the church has not yet experienced these disaffiliations, “except for a few uninformed leaders who are trying to cause confusion in the church like we saw in Kenya last week during the annual conference session in Mombasa,” Wandabula said. (Added 10-18-2023)
“The Journey to the GM Church’s Convening General Conference” by Walter Fenton via GMC. “We have eight committees assigned to specific tasks, and they’re all making good progress,” said Cook. “But of course everything has to come together when we get to Costa Rica, so we convene a meeting of all the Commission members every other week. Given that we’re all volunteers and live in at least a dozen different time zones, it’s amazing what has been accomplished so far. Members are honored to serve, but we all know we have much more to do.” (Added 10-18-2023)
“Korean United Methodists gather to celebrate their passion and spirituality” by Thomas Kim via UMNS. “About 40 congregations are expected to leave, representing 15-17% out of 280 Korean congregations, and about 60 pastors are expected to leave,” Chang said. (Added 10-17-2023)
“Auburn United Methodist Church files suit against United Methodist Church to force disaffiliation vote, establish property ownership” by Craig Monger via 1819 News. “The Conference believes that it has the prerogative to take the property of a local Methodist Church without its consent or consideration, relinquishing all rights and control and responsibility of The United Methodist Church over that local church in name, doctrine, governance, liquid assets, or liabilities, including unamortized loans through application of the ‘Trust Clause,’ within the United Methodist Book of Discipline,” the suit reads. (Added 10-17-2023)
“UMC churches disaffiliate; 322 remain in conference” by The Journal-Record. “A disaffiliation meeting held recently in Oklahoma City was the last of three planned, called by the regional United Methodist affiliate led by Bishop Jimmy Nunn. The conference said 84 churches in all have ended their affiliation with the denomination; 322 churches remain within the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference.” (Added 10-17-2023)
“What’s Happening in United Methodism?” via Myers Park UMC (Charlotte). “Join us as Dr. Mark Holland and Dr. James Howell host a live conversation exploring the challenges facing the UMC now and going forward.” (Added 10-17-2023)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “”I’m glad that 160 churches have exited Arkansas, which will be a good core for replanting traditional Methodism in Arkansas after nearly 60 years of decline, in a national religious culture that is now largely post denominational with a Baptist ethos,” he said. “USA Christianity will be stronger with a vibrant Methodism.” (Added 10-17-2023)
“Doing Church After a Disaffiliation Vote” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone, Michigan, lost about a third of its membership because of a failed vote to disaffiliate from the denomination over LGBTQ+ and other issues.” (Added 10-17-2023)
“Three Keys to Success in the Global Methodist Church” by Matt O’Reilly via YouTube. The pastor of Christ Church in Birmingham: “Build a lean, mean mission machine, not a top-heavy bureaucracy.” (Added 10-17-2023)
“New name, same mission: Van Wert church leaves UMC for new Methodist body” by Brenda Keller via LimaOhio.com. “Trinity Global Methodist Church underwent an affiliation change on Jan. 1 and officially adopted its current name on Jan. 28 to reflect its affiliation with the Global Methodist Church. The church is in partnership with North Union Church, another Global Methodist church, with both congregations sharing a pastor.” (Added 10-16-2023)
“State’s largest United Methodist Church votes on schism. See the results” by Ross Reily via The Mississippi Clarion Ledger. “After a vote was held Sunday, it was reported to its members by email by Christ United Methodist Church that more than 86% voted to disaffiliate while a little more than 13% voted to remain United Methodist.” PDF (Added 10-16-2023)
Overheard: Christ United in Jackson, MS held their vote on October 15. See “State’s largest United Methodist Church votes on schism. See the results” by Ross Reily via the Clarion Ledger. The result was 717-113 in favor of disaffiliation (86.9%). See Northside Sun’s advance coverage of the vote here. See a Stay UMC presentation by John Stephens here. The Discernment Team Page can be found here. Bishop Lewis and members of the MS Conference cabinet attended worship at Christ United the morning of the vote. Bishop Lewis earlier filmed a video appeal to the congregation stating her preference that they remain in the UMC. The Church Council recommendation on September 14 was 27 to 2 to disaffiliate. The cost of disaffiliation will be $1,053,758. (Added 10-16-2023)
“State’s conference lets 62 more leave United Methodists” by Frank Lockwood via Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. “Lay people and clergy voted 317 to 56 (85% to 15%) to ratify the latest batch of disaffiliation agreements, approving them as a bloc, rather than individually.” (Added 10-16-2023)
“Americans are leaving church behind. They’re giving up a lot more than faith.” by Paul Wesslund via Courier Journal. Opinion: “Instead, the disaffiliations have more to do with the divisiveness and tribalism plaguing other parts of society. We no longer want to be around people who might be different from us.” (Added 10-16-2023)
Post by Jimmy Boone via Facebook. “Updated: Oct, 15, 2023. We are now at 6,577 which is 21.92% of the 30,000 original total of U.M. Churches in the US (in 2021.)” (Added 10-16-2023)
“Documentary: God’s Love Split” via SCAD Savannah Film Festival. “Directed by Paloma Holub (B.F.A., film and television, 2023) USA, 2023, 11 min. God’s Love Split focuses on the effects of the disaffiliation process in the United Methodist Church in Georgia and North Carolina. Producer: Mekhna George” (Added 10-16-2023)
Overheard: The Arkansas Conference approved 62 churches for disaffiliation at the October 15 special session. See Spreadsheet of Disaffiliating Churches Ranked by Percentage Vote (Added 10-16-2023)
“God Makes All Things New (even in the UMC)” by Ben Gosden. “These are just 3 examples of ways our local church is taking part in helping to shape the future of the new UMC. We have progressively grown into these examples. And we didn’t wait for someone to ask us to do each of these things. This is a season where our annual conferences are doing all they can to shift an entire institution in a new direction.” (Added 10-14-2023)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. A former supporter of Mainstream UMC denounces the group’s call for ending disaffiliation. “Mark [Holland] seems to think that simply by wanting it to stop, we can halt the separation of the Church. We can’t.” (Added 10-14-2023)
“Annual Conference Live Streaming” via Oklahoma UM Conference. Video of the October special session. (Added 10-14-2023)
“‘Today is bittersweet’: Final group of churches get formal OK for United Methodist exit” by Carla Hinton via The Oklahoman. “Only one church, Tishomingo United Methodist, had its exit hopes dashed when delegates voted against its disaffiliation. Several people said the house of worship did not do enough to alert all its professing members about a required congregational disaffiliation vote and this amounted to serious voting irregularity.” PDF (Added 10-14-2023)
Post by Brad Elrod via Arkansas Staying United Facebook Group. Shares the voting totals of Arkansas churches to be considered for disaffiliation. (Added 10-14-2023)
Tweet via Reconciling Ministries Network. “During Convocation, you can pre-purchase JUST Like Me, our intersectionality-focused Vacation Bible Study, for 20% off! Visit our website for more details: https://justlikemevbs.org” (Added 10-14-2023)
“Methodism and American Empire” by David Scott and Filipe Maia via UM Insight. New Book Championing Regionalization Releasing 01/24: “…when Methodists in multiple settings negotiated a common understanding of a “global denomination,” they did so in a “globe” that was being created in the image and likeliness of empire. We will show that these negotiations were always tied to the central role the United States played in global Methodism.” (Added 10-14-2023)
“Care in Crisis: Church Disaffiliation – Season 7, Episode 11” by The Caring Congregation Podcast. via SoundCloud. “What do you do when your beloved United Methodist Church decides to disaffiliate, but you wish to remain? A church member in the Great Plains Conference processes her grief and sadness while she and others work to form a new United Methodist faith community. Hear their story of hope.” (Added 10-14-2023)
“Vote set on more Methodist disaffiliations” by Frank Lockwood via Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. “Dozens more Arkansas congregations have voted to sever ties with the United Methodist Church, hoping to join thousands of others that have already left the nation’s second-largest Protestant denomination. At a special online session Sunday, lay members and clergy from the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church will vote via Zoom on whether to ratify the decisions.” (Added 10-14-2023)
“Special Session October 2023: 4-6 p.m. Oct.15, 2023” via The Arkansas UM Conference. List of churches to be considered for disaffiliation has been updated to 60. (Added 10-14-2023)
“A Conversation with the UMC’s Most Renown Neocolonialist: Rev. Rob Renfroe” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken Podcast. “Rev. Rob Renfroe, newly retired clergy from the Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church and continuing President of Good News, took time to visit with me about the dynamics of neocolonialism in the church generally and The United Methodist Church specifically.” (Added 10-14-2023)
Video by Simon Mafunda via Facebook. WCA’s Africa Initiative explains the difference between the UMC and the GMC. (Added 10-14-2023)
Post by Jimmy Boone via Facebook. “The Oklahoma Annual Conference Just voted for 43 churches to disaffiliate. A motion was made to remove two churches from the list, but it was defeated. [Then] a motion was made to separate Tishomingo. A contentious debate over how the vote was publicized and a change of four votes would have defeated the disaffiliation. This motion did pass so Tishomingo was voted separately. The vote for disaffiliation failed 184 for and 283 against. The claim was that Tishomingo only used e-mail and in-church announcements to publicize the vote. Thus only about 50 of the 180 members were notified. The remaining 43 were voted on as a block. The vote was 386 for and 84 against.” (Added 10-14-2023)
“Season of disaffiliation coming to a close in Florida” by Joe Henderson via Florida UM Conference. “This has been hard on people. It has harmed relationships, created conflict in local churches, and left many in need of spiritual and emotional healing and rejuvenation,” Bishop Berlin said. (Added 10-13-2023)
“Weekly Live Stream (October 13, 2023)” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). Weekly livestream about Methodist topics. (Added 10-13-2023)
“United Methodist Church Sees A “Future Of Hope” As They Deny Scripture” via Faith & Freedom Daily. “Perhaps the Methodists who are forsaking both God’s Word and their founder’s wisdom should remember what their logo—the flame—actually stands for.” (Added 10-13-2023)
“Grappling with aftermath of bishop’s trial” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “Rachel Gipson, a licensed therapist, daughter of two United Methodist pastors and member of the California-Pacific Conference, has followed the proceedings closely. She cautioned in a widely shared Facebook post that in this situation, talk of healing might be counterproductive unless all involved have safety.” (Added 10-12-2023)
“Making It Official: Wesley Methodist to hold chartering Sunday” by Tommy Murphy via LaGrange Daily News. “In a letter to Wesley congregants dated Oct.2, Beyers announced that the church would officially charter as Wesley Methodist Church of LaGrange, a Global Methodist Congregation, on Oct. 15, 2023.” (Added 10-13-2023)
“Hey Amarillo Guest Gives Insight to UMC Separation in Amarillo” by Sheryl Procter via KAMR. “A conversation with Rev. Margie McNeir, an 83-year-old minister in the United Methodist Church, the nation’s second-largest Protestant denomination. McNeir moved to Amarillo after retiring from a ministry career in the Metroplex. Over the past few years, she’s had a front-row seat to theological disputes within the UMC denomination related to homosexuality and same-sex marriage.” (Added 10-13-2023)
“Religion in the Heartland: Hardship and optimism of the faithful” by Brian Boyce via AgDaily. “As anyone following the issues of church and state these days knows, the United Methodist Church is amidst a disaffiliation shuffle with more than 6,000 individual churches, or 20 percent, having left the denomination since 2019.” (Added 10-13-2023)
“Marks of a Methodist 2: Making a Difference” by Thomas Lambrecht via Good News. “The United Methodist Church (and the Global Methodist Church, for that matter) will only thrive once again when we have regained our voice to share Jesus Christ with our families, our friends, our neighbors, and our coworkers.” (Added 10-13-2023)
“Local church splits from United Methodist Church affiliation” via Windom News (MN). “The split was not without costs. Financially, the congregation had to pay over $99,000 to leave the UMC, and there were members who left the church due to dissatisfaction with the vote results.” (Added 10-13-2023)
“‘The sunshine was shining right down on it, like God opening a beacon on the church’” by Bob Demaree via The Madison Courier (IN). “After Ebenezer church closed, the building served as an event venue in recent years. But when 44 members of North United Methodist Church decided to split off and create their own church, worship services have been held there each Sunday since May 7, all while the building is still available as an event venue.” (Added 10-13-2023)
“The Wilderness of Bullies and Victims” by Phillip Amerson via UM Insight. “In the wake of the trial of United Methodist Bishop Minerva Carcaño there are persons on each side suggesting they have been victimized – and “the other” was a bully. What’s missing? I would argue it is responsibility to the larger community.” (Added 10-12-2023)
“Church dispute sharpens as property fight continues” by Keith Inman via The Jonesboro Sun. “Special Judge Gary Arnold, in ordering the larger congregation to vacate, said the group had voluntarily disaffiliated from the worldwide Christian denomination, even though there was no formal agreement approved.” (Added 10-12-2023)
“Affirming the Connection and the Role of the Annual Conference (2553 and one more special session)” by Michael Roberts. “In this coming special session, for example, there are questions about several congregations that started the process after the recommended deadline based on the “minimum three-month discernment period” and the principle that “all materials…must be submitted to the [AR] Conference Trustees a minimum of three weeks before the Annual Conference session…” (Added 10-12-2023)
“A Conversation: The local church and the Upcoming General Conference” via Omaha First UMC. Nov. 9 event: “Mainstream UMC is a United Methodist advocacy group working for Unity in the Body of Christ. The divisions in the church are not about “liberal” or “conservative”. They are about who is a “compatibilist” and who is an “incompatibilist.” The fundamental question is: Are you willing to live in a church with others with whom you disagree?” (Added 10-12-2023)
“The Weight: “The Connection” with Bishop Sharma Lewis” via The Weight Podcast. “Despite being in a season of disaffiliation and fragmentation, Bishop Lewis sees great things happening in the Mississippi Annual Conference, with the help of the Holy Spirit.” (Added 10-12-2023)
“General, Jurisdictional Conference delegation update: Aug. 31 meeting” via Kentucky UMC Conference. “Given the changes brought about by disaffiliation and the financial realities that have followed, the delegation learned that there is a distinct possibility that the Southeastern Jurisdiction will not elect new bishops at its conference in July 2024. There are also discussions underway about the possibility of “shared episcopal leadership” between conferences.” (Added 10-12-2023)
“A General Message from Bishop Ken Carter” via Western North Carolina Conference (UMC) (YouTube). Bishop Carter comes back from renewal leave and comments on disaffiliations and lawsuits. (Added 10-12-2023)
“Potential doctrine changes by UMC has some going non-denominational” by Bob Demaree via The Madison Courier (IN). “In Jefferson County, two churches have voted to disaffiliate — West Madison and Mount Zion in Paynesville — and one new church has been created, Hope Valley Church, with former members of the North United Methodist Church, which opted not to disaffiliate by a two-vote margin.” See also “West Madison moves on after disaffiliation” (Added 10-12-2023)
“4 Reasons to End Disaffiliations” by Mark Holland via UM Insight. “The Mainstream UMC Board voted unanimously this week to strongly advocate for an end to disaffiliations through paragraph 2553.” (Added 10-12-2023)
“GCFA Launches New Campaign to Educate on Financial and Legal Issues Ahead Of General Conference” via GCFA Press Release. “The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) is excited to announce the launch of a new campaign, “Data-Driven Discernment: Charting Hope at General Conference… The first educational video, “Strengthening the Episcopal Fund,” is being released today and is accompanied by current financial reporting and economic modeling.” (Added 10-12-2023)
“2020 v. 2024 – One of These is Not Like the Other” by Jeremy Smith via Hacking Christianity. “With the change in calculus and the self-immolation of traditionalist influence from delegations, no longer are groups talking about whether to stay or leave: that season has passed, and the people still at the table are staying.” (Added 10-12-2023)
“Why Retired Clergy Lose Faith and Leave Church” by Martin Thielen via UM Insight. “The biggest surprise of this retired clergy survey, at least for me, is that 81 percent of the respondents no longer hold traditional (historic, creedal, orthodox) theology/doctrines.” (Added 10-12-2023)
“The Spectre of Conferences Blocking Disaffiliations” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “In light of the successful disaffiliations of 120 churches in Virginia last week, and Oklahoma’s special called conference coming up this weekend, I go through a spreadsheet reflecting that Oklahoma may actually lose almost half of its size due to disaffiliations. I then go through a John Lomperis article in which he details what has happened to the four churches that have had the rug pulled out from under them.” (Added 10-12-2023)
“Becoming One” via Allegheny West Provisional Conference (GMC). The convening annual conference runs October 12-14, 2023. Livestream link included. (Added 10-12-2023)
“‘Like a revival’: UMC bishops talk of ‘a future with hope’ after over 6K churches depart” by Michael Gryboski via The Christian Post. “Hamilton, known for his support for changing the UMC Book of Discipline, began by noting that he had heard from people whose conferences had lost between 20% and 30% of their churches, yet they were “joyful” and said “it felt like a revival.” (Added 10-12-2023)
“Coming Out Day service – October 11, 2023” by Christ Church Ft. Lauderdale (Vimeo). [Scheduled for October 18] “Join us as we give thanks for the gifts of sexual orientation and gender identity and celebrate with our queer, transgender, bisexual, lesbian, and gay siblings in this special service on National Coming Out Day. This service is one way we live into our mission as a diverse and inclusive church.” (Added 10-11-2023)
“Reclaim, Revive, Renew: Korean United Methodists meet in Chicago” by James Lee via Eastern PA UMC Conference. “An intriguing session followed, led by the Rev. Paul Chang, Executive Director of the Korean Ministry Plan (KMP). Contrary to popular narratives from sources like the Global Methodist Church or the Good News caucus, he revealed the Korean UMC’s true, vibrant statistics.” (Added 10-11-2023)
“Northern Illinois Conference Regretfully Files Lawsuit Against Naperville Korean Church” via Northern Illinois Conference (UMC). “The Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church has, with a heavy heart, filed a lawsuit on Oct. 10 against a breakaway faction of the former Naperville Korean United Methodist Church, alleging that it unlawfully took possession of property and funds rightfully belonging to the Northern Illinois Conference.” (Added 10-11-2023)
“Disunited Methodists – 15 Coastal Alabama UMC Congregations Have Left the Denomination” by Scott Johnson via Lagniappe Weekly (Mobile Bay Area). [paywall] (Added 10-11-2023)
“GM Church Chaplaincy Ministry Gains Momentum” by Walter Fenton via GMC. “During this season of separations and transitions, the GM Church’s Ecclesiastical Endorsing Board is maintaining cordial and collegial relationships with the leadership of The United Methodist Church’s Endorsing Agency. Clergy who serve under appointment and endorsement by the UM Church Endorsing Agency but seek to align with the GM Church are encouraged to retain active UM endorsement until the GM Church officially recognizes their clergy status by transfer.” (Added 10-11-2023)
“Disappointed, but not disheartened: OKC churches in disaffiliation dispute talk Supreme Court ruling” by Carla Hinton via The Oklahoman. Interview with leaders from OKC First and Church of the Servant. PDF (Added 10-11-2023)
“The Announcement of the GMC’s Convening Conference Date & Location” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). The official zoom announcment of the convening conference in Costa Rica, September 2024. (Added 10-11-2023)
“United Methodists of Thomasville witness God’s blessings through partnership, giving, and mission” via South Georgia Conference. As shared in UMNS Daily Digest: “Episcopalians help displaced United Methodists” (Added 10-10-2023)
“Special Session October 2023” via Arkansas UM Conference. List of 26 churches to be voted out October 15, 2023. (Added 10-10-2023)
[link repaired] “The New UMC: How Shall It Be?” by Steve Harper. “I have written this post to say that the new UMC is coming into being in relation to the four dimensions I have named (grace, love, connection, holiness), and in other ways too. And…I have written the post to say that we have existing resources to guide us in bringing the new UMC into being.” (Added 10-10-2023)
“Cannibalistic Connectionalism” by Chris Ritter via Team Caffeine. “In a few places, conferences are learning they can mitigate the negative effects of their own decline using the assets of the local churches.” (Added 10-10-2023)
“Overheard: Inaugural Comments by the New President of the Wesleyan Covenant Association” by Scott Field via WCA. “On Saturday, October 7th, the Global Legislative Assembly of the Wesleyan Covenant Association met via video platform. The voted unanimously to confirm the election of Rev. Dr. Scott Field as the new president of the WCA. He made an inaugural speech that outlined the mission of the WCA now. You might be interested…so here’s are his comments.” (Added 10-10-2023)
“Organization and Session Rules to Consider Ratification of Disaffiliation Agreements from the Board of Trustees at the October 15, 2023, Special Online Session of the Arkansas Conference” via The UM Arkansas Conference. Proposed process for the 10/15 special session. (Added 10-10-2023)
“Schism claims more Methodist churches in Mississippi. See where.” by Ross Reily via Mississippi Clarion-Ledger. “In yet another round of disaffiliations within Mississippi’s United Methodist Churches, many congregations are splitting to make known where they stand on church doctrine. Meanwhile, others are standing pat.” (Added 10-10-2023)
Overheard: Marion First Methodist in Arkansas, with 250 votes cast, fell one vote shy of the supermajority needed for disaffiliation. “A good number” left the church and began meeting in a neighboring town. Some leaders supporting disaffiliation stayed. The stay group leaders realized they would be unable to service and $1.4 million debt and contact the conference. The AR conference has agreed to close the church and turn it over to the disaffiliation group who are trying to welcome back those who departed. The Stay UMC group is trying to discern next steps. See here and here. (Added 10-9-2023)
“Forum Planned for African Delegates” via UM Africa Forum. Regionalization Group: “The United Methodist Africa Forum is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a forum for African delegates to the 2024 General Conference from January 4th to 7th, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This forum is exclusively dedicated to delegates committed to preserving the unity of the United Methodist Church.” (Added 10-9-2023)
“The Way to San Jose: Funding the Movement” by Chris Ritter via PeopleNeedJesus.net. As the GMC develops its funding model, it may wish to study the system of the Assemblies of God which relies heavily on clergy tithes. (Added 10-9-2023)
Post by John Reuter via Facebook. “There is no recourse from being squashed by the heavy fist of a local Annual Conference’s rejection of a Disaffiliation Agreement submitted in good faith by a church’s super-majority’s vote…” (Added 10-9-2023)
“Oklahoma Supreme Court stops lower court from allowing 2 Methodist churches to vote for disaffiliation” by Kolby Terrell via KOCO. “The higher court argued the district court doesn’t have jurisdiction in a lawsuit from two Oklahoma City Methodist churches trying to disaffiliate from the conference.” (Added 10-9-2023)
“Splinter explainer: Will UMC churches outside the U.S. stay or go from the denomination?” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. “Bold proclamations are not unexpected but when the dust settles, it’s interesting to see what the actual numbers become,” Bishop Thomas Bickerton, president of the UMC Council of Bishops, said in an interview. PDF (Added 10-9-2023)
“OK Court Rules Against Churches Amid LGBT Schism” by Michael Gryboski via The Christian Post. “The Oklahoma Supreme Court has ruled against two congregations seeking to leave the United Methodist Church amid the ongoing debate on homosexuality within the denomination.” (Added 10-8-2023)
“Special Called Annual Conference Session Report (October 7, 2023)” by Sam Duenckel via Virginia UM Conference. “A Special Called Annual Conference session was held on October 7, 2023 for the Virginia Annual Conference membership to consider the ratification of 120 local churches seeking to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church over matters of human sexuality using Paragraph 2553 of the Book of Discipline.” (Added 10-8-2023)
“NC United Methodists Meet Virtually to Ratify Disaffiliations” via North Carolina Conference. “GARNER, NC – Lay and clergy members from local United Methodist churches in eastern North Carolina met virtually on Saturday, October 7, for a Special Called Session of Annual Conference to ratify disaffiliation agreements of 18 churches.” (Added 10-8-2023)
Post by Joe Kilpatrick via Facebook. A long-time North Georgia layman questions the “better together” logic of the UMC as Tucker UMC approachess its disaffiliation vote. (Added 10-8-2023)
Overheard: Unknown gunmen invaded the home of Bishop John Wesley Yohanna two days ago in Nigeria. “They came to kill him but they couldn’t get him.” His children were beaten by the gunmen but the bishop is safe. See post by Absalom Nuhu. (Added 10-7-2023)
“Disaffiliating Churches November 30 2023” via Iowa UMC Conference. 59 churches to be voted on at next month’s special session in Iowa. (Added 10-7-2023)
Post by Jimmy Boone via Facebook. “We are now at 6,415 which is 21.38% of the 30,000 original total of U.M. Churches in the US (in 2021.)” (Added 10-7-2023)
Overheard: All 120 churches presented to the special session of the Virginia Conference on October 7 were approved. The margin of voting was 92%. 389 churches held informational meetings. 220 total have disaffiliated (over 20%). (Added 10-7-2023)
“Friday Live Stream – Thoughts on Defeat in Oklahoma” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “Church of the Servant and OKC First Church were both defeated in court yesterday after oral arguments before the state’s Supreme Court. I and my guest co-host, Daniel Rickman, will talk about this and other topics as suggested by whoever wants to join us online. So join us if you would like to ask questions or suggest topics!” (Added 10-6-2023)
Tweet by John Lomperis: “Just learned of a Southeastern #UnitedMethodist clergywoman who was threatened, by a regional #UMC official, w/consequences if she was just a guest preacher for a revival service of a congregation who had disaffiliated. The UMC’s anti-ecumenical hostility is off the charts!” (Added 10-6-2023)
“Necessity is the Mother of Invention” by Bishop Ken Carter via Facebook. “In WNC, after a several-year process we will have lost 300 churches (of almost 1000) by year’s end. We estimate that we will be 644 churches, 100 of them Lighthouse Churches, with an additional 190 Fresh Expressions of Church and 18 Emerging Communities. Over 80% of our large churches remain. Between 2/3 and 3/4 of the departing churches have part-time pastors. We will miss them.” (Added 10-6-2023)
“United Methodist Clergy Trends: Fewer, Older” by Thomas Lambrecht va Good News. “The other factor causing an overall decline in clergy could be denominational conflict and disaffiliation. The number of elders in 2023 was 1,158 fewer, up from 603 the year before. Local pastors experienced 816 fewer in 2023, compared with 323 fewer in 2022. This sudden jump of over 1,000 in the number of clergy leaving UM ministry could reflect pastors who withdrew as their congregations disaffiliated.” (Added 10-6-2023)
“October 2023 Special Called Conference” via Oklahoma UMC Conference. The workbook for the October 13 special session. 44 churches listed for disaffiliation. (Added 10-6-2023)
“Grace Resurrection Methodist Church marks first anniversary” by Wendy Parker via East Cobb News (GA). “A year after breaking away from Mt. Bethel Church, Grace Resurrection Methodist Church held a special “homecoming” celebration last weekend. The independent congregation meets at the former location of the now-closed Lutheran Church of the Incarnation and is led by Rev. Randy Mickler, who was the senior pastor at Mt. Bethel for 29 years.” (Added 10-6-2023)
“In rural Bladen County, schism in United Methodist Church hits close to home” by Rachel Baldauf via Bladen Journal (NC). “Trinity wasn’t the only United Methodist Church in town. Before disaffiliations began, there were six. Today, there is only Grace. “It’s like a communal divorce,” Gustafson said. “So there’s a lot of hurt.” (Added 10-6-2023)
“Concerns: Christ UMC Takes Major Vote to Determine Next Step Forward” by Nell Luter Floyd via Northside Sun (MS). “Members of the church, which is the largest United Methodist congregation in the state, are scheduled to discuss and vote upon disaffiliation on Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. at the church, 6000 Old Canton Road, according to the Christ United Methodist website (christunitedjxn.org/resources/discernment/). (Added 10-6-2023)
“Oklahoma Supreme Court Rules Against Two Churches in United Methodist Exit Cases” by Carla Hinton via The Oklahoman. “The churches’ co-council, Cheryl Plaxico and Cara Nicklas, presented each case as a property dispute, claiming that the conference leaders were singling out the two churches to prevent them from leaving the United Methodist Church so the conference could keep their valuable church property.” PDF (Added 10-6-2023)
“Oklahoma Supreme Court hears arguments in United Methodist disaffiliation cases” via OK Conference (UMC). “Attorney Ross Plourde argued that district and state courts should not have jurisdiction in deciding ecclesiastical issues in denominations.” (Added 10-6-2023)
“In United Methodist Church Trial, a Church on Trial” by William Lawrence via UM Insight (RNS). “While the bishop’s trial ended with an acquittal, the church was on trial, too. It did not fare very well.” (Added 10-5-2023)
“Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño Welcomed Back to Active Service” by JB Brayfindley via UM Insight. “A gathering of more than 300 United Methodists in the California-Nevada conference met on Sunday, October 1st, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at First UMC in Sacramento to celebrate Holy Communion on World Communion Sunday with returning resident Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño after an 18-month suspension.” (Added 10-5-2023)
Post by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (Facebook). “The Oklahoma Supreme Court deliberated after the Oral Arguments Hearing concluded this morning. They rendered a decision a few minutes ago that effectively overturns Judge Timmons’ ruling and ends the two churches’ suits against the OKUMC. It is unknown what the consequences of this decision will be in the long term. In the short term, we should pray for peace in the aftermath of an unfortunate litigation.” (Added 10-5-2023)
“Oklahoma Supreme Court Oral Arguments (Part 1) & (Part 2)” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). Supreme court hearings in Oklahoma related to Church of the Servant and OKC First UMC. (Added 10-5-2023)
“When Being Affirming Isn’t Loving” by Carl Trueman via First Things. “It is worrying indeed that influential voices within the church are helping to create the rhetorical and pastoral approach that will serve only to further marginalize those who seek to minister faithfully to this generation.” (Added 10-5-2023)
“Letter to the Editor: Global Methodist Church” by Jack Jenkins via Grainger Today. “These labels are helpful to discuss the UMC dispute with clarity: Traditionalist (aka Evangelical, Conservative), and Progressives (aka Liberal, Liberationist).” (Added 10-5-2023)
“No Good Place To Stand” by Richard Bryant via UM Insight. A UM pastor writes about how he feels now that his church has decided to disaffiliate without him: “I am becoming a living, breathing memory in the present tense.” (Added 10-5-2023)
“Last chance? More Oklahoma churches to seek United Methodist Church exit at third meeting” by Carla Hinton via The Oklahoman. “Two Oklahoma City metro houses of worship and several Eastern Oklahoma megachurches are among more than 40 churches seeking to formally exit the United Methodist Church in a special meeting set for Oct. 13-14 in Oklahoma City.” See also PDF. (Added 10-4-2023)
“My, How Things Have Changed” by Ed Rodarmel via Omnia Methodist. “Simply put, I cannot fully convey to you just how encouraging a change this is, and especially for those who once served as licensed local pastors.” (Added 10-4-2023)
“Oklahoma Supreme Court Battle Tomorrow” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken Podcast. “Tomorrow the Supreme Court of Oklahoma is going to hear the oral arguments on behalf of two churches that have filed against the Oklahoma Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, as well as arguments made by the conference. This is uncharted territory, and there have been irregularities along the way. Take a few minutes to consider the particulars of what is going on here, its implications for future American jurisprudence, and how it is that one might pray for a resolution in this scenario.” (Added 10-4-2023)
“Changes” by Warren Lathem via Facebook. “Of late in North Georgia a number of pastors have made some complaints which include losing their home church, pastors “stealing sheep” from congregations, others “gleaning” dissatisfied members, etc. I served as a pastor for many years and understand their frustration….” (Added 10-4-2023)
“Global Methodist Church’s Convening General Conference Set for San Jose, Costa Rica” by Walter Fenton via GMC. “The Global Methodist Church’s Transitional Leadership Council has announced that the new denomination’s convening General Conference will be held in San Jose, Costa Rica, September 20 – 26, 2024.” (Added 10-4-2023)
“What Did ‘Stay UMC’ Activists Really Win by Blocking Disaffiliations?” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “In all four cases, blocking congregations’ disaffiliation displayed over-the-top animosity against the congregations and a callous indifference about harming their ministries, but also became costly for those staying United Methodist, all for relatively hollow victories.” (Added 10-4-2023)
“Andy Stanley’s Unconditional Contradiction” by Sam Allberry via Christianity Today. “The Atlanta-area pastor has said he affirms a New Testament sexual ethic, but his words and deeds have muddled that message.” [Stanley’s “quieter middle space” seems connected to earlier stages of UM Fallout.] (Added 10-4-2023)
Post by Shane Raynor via Facebook: “Bethany UMC, a large church in Austin, voted 57% to disaffiliate. 693 voters, 462 votes needed; 398 for Disaffiliation. 286 against Disaffiliation, 7 abstain. Bethany UMC will remain UMC. It’s not gonna be a good situation there now.” (Added 10-4-2023)
Tweet by David Watson: “This is one of the most important pieces we’ve ever published in
@firebrandmag. Thanks, @DaleMCoulter, for your excellent work. #evangelism #christianity #evangelical
@GlobalMChurch” (Added 10-4-2023)
E-Mail by Dan Dalton via PDF. A lawyer representing some disaffiliating churches reflects on the possible implications of the full communions agreement between the UMC and The Episcopal Church. If this moves toward full merger, UMC churches need to take steps to protect their properties. (Added 10-4-2023)
[corrected] The Forged Network of Churches Website. This Georgia-based network lists Jody Ray (Mt. Bethel), John Kenney (Quest), and Shannon Patterson (The Porch) as organizers. [This seems like a Georgia sub-network of the Foundry Network. The Foundry is for very large churches and member churches are encouraged to develop local networks for smaller churches.] (Added 10-4-2023)
“Number of Young Elders in the United Methodist Church Reaches a Record Low Number in 2023” by Lovett Weems via Lewis Center for Church Leadership. “Since 2019, the decline in numbers of young elders has accelerated. New record lows for young elders were set in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Since 2019, there has been a decline of 53 percent in the number of under-35 elders. The losses were comparable for men and women based on the proportion of each among young elders. The number of young elders in 2023 is 449, a loss of 199 in the past year.” (Added 10-4-2023)
“Global Methodist, Wesleyan, Nazarene, and Salvation Army Church Updates” by Andy Miller III via More to Story Podcast (YouTube). A round-up of denominational news from Wesley Biblical Seminary in Mississippi. (Added 10-4-2023)
“What’s up with the United Methodist Church split? (a discussion with Dr. Matt O’Reilly)” via DiscipleDojo (YouTube). “On this episode, we’re bringing in an expert! Dr. Matt O’Reilly is Lead Pastor of Christ Church Birmingham, Director of Research at Wesley Biblical Seminary, and a fellow of the Center for Pastor Theologians.” (Added 10-3-2023)
“Disaffiliation Funding Plan” via Grapevine First Methodist Church. “We need to raise $356,270 to be paid to the Central TX Conference by December 15, 2023.” (Added 10-3-2023)
“Special Called Session of Annual Conference” via Rio Texas UMC Conference. Information on a special session to consider local church disaffiliations. Matt Miofsky will be the guest speaker. (Added 10-3-2023)
“Thoughts on the Future of American Christianity [Firebrand Big Read]” by Dale Coulter via Firebrand Magazine. “These newer versions of mainline Protestantism are all confessionally conservative and missionally focused. The future means a larger form of conservative Protestantism that will be neither mainline nor evangelical. Moreover, with the exception of the Presbyterian Church in America, all of these new denominations ordain women. While the mainline is dying, a new form of Protestantism is emerging. The older categories of evangelical, mainline Protestant, and Black Protestant no longer hold.” (Added 10-3-2023)
“The Coming Pastoral Shortage as a Missional Concern” by David Scott via UM Insight. “The systems for recruiting, training, and deploying congregational leadership are likely to look very different in the future than they did in the era of the circuit riders or in the recent eras of the ubiquitous M.Div.-trained elder or the rise of licensed local pastors.” (Added 10-3-2023)
“Fresh Expressions’ First National Gathering Changes Site over Justice Concerns” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “The first national gathering of Fresh Expressions United Methodist has moved its site from Florida to North Carolina after potential attendees raised concerns that they would not feel safe in the “anti-woke” atmosphere of the Sunshine State.” Article references that the inter-denominational Fresh Expressions is more conservative. (Added 10-3-2023)
“The World Needs United Methodists to Stop Navel-Gazing” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “It’s clearly time for United Methodists to lift up their heads and look at what’s happening in the world around them. Here are the books that will give all United Methodists both the context of these days and ways to meet their challenges.” (Added 10-3-2023)
“Charter Member Sunday” via Trinity on the Hill (Augusta, GA). “Trinity on the Hill is now affiliated with the Global Methodist Church. Our current full members of Trinity on the Hill UMC (which disaffiliated from the UMC so it now no longer exists) are invited to become Charter Members of the new Trinity on the Hill Global Methodist Church. Each current member who wishes to have their membership moved will have the opportunity to make an intentional commitment by taking the membership vows of Trinity on the Hill GMC.” (Added 10-3-2023)
“The Dreaded Fourth Quarter Red Zone Fumble…” by Scott Field via WCA. “Those who already have made the challenging disaffiliation journey might want to take a break, settle into your “new normal”, and enjoy a season of relative rest. And that, friends, is how we will be most likely to fumble just when the goal line is so close.” (Added 10-3-2023)
“Bishops discuss UMC future in ‘family meeting’” by David Burke via Great Plains UMC Conference. “There is a great hope that in 2024 we will get there,” Bishop Malone added. “We hold out hope for that, but don’t give up hope. “If we don’t get everything we want in 2024, believe that 2026 is just around the corner.” (Added 10-3-2023)
“Upfront: Spiritual split” by David Mildenberg via Business North Carolina. “It’s not a business, but the Methodist impact on our state has been profound economically and socially. The mostly White United Methodist Church had nearly 1,000 churches a few years back, while the mostly Black AME Zion denomination has 562. Methodists started or have backed colleges including Duke, High Point and Methodist universities; a half-dozen senior living centers; various camps and retreat centers; and hundreds of social-service nonprofits. Methodist church membership in North Carolina once topped 1 million. It’s now at least a third smaller, still more than any peers except the Baptists.” (Added 10-2-2023)
“The Global Methodist Church In Bulgaria – A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Daniel Topalski” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken. “Rev. Dr. Daniel Topalski is the Presiding Elder of the Global Methodist Church in Bulgaria. He is passionate in his desire to reclaim much of the Methodist legacy, and to speak at length about his hopes for Bulgaria and the world. In this conversation, we cover his personal history and the history of Methodism in Bulgaria.” Minutes of 4/22 Conference separating from the UMC. (Added 10-2-2023)
“This is still news? Mainline Protestantism, once central in U.S. culture, keeps collapsing” by Richard Ostling via Get Religion. “The most dramatic losses at the moment, as covered by GetReligion, are in the United Methodist Church, currently experiencing what’s likely the biggest U.S. schism since the Civil War. JuicyEcumenism reported August 8 that 6,225 conservative congregations have left thus far, and special meetings in a couple dozen regions will handle further dropout bids before a Dec. 31 deadline. Conservative Methodists complain that other conservative attempts to leave are being unfairly hobbled in some regional bodies, per this from last week.” (Added 10-2-2023)
“Disaffiliation Reporting Guide” via Virginia UMC Conference (PDF). Lists the 120 churches seeking disaffiliation at the special session on October 7, along with stats and clergy withdrawals. (Added 10-1-2023)
Post by Jimmy Boone via Facebook. Lists the six October 2023 special sessions scheduled in Virginia (10/7), North Carolina (10/7), Oklahoma (10/13), Upper New York (10/14), Arkansas (10/15), and West Ohio (10/28). (Added 9-30-2023)
Post by Warren Lathem via Facebook. Crunches the numbers in the North Georgia Conference and predicts 340 churches will leave the AC and 425 will remain. (Added 9-30-2023)
“September 29, 2023 Live Stream” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “The weekly live stream is an hour of anyone who wants to join being able to talk about whatever they like pertaining to Methodism and/or Christianity. Sometimes there is structure, but sometimes it’s sorta free ranging.” (Added 9-29-2023)
“Another Mainstream Misunderstanding” by Thomas Lambrecht via Good News. “The GM Church is not the UMC 2.0. It plans to do mission and ministry and denominational funding differently from how the UM Church has done it.” (Added 9-29-2023)
“United Methodist conference creates ‘reaffiliation’ policy after nearly 200 churches disaffiliate” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “…a church…is eligible for reaffiliation if it brings its church property with it, has a minimum of 50 members, and shows financial sustainability. The reaffiliating church must hold a congregational vote in which either a simple majority or a supermajority approves the measure, depending on the rules that govern the local church.” (Added 9-29-2023)
“Church of the Resurrection UMC Family Meeting” . A panel on the UMC at COR’s Leadership Institute featuring Adam Hamilton and Bishops Berlin, Malone, and Muyombo. (Added 9-29-2023)
“Forsyth UMC vote killed our church” by Letter to Editor via The Monroe County Reporter (GA). “Your article ‘it was almost like a funeral’ was probably the most accurate information presented…” (Added 9-28-2023)
“United Methodist annual conference special sessions in 2023” via UMNS. An updated list of special sessions for the purpose of approving disaffiliations. 21 special conference sessions remaining in 2023. (Added 9-28-2023)
Post by Daniel Wade Randall via Facebook. “…In the summer of 2022 Bishop David Graves set three special called Annual Conferences to allow churches to be voted on allowing them to dissafiliate. Many pastors and congregations trusted his promises made for a fair process and helping congregations get to where they felt the Lord would have them to be. The week before this past Junes AWF Annual Conference the Conference Board of Trustees changed the process makeing it more difficult for churches that desired the opportunity to vote and be considered nearly impossible….” (Added 9-27-2023)
“LGBT Issues Cause Schism in the Methodist Church w/ Mark Tooley” via The Commonwealth Matters Podcast. An interview with Mark Tooley about UM Fallout. See also “Methodist Split & Post-denominationalism” here. (Added 9-27-2023)
“Filipino lay leaders call for autonomy” by Gladys P. Mangiduyos via UMNS. “United Methodist lay leaders in the Philippines are calling for the Philippines Central Conference to become autonomous from The United Methodist Church without going through the process laid out in the church’s Book of Discipline.” (Added 9-27-2023)
“United Methodist Family Meeting” via Facebook. “During Leadership Institute, we are excited to share that we will be hosting a “United Methodist Family Meeting.” This will take place at Resurrection on Thursday Sept. 28 at 7pm and will be completely free to all. You can attend In-Person or watch online using this link: Resurrection.church/live.” Features: Adam Hamilton, Bishops Tracy Malone, Tom Berlin, and Mande Muyombo.” (Added 9-27-2023)
“Queerly Beloved 9.24.2023” via Duke Memorial UMC (Durham) Facebook. “Thank you to everyone who put in the time and effort to make this Queerly Beloved service happen!!!And a big thank you to @trinitychurchst for hosting the service at the last minute! We had 11 @durhamqueermethodists churches involved in the planning of Queerly Beloved and more represented by everyone who attended. We are grateful for everyone who came and shared in this amazing service, food, and fellowship, “by and for Queer people”. [photos] (Added 9-27-2023)
“Thou Has Conquered, Oh Thou Baptists” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “The tight connectionalism of Methodism, guided by bishops, and undergird by denominational ownership of church properties, was said to aid Methodist ascendancy in the 19th century. But it arguably helped fuel its demise.” (Added 9-27-2023)
“Discerning candiates for the episcopacy” via Baltimore-Washington Conference Delegation. “We are in a season of uncertainty. In the midst of the disaffiliation of congregations, there is uncertainty about the direction and future of the church. Executive level leadership with managerial skill, tempered by compassion, reinforced by cultural awareness, is vital for the church to move forward.” (Added 9-27-2023)
“A Church Rising: First Global Methodist Church Dallas” by Walter Fenton via GMC. “After 29 years of service in the North Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, Jackson Sears acknowledges the pain of what has been lost while she simultaneously embraces what she regards as a gift given to her and the First GMC Dallas. The pastor at Lake Highlands UMC for nine years, she accepted an invitation from former members to pastor a church plant on the northside of Dallas.” (Added 9-27-2023)
“Conference, Jurisdiction Issue Statements on Bishop’s Acquittal” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. Coverage of statements made after the trial. (Added 9-26-2023)
“Trial Proves UMC Bishops Are Held Accountable” by Mary John Dye via UM Insight. “Do not ever let anyone tell you again that our bishops can do whatever they want and are not accountable. That is the current setup for GMC bishops. But United Methodist bishops (and all of us) serve under accountability.” (Added 9-26-2023)
“Math: GMC Has Abandoned Africa” by Mark Holland via Mainstream UMC. The GMC will not be able to support Africa financially in the way the UMC has. (Added 9-26-2023)
“The Ghost of Glide” by Chris Ritter via PeopleNeedJesus.net. Was the trial of United Methodism’s first female Hispanic bishop payback for her handling of the Western Jurisdiction’s largest congregation? (Added 9-26-2023)
Post by Bob Phillips via IGRC WCA (Facebook). “On September 20, 2023, the Illinois Great Rivers Chapter of the WCA formally concluded its status as an incorporated non-profit. Since it never sought nor received any money, the process was simple…people who believe in its vision of advocacy and support ”paid their own way” as needed. A regional chapter, covering several states, will begin as of January 1, 2024 and run throughout that transitional year.” (Added 9-26-2023)
Letter from Chet Harris via East Ohio WCA. “It is time for us to place our servant ministry behind the Global Methodist Church and close the work of the WCA with an awareness that a good work has been done. The East Ohio WCA Board voted to suspend the organization and place our resources firmly in promoting the Global Methodist Church. I admit ceasing the ministry of the WCA in East Ohio has been highly emotional for me and the writing of this letter did not come easy to me. Yet, I am in total agreement that it is time to refocus on the GMC.” (Added 9-26-2023)
“General Conference Legislation to be Available in January 2024” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “The Commission on the General Conference will release the supplement to the earlier Advance Daily Christian Advocate that contains newly submitted petitions and new, updated reports from the denomination’s general agencies.” (Added 9-26-2023)
“Churches in Crisis: UMC Disaffiliation in SC” via The Greenville Daily Bugle. When a chatbot writes a story about UM disaffiliation. (Added 9-26-2023)
“Disaffiliation and UWF” via Western Pennsylvania Conference. “Please know that your local church’s disaffiliation does not automatically disaffiliate your unit or you. All women and units have the option to remain as part of United Women in Faith, and must be given that option, regardless of the church’s disaffiliation status.” (Added 9-26-2023)
“Take your marbles and leave the United Methodist Church.” That’s what I received in an email last week. And here’s what I said in response.” by Scott Field via WCA. “The disaffiliation process that has been offered to UM congregations in the US has been denied to UM congregations in Africa, the Philippines, and Europe. Please note that there is nothing in paragraph 2553 restricting its application exclusively to the US; that restriction comes solely from the UM Council of Bishops. And, as long as this disaffiliation discrimination exists, the WCA has not yet fulfilled our purpose.” (Added 9-26-2023)
Tweet by Ryan Burge: “Here’s the average cost [of seminaries] per denomination. The most expensive is the United Methodists. Note how many mainline denominations are on this list. Almost every one is in the top ten. The least expensive? The Southern Baptists.” (Added 9-25-2023)
“Bishop’s Trial Sparks Reflections on Leadership” by Ben Roe via UM Insight. “My prayers are to all in the United Methodist Church (to say nothing about the surrounding cultures) that we be honest, forthright, sensitive, truthful and honoring of truth, honoring the viewpoint and experience of those different from us…” (Added 9-25-2023)
“Bishop’s Advocate Clarifies Specifications of Charges” by Scott Campbell via UM Insight. “There is nothing in The Book of Discipline that says anything of the sort. The trial court (jury) is free to determine the weight that any specification should be given as a determining factor in proving a charge. It is even possible that every specification listed under a particular charge could be true, and that still would not amount to clear and convincing evidence that the charge itself was proved.” (Added 9-25-2023)
“United Methodist court exonerates suspended Latina bishop on four charges” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. Summary coverage. (Added 9-25-2023)
“California bishop acquitted in first United Methodist court trial of its kind in nearly a century” by Peter Smith via AP. National coverage. (Added 9-25-2023)
Post by John Beyers via Facebook. “…on October 1, The Rev. Liz Millar will be joining our team as Associate Minister, and Dr. Richard Prior will be joining our team as Minister of Music. Alongside The Rev. Dr. Dane Wagner, Minister-in-Residence, and Page Estes, Director of Operations and Stewardship, our mighty Savior is already forming a great ministry team for our six-week-old congregation… Imagine that, after only four weeks of receiving stewardship responses, more than $1,074,000 has been committed to advance the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ through Wesley Methodist Church of LaGrange!…” (Added 9-25-2023)
“How LGBTQ Methodists in Kansas are navigating the church’s divide” by Steve Kraske & Claudia Brancart via KCUR (NPR). Radio Interview: “Jae Moyer, an LGBTQ+ activist and member of Indian Heights UMC in Overland Park, told KCUR’s Up To Date they think the church is caught up in the culture wars.” (Added 9-25-2023)
Tweet by Shane Raynor: “Just saw this. Starkville UMC in Starkville MS missed disaffiliation by a tiny margin. Now there’s a congregation where nearly 2/3 wanted to leave but they’re stuck in the UMC. When you win a vote with 34%, you haven’t won anything but a gigantic headache. What a lousy system.” (Added 9-25-2023)
Post by Warren Lathem via Facebook. “There is also a false narrative that in some of these churches the vote was “very close.” The 67% majority required is not close – its at least 2 to 1. Facts matter. The Nov 18 called AC will vote on ratifying the exit of 250+/- congregations. The Global Methodist Church in NGA is functioning as a district of the SGA AC of the GMC. We are actively preparing to receive many of these congregations into the GMC.” (Added 9-24-2023)
“Weekly Live Stream – Sept 22, 2023 – Carcaño Wrap Up & Other Developments” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “The verdict was made after over a year of suspension for Bishop Carcaño. I think I’ll try and briefly recapitulate the incidents precipitating the charges and try to generate some final thoughts regarding lessons learned.” (Added 9-24-2023)
“Why I Joined the Global Methodist Church” by Timothy Tennent. “My central reason is the deeper realization that my first love is not to any denomination but to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have witnessed major portions of the UMC move away from historic orthodoxy. Sometimes, I felt like a lonely voice in an increasingly hostile environment. In short, I felt that the covenant relationship had been broken.” (Added 9-24-2023)
“Reflections from the pulpit: Long’s Chapel pastor discusses disaffiliation journey” by Vicky Hyatt via The Mountaineer (NC). “Not everybody voting ‘yes’ is against gay marriage, just like not all of those voting ‘no’ are for it. It’s not just about that,” Westmoreland said. “I believe the church affirmed the existing traditional position on those matters, and at same time, declared that none of us get to judge another and none of us are in a position to condemn. We are called to be on a journey to love of one another.” (Added 9-24-2023)
Post by Scott Campbell via Facebook: Counsel for Bishop Carcaño: “Counsel for the Church, in her closing argument, stated that if any single specification (claims of fact the committee on investigation believes support the charge) were found to be true, then the jury needed to find the charge itself to be true. This is not so. There is nothing in The Discipline that says anything of the sort….” (Added 9-24-2023)
“In United Methodist disaffiliation, exiting liberal churches a surprising minority” by Carla Hinton via The Oklahoman. “Of course, anyone can decide that they do not approve of a denomination’s position on any matter and leave, but this legislation really was originally intended to allow congregations that were predominantly supportive of full inclusion of homosexual people to leave the UMC and own buildings and other assets as a gift from the UMC,” she said. PDF (Added 9-24-2023)
“Bethany Discernment Process” via Bethany UMC (Austin, TX). “On August 21, 2023, Bethany’s Administrative Board approved (105 votes for; 36 votes against) a recommendation to hold a church conference to vote on disaffiliation from the UMC with the intent to become semi-independent, connecting with the Methodist Collegiate Church (MCC).” (Added 9-22-2023)
“Winds Of Change In Archer City Blow Steady” via North Texas UMC Conference. “On the Sunday following the vote last December, there were roughly 10 people in the pews for worship. Today, FUMC Archer City is averaging 30 to 35 worshippers per week. They have welcomed four new members in recent months, and the adult Sunday School class is growing.” (Added 9-22-2023)
“Divisions in Africa” by Thomas Lambrecht via Good News. “Recent meetings have clarified a developing divide in Africa between some bishops and other leaders who want to remain in The United Methodist Church and other leaders who are seeing the need to disaffiliate. The question will be: which group is more in sync with the grass roots clergy and laity of the church in Africa. The answer is that it probably varies from one annual conference to another.” (Added 9-22-2023)
“A pastoral letter from the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops” via UMC Western Jurisdiction. “We especially extend our care to those who gave voice to their convictions with courage through the complaint process and the trial. We don’t minimize the hurt we all carry, and at the same time, we begin the work of healing.” (Added 9-22-2023)
Overheard: “The attorneys previously presented oral argument to a single Oklahoma Supreme Court justice in the First OKC case. Oral argument to a justice in the Church of the Servant case was scheduled for September 21st. However, on September 20th, the OK Supreme Court issued an order to consolidate both cases for purposes of oral argument to be presented on October 5th before the OK Supreme Court en banc (meaning the entire court). Both cases address the issue of subject matter jurisdiction so it is not surprising that the Court would consider the two cases together. However, it is unusual in Oklahoma for there to be oral arguments to the OK Supreme Court en banc. The Court is obviously very interested in the case.” (Added 9-22-2023)
Tweet by Chris Ritter: “The Carcaño trial pulled back the curtain on entitled/entrenched clergy and a conference culture that manages decline by obsessing over local church real estate. Significance? The W. Jurisdiction is beating the drum to which the rest of the U.S. #UMC increasingly is marching.” (Added 9-22-2023)
“California bishop acquitted in first United Methodist court trial of its kind in nearly a century” by Peter Smith via AP (as shared by National Post). National coverage. (Added 9-22-2023)
“Suspended UMC Latina bishop found not guilty on all charges” by Yonat Shimron via Religion News Service. “To Carcaño’s many supporters among the denomination’s Hispanic members, the outcome was a cause for celebration. Many had raised concerns about the bishop’s long suspension, far beyond the 60 days called for in the church’s rule book, and suggested it was a form of punishment. They pointed out that the United Methodist Church has never before put a bishop on trial, nor imposed such a long suspension.” (Added 9-22-2023)
“Western Jurisdiction leaders respond as jury finds Bishop Carcaño not guilty in Church trial” via Western Jurisdiction. Suspension ended. ““Now the healing begins, and I recognize that it’s not going to be an easy path, but we must try. I commit myself to this hard work of healing and restoration,” noted Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut, secretary for the WJ College of Bishops, who was also present for the trial. “May this serve as an opportunity to provide a witness to the world as we live out our Christian values of grace, forgiveness, justice and love.” (Added 9-22-2023)
Post by Robert Phillips via Facebook. “In [IL Great Rivers Conf.], 69 churches have disaffiliated or have voted to disaffiliate. Worship attendance (2019, last pre-covid year) ranged from 2471 to 8 for disaffiliating churches. The average combined worship attendance of these churches was 148. The average IGRC worship attendance for 2019 (804 churches) was 62. 17 of departing churches had fewer than 30 in worship (in 2019). IGRC had roughly 250 churches with fewer than 30 in worship in 2019…” (Added 9-22-2023)
Tweet by @TheWesleyanQuadriliberal: “Not Guilty on all charges, which I expected/feared. I’m going to sit with it before saying more. My clergy and church friends are reaching out in collective pain and uncertainty for what is next. I want to witness and support that before saying more. #CarcañoTrial” (Added 9-22-2023)
Tweet by Stephen Fife: “The persecution and trial of Carcaño happened because she defied
@GLIDEsf . Change my mind.” Also “No matter where you are on the #CarcañoTrial, you have to admit that this is an unhealthy system. The trial information is only the tip of the iceberg stuff. The UMC system is incredibly and deeply broken.” (Added 9-22-2023)
“Bishop Carcaño Found Not Guilty of All Charges” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. A summation of the whole trial process included. (Added 9-22-2023)
“Church court finds bishop not guilty” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “As of 8:32 p.m. Sept. 21, the jury — called a trial court in The United Methodist Church — rendered a verdict acquitting her on all counts. Retired Bishop Alfred W. Gwinn, the presiding officer or equivalent of a judge in the case, announced the verdict after the church court came to order on Sept. 22.” (Added 9-22-2023)
“Editorial: If She’d Been a White Male, a Trial Would Never Have Happened” by UM Insight. “The trial of Bishop Carcaño has exposed the worst of the UMC: its nit-picking hidebound rules, its mean-spirited infighting, its preoccupation with minutia, its lust for power, its absence of grace. If anything, the trial has shown two major needs the UMC must meet if the church is to have any future at all… the Council of Bishops should censure its colleagues in the Western Jurisdiction for the cruel and unusual punishment… with its attendant secrecy.” (Added 9-21-2023)
Overheard: St. James UMC in Alpharetta, GA becomes perhaps the largest African American congregation to date to leave the UMC. The vote was 249-120, 67.5% vote to leave. (Added 9-21-2023)
“Joint Mission Consultation welcomes regionalization” by Thomas Kim via UMNS. “Bishop Thomas Bickerton, Council of Bishops president, said that The United Methodist Church aims to move toward regionalization that respects different theological understandings and allows for diversity.” (Added 9-21-2023)
“2023 Special Called Session” via the Mississippi Conference (UMC). “The 2023 Special Called Session of the Mississippi Annual Conference is set for December 9, 2023, at Anderson United Methodist Church in Jackson. The sole purpose of this called session is to ratify the disaffiliation of those churches who have voted to disaffiliate from the Mississippi Annual Conference and The United Methodist Church.” Special clergy session also planned. (Added 9-21-2023)
“Mariners eliminating ‘United Methodist’ references” by Susan Canfora via Coastal Point (DE). “As Mariners Bethel United Methodist Church in Ocean View becomes Mariners Bethel Global Methodist Church, references to its former “United Methodist” affiliation are being eliminated. “The signs have had the cross and flames, and references to ‘United,’ removed or respectfully covered,”… (Added 9-21-2023)
“2022 and 2023 apportionments from separating churches dispersed” by Jessica Brodie via South Carolina Advocate (UMC). “In September, the conference treasurer’s office dispersed apportionments collected from the 113 separating churches, which were recorded in a lump sum in August. These went to any entity approved as part of the conference budget.” (Added 9-21-2023)
“Witnesses Paint Differing Pictures of Suspended Bishop” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “Two district superintendents from the California-Nevada Annual Conference painted vastly different pictures of suspended Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño’s character and actions during the second day of her trial on four chargeable offenses.” (Added 9-21-2023)
Overheard: Alpharetta First United Methodist Church just voted to disaffiliate 81% to 19% (720 to 170). This is one of the largest churches in the North Georgia Conference. Photo (Added 9-21-2023)
“The Trial of Bishop Minerva Carcaño – Day 3 Review” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken Podcast (YouTube). Discussion of Day 3 of the trial. (Added 9-21-2023)
“Trial sees defense of bishop, closing remarks” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. Final evidence and arguments in the trial of Bishop Carcaño. Instructions given to jury. (Added 9-21-2023)
“UMC Disaffiliation Patterns” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. Introduces a disaffiliation chart indexed to the obstacles erected by annual conferences. “Furthermore, aside from conference-wide policies, some bishops have interfered in particular congregations’ discernment processes to make disaffiliation especially difficult for them.” (Added 9-21-2023)
“Witnesses testify in bishop’s trial” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “The Rev. Paul Extrum-Fernandez, the conference’s chief benefits officer, said tension in the conference has been building over the years. “I would say I experienced a culture of suspicion and distrust,” he said.” (Added 9-21-2023)
“Special Day 2 Analysis of Carcaño Trial” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken. Summary and commentary of the second day of Bishop Minerva Carcaño’s trial. (Added 9-21-2023)
Tweet by John Lomperis: “In #UnitedMethodist Church trial of Bishop Carcaño, leader explains that she filed complaint because as a member of California-Nevada Conference she has vowed to uphold the #UMC Discipline. Why does that only matter selectively in the Western Jurisdiction? Convenient target?” (Added 9-20-2023)
Tweet by Reconciling Ministries Network: “In the wake of disaffiliation, many churches have not aligned with a new denominational home. As those churches weigh their options, Dr. Attwood’s motion serves as a hopeful reminder “that there is always the option of going home.” https://awfumc.org/newsdetail/17660919… #umc #unitedmethodist” (Added 9-20-2023)
“Methodists Have Reached a Crossroads… Again” by Ginny Baxter via Patheos. “We cannot predict the future, but I pray that Methodism survives this latest division, rebounds from the trauma and rises out of the ashes to become a stronger and better Christian tradition.” (Added 9-20-2023)
“First Day of Trial Marked by Procedures, Testimony” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “The charges stem from incidents involving the hiring of her daughter, Sophia, as an administrative assistant to Bay District Superintendent Rev. Stacy Current; the renovation of a San Francisco parsonage where the bishop lived part-time with her daughter; the sale and use of the campus of a closed church, Trinity United Methodist, in Berkeley, Calif.; and conflict over a maternity leave for a pregnant clergywoman, the Rev. Chelsea Constant. Bishop Carcaño pleaded not guilty to all four charges.” (Added 9-20-2023)
“Suspended UMC Latina bishop accused of financial malfeasance and retaliation” by Yonat Shimron via Religion News Service. “The four charges against her, presented by retired Bishop Alfred Gwinn, the trial’s presiding officer, are: disobedience to the order and discipline of the United Methodist Church; relationships and/or behavior that undermine the ministry of another pastor; harassment including but not limited to racial and or sexual harassment; and fiscal malfeasance.” (Added 9-20-2023)
“Response to Policy Change” by South Carolina WCA via South Carolina GMC Conference. “While the Agreement to Separate appears to be unchanged, the Trustees have altered the timeline and process by which churches will be deemed eligible to separate. Local churches will now be required to complete multiple steps, including appraisals, insurance inquiries, and attorney representation, prior to December 1st to pursue the separation process.” (Added 9-20-2023)
“ME South Rises Again?” by Mark Holland via Mainstream UMC. Compares the Global Methodist Church with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South that existed from 1844-1939. (Added 9-20-2023)
Overheard: Several Alabama-West Florida churches were notified by their superintendents and the AWFLC Trustees that their requests to disaffiliate did not comply with the conference disaffiliation policy and that “the Trustees believe the potential impact on the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church in your area would be too significant.” Their disaffiliation processes were terminated without recourse. (Added 9-20-2023)
“Bishop Minerva Carcaño Trial Day One” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (Facebook). Summary and analysis of the first day of the trial. (Added 9-19-2023)
“African bishops tackle regionalization” by Eveline Chikwanah via UMNS. Bishop Kasap: “As the host(s) of this meeting, we refuse to endorse a statement that contradicts the authority of the Bible and the Book of Discipline. I asked that the declaration clearly reiterate this idea and that it remains known that homosexuality is a sin. This is the conviction of African Methodists.” (Added 9-19-2023)
“Trial of United Methodist bishop gets underway” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “At heart, the case deals with the covenant of sacred trust that binds all ordained United Methodist clergy, said the Rev. Janet Forbes, a retired elder in the Mountain Sky Conference. She is the counsel for the church, or the equivalent of the prosecutor in the case.” (Added 9-19-2023)
Tweets via UM Insight. Cynthia Astle is live tweeting from the Bishop Minerva Carcaño trial. (Added 9-19-2023)
“Glimmers of hope and reconciliation emerge following AWF Annual Conference” via Alabama-West Florida UMC Conference. “Following a difficult year processing over 190 church disaffiliations, the Alabama-West Florida Conference Board of Trustees is proud to share their newly adopted re-affiliation policy… In his motion, Dr. Attwood implored the body to remember the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15.” (Added 9-19-2023)
“Pierce disaffiliates from denomination” by Jane Aubry Page via The Echo (Taylor U., Upland, IN). “One of Pierce Church’s members, Pamela Hensley, never thought that UMC’s progressive changes would take effect in the Midwest, especially Indiana. Hensley watched as the UMC conferences voted on things that Pierce did not support.” (Added 9-19-2023)
Overheard: “Prospect UMC in Maxton, NC (NC Conference) voted 263-24 to disaffiliate. Prospect is the largest Native-American UMC congregation with almost 1,000 members.” (Added 9-19-2023)
“Dear United Methodists, Listen to us in Africa. We have something to say to you.” by Jerry Kulah via WCA. “Following our disaffiliation, we will organize ourselves into annual and central conferences and proceed with the elections of new bishops as needed who will lead us and represent us wherever necessary. The choice of whether or not to remain independent or affiliate with another Methodist denomination, including the Global Methodist Church, will be up to each annual conference.” (Added 9-19-2023)
“The Central Church in Bergen has made a choice” by Tov Bo via Vartland. “Bergen Centralkirke, UMC Norway voted yesterday over disaffiliation, and decided to stay.The count showed 56% against and 44% for disaffiliation. This is the first church in Norway AC that has voted over the question of disaffiliation after the AC opened up for it this summer.” (Added 9-19-2023)
“Why The GMC? A Conversation with the Heartland President Pro Tempore – Rev. Jordan McFall” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken Podcast. “In this conversation, Jordan and I talk about his background, what he loves about Methodism, the doctrinal heritage we have, the practical gifts the GMC has to offer our world, and what we can expect of him in the coming months, casting a vision of what the GMC has in store.” (Added 9-19-2023)
“Questions for Independent Churches” by Bishop Scott Jones via PeopleNeedJesus.net. “The difficulties of independence may not arise for many years. When they do arise, however, it quickly becomes important for them to make up for the deep structure provided by denominations for local congregations. The following questions give some indications of what those deep structures are and how a congregation needs to decide about its governance on crucial issues.” (Added 9-19-2023)
Overheard: The Global Methodist Church is averaging over 50 clergy each week applying and being approved to serve in the Global Methodist church. (Added 9-18-2023)
“North Georgia Annual Conference Status Report on Churches as Related to Disaffiliation” via North Georgia UMC Conference. The status of each church in the conference recorded. (Added 9-18-2023)
Overheard: The African Bishop vote on the September 7 Statement was either 4-2 or 4-3 with the rest abstaining. Another source said 5-4 with 5 abstentions. (Added 9-18-2023)
“Their Day in Court: An Update on the Baltimore-Washington Lawsuit” via Baltimore-Washington WCA Facebook Page. “At the end of over two hours, the judge shared that she would reserve judgment on the motion pending before the court and render her decision at a later date, recognizing that a written opinion would best serve both parties. She acknowledged the unique time constraints and nature of the case and said she would do her best to make a decision promptly.” (Added 9-18-2023)
Link to sign up to view a livestream of the trial of Bishop Minerva Carcaño. The trial is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. U.S. Central time Sept. 19, and at 8 a.m. on subsequent days. The trial is expected to proceed through Sept. 22. Cynthia Astle from UM Insight plans to report daily from the trial. (Added 9-18-2023)
“Solidarity Circles program seeks to build a faith-based collaborative economy” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. “Topics that previous Solidarity Circles groups tackled include questions of business integrity, United Methodist disaffiliation issues, church decline and the contexts of participants’ working situations, Stauffer said. “It’s relational ministry, learning how deep and real the crises are.” (Added 9-18-2023)
Overheard: There is a hearing at 9 am in Annapolis, MD regarding the lawsuit that 38 churches in the Baltimore-Washington Conference initiated against the conference. At issue is the high cost of disaffiliation which includes 50 % of its buildings value, plus pension and apportionments. (Added 9-18-2023)
“Special Session 2023” via Michigan UMC Conference. Bishop David Barb calls a special online session to consider disaffiliation requests on November 30. (Added 9-18-2023)
Overheard: Florida votes on 9/17: Zephyrhills and San Antonio voted 100% to disaffiliate and join the GMC. Ridge Manor Community UMC voted 100% to disaffiliate. (Added 9-17-2023)
Overheard: In the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, Fairbury UMC’s disaffiliation failed (60%). Colchester approved disaffiliation by 78%. (Added 9-17-2023)
“Doctrine and Inclusiveness” by Bishop Ken Carter. “There is a false witness circulating that we no longer believe scripture, that we have abandoned our doctrine. In fact, we are in a Pentecost moment. God is saying, “I will pour out my spirit on all flesh.” (Added 9-17-2023)
“Trial in Progress: Please Forgive Our Transparency” by John Feagins via UM Insight. The trial of Bishop Minerva Carcaño: “If the history of crucifixion and other forms of public violence and humiliation teach us anything, it is that visibility of process is not the same as transparency.” (Added 9-17-2023)
“Local church leaves United Methodist denomination over conflicting beliefs, gay marriage” by Rebecca Sitzes via The Shelby Star. A feature centered on the exit of Lafaytette Street Church in Shelby, NC. (Added 9-17-2023)
“Same-sex marriage leads to split among Bulgarian Methodists; pastor looks back” by Gertrude de Wildt-Brouwer via CNE News. “Around the world, traditional congregations within the United Methodist Church are experiencing less and less space for their traditional views on marriage in recent years. A key meeting in 2019 votes to tighten the ban on same-sex marriage. This is against the expectations of the liberal flank, which does not agree with the tightening. Traditional congregations decide to leave the UMC and unite to form the Global Methodist Church (GMC).” (Added 9-17-2023)
“Bishops in Africa pledge to stay in The United Methodist Church” by Maidstone Mulenga via Council of Bishops. Nine of twelve active African UMC bishops issue a statement in support of staying in the UMC and regionalization. (Added 9-16-2023)
“Trinity Methodist Church of Scottdale holds Membership Renewal” by The Daily Courier (AZ). “on Sept. 10 the congregation of Trinity Methodist Church of Scottdale took part in a Membership Renewal Service, led by Pastor Janet Lord, as they recommitted themselves to their Wesleyan heritage. Everyone was asked to wear blue for the Global Logo of the church. A Certificate of Membership to Trinity Methodist Church of Scottdale was presented to each congregant upon entering into The Global Methodist Church Community.” (Added 9-16-2023)
“Why are thousands of people leaving the United Methodist Church? Part 1” by Sarah Maddox via YouTube. Very brief “tiktok” style video aimed at a non-UMC audience. (Added 9-16-2023)
“Skunk on the Table: Financial Impacts and Next Steps After Disaffiliation” vis Virginia Conference UMC. “Skunk on the Table is a video, podcast and article series focused on simple and clear conversations about topics of interest for the Virginia Conference. In this episode, David Dommisse, Conference Treasurer, answers questions related to disaffiliation in the Virginia Conference and the financial impacts. Also joining the conversation is Dwayne Stinson, Director of Connectional Ministries for Discipleship and Congregational Vitality, who will share about the future of the VAUMC and UMC.” (Added 9-16-2023)
“Marks of a Methodist 1: Experience” by Thomas Lambrecht via Good News. “Methodism is in a period of upheaval right now, with the liberal evolution of United Methodism, structural separation, and the formation of the Global Methodist Church. Looking back over the nearly 300 years of Methodist history, it is helpful to ask the question, “How is Methodism changing, and how has it stayed the same.”” (Added 9-16-2023)
“Confrontation With A United Methodist Bishop” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken Podcast. “Roughly a year ago, I was summoned to the office of Bishop Jimmy Nunn of the Oklahoma Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church to be intimidated and threatened in response to questions I had been asking about conference finances. This video is a recounting of things said and done around that disciplinary action, acknowledging benevolence, while also highlighting the dysfunction of the UMC’s bureaucratic leadership.” (Added 9-16-2023)
“Weekly Live Stream – September 15, 2023” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “We will talk about developments in the African UMC, the Rio Texas lawsuit, GMC developments, letters from supporters, and whatever else you guys wanna talk about!” (Added 9-15-2023)
“Disaffiliation Reporting Guide, October 2023” via Virginia UMC Conference. List of 120 churches seeking disaffiliation at the October 7 special session. The impact of all 227 disaffiliating churches analyzed. (Added 9-15-2023)
“Africans Excluded from General Conference of the United Methodist Church” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken Podcast. The charge the Commission on General Conference is failing to provide African delegates with the invitations they need to secure visas to attend the meeting in May. (Added 9-15-2023)
“Statement of the Africa Colleges of Bishops” via UMC Council of Bishops. A majority statement in support of a regionalized UMC. Three bishops did not agree: Quire, Yohanna, and Kasap. (Added 9-15-2023)
Tweet by Drew McIntyre: “umc folk should be grateful that the gmc has retained women’s ordination. I certainly am! It is a strong and vital part of the pan-Wesleyan tradition at its pneumatologically-oriented, mission-driven best.” (Added 9-15-2023)
Tweet by Dave Nuckols: Replying to Ryan Danker’s tweet about the connectional nature of Methodism: “Agreed! And yet some want to extend the disaster that is Par. 2553. #WCA #UMC” (Added 9-15-2023)
“Survey: Mainline clergy are more liberal than their congregants” by Yonat Shimron via Religion News Service. “To be sure, mainline clergy hold a spectrum of beliefs: 55% identify as liberal, 22% identify as moderate and 22% as conservative. Of the seven denominations surveyed, clergy from the United Methodist Church and American Baptist Churches USA were far less likely to identify as liberal, compared with clergy from the United Church of Christ, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Episcopal Church, the Lutheran Evangelical Church in America and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). (Added 9-15-2023)
“Long’s Chapel votes to split from United Methodist Church over traditional stances” by Denise Pridgen via WLOS. “Same church. Same mission. Same Long’s Chapel. Actually, the very same doctrine, beliefs, and direction. This process has been more about what is best for the future of Long’s Chapel rather than any proposed immediate change to ministry,” church leaders said in the statement. (Added 9-15-2023)
“Fifth Avenue v. UMC lawsuit dismissed” by Port City Daily. “North Carolina Conference of the UMC originally said it closed the church due to declining membership. However, in a brief filed in response to the lawsuit, the church’s position was that the building belongs to the UMC. Because the building was put into a trust with the intent of being a Methodist church, the UMC argues disaffiliating from the conference would violate that agreement.” (Added 9-15-2023)
“With deadline approaching, scale of United Methodist schism becomes clearer as final wave of churches departs” by Andrew Schwartz via Chattanooga Times Free Press. [paywall] “After a large initial swell amid a historic schism, a final wave of congregations in the region around Chattanooga are leaving the United Methodist Church as a key end-of-year deadline approaches.” (Added 9-15-2023)
Overheard: “Hearing on the Baltimore-Washington Conference’s motion to dismiss lawsuit brought by 38 local congregations to be held this Monday, Sept 18 in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.” (Added 9-15-2023)
“Bishop’s Church Trial: Questions and Answers” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “The United Methodist Church faces something unprecedented in its and its Methodist predecessors’ history: the church trial of one of its bishops. The trial of Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño — who has been under suspension for 18 months — is scheduled to begin Sept. 19 at the offices of Wespath Benefits and Investments in Glenview, Illinois, a Chicago suburb.” (Added 9-14-2023)
“Another Wake Up Call in North Georgia” by Warren Lathem via Facebook. “Now, the “Wait until 2024 GC” idea does not look so promising. Now the “there will always be room for traditional pastors and congregations in the UMC” sounds disingenuous at best. Now, is any pastor safe who might express an opinion at odds with the official and unofficial position of the AC?” (Added 9-14-2023)
Post by Jimmy Boone via Facebook. “Updated Sept.13, 2023: We are now at 6,277 a little under 21% of the 30,000 original total of U.M. Churches in the US. I have alphabetized all 2023 Disaffiliations except the most recent… (Added 9-14-2023)
“Wilmington church ‘considering all options’ after lawsuit dismissed” via WECT. “The lawsuit brought against the NC Conference of the United Methodist Conference by Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church in Wilmington has been dismissed in civil court, according to an announcement from the church’s congregation.” See also WWAY coverage. (Added 9-14-2023)
“Top Ten Reasons to Join WNCC” via Western North Carolina Conference (JPG). Diversity and Inclusion lead the list in this recruitment flier at Duke Divinity School. (Added 9-13-2023)
“Africa Initiative Speaks: Strategic Planning and Envisioning the Next Methodism in Africa” by Africa Initiative (PDF). Statement from the September 4-8 meeting of the Africa Initiative: Opposes regionalization and supports disaffiliation process for Africa. Each conference should decide its own future alignment. (Added 8-13-2023)
“Envisioning the Next Methodism in Africa” by Jerry Kulah via Juicy Ecumenism. Africa Initiative: “Following our disaffiliation, we will organize ourselves into annual and central conferences and proceed with the elections of new bishops as needed who will lead us and represent us wherever necessary. The choice of whether or not to remain independent or affiliate with another Methodist denomination, including the Global Methodist Church, will be up to each annual conference.” (Added 9-13-2023)
“Methodists, Evangelicals and Right-wing Politics” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. “Good News did not really represent United Methodism’s Republican, establishment, tall-steeple, country-club, politically conservative constituency. Good News’ primary appeal was rather to the anti-institutional populist wing of the church that was in the direct lineage of Holiness and revivalist Methodism. That heritage, at least until the Civil War, was post-millennial, reformist, anti-slavery, pro-women, and anti-war.” (Added 9-13-2023)
“Another 18 churches disaffiliate from United Methodists in North Alabama” by Greg Garrrison via AL.com. “The latest group of churches that left include congregations in Hayden, Remlap, Pinson, Warrior, Chelsea and Wedowee, bringing the total of disaffiliations in the North Alabama Conference to 348, more than half of the churches in the conference.” (Added 9-13-2023)
Overheard: The UMC Western North Carolina Conference has recently lost two historical congregations for which they fought hard (Wesley Memorial in High Point and Longs Chapel in Lake Junaluska… capitol of the SEJ), and three large suburban Charlotte congregations (Good Shepherd with 99.1%, Concord Crossroads with 100%, and Weddington will 98.2%). With the earlier exits of Christ Church in Hickory and Rocky Mount in Lake Norman, these churches represent six of the top ten by attendance. The overall disaffiliation loss represents 10 of the top 20, and the conference is on track for losing 350 of the original 1000 congregations by the end of 2023. (Added 9-13-2023)
Tweet via Reconciling Ministries Network: Convocation workshop on equipping lay leaders to look for opportunities in this time of disruption. (Added 9-13-2023)
“A Note on Hearing of Recent Misinformation” via IGRC for Unity (PDF). “No one can bypass the system as explained in paragraph 2553, and to try to do so through the civic courts would lead to more undue harm than any good that would be available. This letter campaign is causing confusion and anxiety in spaces it need not and is not shared in a way that furthers the work of any church.” (Added 9-13-2023)
“Virtual [Nov. 12] Special Session Registration Now Open” via Missouri UMC Conference. “In 2021, the Conference approved five disaffiliations. In 2022, the Conference approved the disaffiliation of 11 churches. In 2023, the Conference approved 75 disaffiliations. Both the process of closure and disaffiliation is laid out in the Book of Discipline and requires several steps. No church will be proposed to the session that has not completed all steps required by the Book of Discipline. Because of that requirement and the steps involved, we will not have the complete list of church disaffiliations until Thursday, November 9.” (Added 9-13-2023)
“Long’s Chapel votes to leave Methodist Church” by Vicki Hyatt via The Mountaineer (NC).
“The vote passed by 71.7%, clearing the two-thirds majority required to pass by about 20 people. The vote was 292 in favor of splitting, and 113 against. Four abstained and two ballots were blank.” (Added 9-13-2023)
“Global Methodist Church Now Operating or Organizing in All Fifty U.S. States” by Walter Fenton via GMC. “I feel bad for sisters and brothers in some other UM Church annual conferences where exiting the denomination is nearly impossible,” said Hidde-Gregory. “The terms are unduly onerous and expensive, particularly in much of the northeastern and western parts of the country. Given the circumstances, it’s no surprise standing-up a GM Church provisional conference or district is taking more time in those areas.” (Added 9-13-2023)
“Open Letter to Our Africa College of Bishops” by Ande Emmanuel via Mainstream UMC. “We do not need disaffiliation in the United Methodist Church in Africa. We call on you to bless those who want to leave so that they can leave now. We call on you to endorse regionalization as submitted by the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters as a way forward.” (Added 9-12-2023)
“Christ United Discernment Update” via Christ United (Mobile, AL). Sr. Pastor Rob Couch announces the results of the September 11 vote to disaffiliate from the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the UMC. (Added 9-12-2023)
“Remaining: Why I Stay in the Church” by Jonathan Hanover via FireBrand Magazine. While the church I served moved through the process to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church, I had a dream. In the dream, I sat with Perpetua, Justin Martyr, and Ignatius of Antioch, three great martyrs of the faith. After each told his or her story, Ignatius turned to me and asked, “Brother, how did you suffer for the Gospel of Jesus Christ?” I sheepishly replied, “People are saying nasty things about me on the internet.” (Added 9-12-2023)
“Moving Beyond the Clicks and Emojis” by Scott Field via WCA. “You may have heard or read that the WCA is “down-sizing”. Perhaps that is one way to describe the way we are adapting to the current climate of denominational disaffiliation. But “downsizing” is often a euphemism for failing, phasing out, or shutting down. A more accurate descriptor for the WCA at this time is “dialed in.” (Added 9-12-2023)
“Committed to The UMC: Africa” via UMC.org. A new disaffiliation resource page highlighting Africa as the focus begins to shift away from U.S. divisions. (Added 9-12-2023)
“75 People Join Launchpad Training” by Paul Nixon via UMC Discipleship Ministries. “This special Launchpad training focused on groups that are forming and launching new ministry in the wake of church disaffiliations around the United States.” (Added 9-12-2023)
“Notes from Africa” by Thomas Lambrecht via Good News. “Many African delegates have been asking for months for the Commission on the General Conference to send them their letters of invitation to General Conference, so the delegates may schedule their interviews to obtain a U.S. visa. Despite repeated requests, many delegates have not received the invitation letters.” (Added 9-12-2023)
“Naming the Demon of Denial: Caution Notes for the GMC and UMC” by Bob Phillips via PeopleNeedJesus.net. How both denominations coming from the UMC split can defeat deniall and face the future. (Added 9-12-2023)
Post by Ryan Danker: Director of the John Wesley Institute: “Very excited to share with everyone that I have been recognized as an elder (presbyter) in the Global Methodist Church with ordination in October. This is something that I’ve been discerning (with many others) for a while now. I covet your prayers for the work ahead!” (Added 9-11-2023)
Overheard: “Morton United Methodist Church (Illinois Great Rivers Conference) voted 167-13 plus 12 abstentions to disaffiliate into temporary independence. The congregation engaged in a 10-month discernment process that sought to reframe the vision away from the contentious cultural battles endemic to the denomination and the wider country by focusing on unity and peace in Christ in spite of differences regarding human sexuality. The congregation is led by two elders who covenanted to serve together in spite of their own differences on that matter. A broader description of the process will be forthcoming.” (Added 9-11-2023)
Post by Chuck Franklin via Facebook. [photos]. “WESLEY METHODIST GETS BETTER & BETTER……….
First Sunday at the NEWLY formed Wesley Methodist Church of LaGrange – 235, second Sunday – 180, third Sunday – 214, and TODAY, the fourth Sunday – 260!!!!!!! and what a day it was! Our SENIOR MINISTER, Dr. John Beyers preached his first sermon since joining us LAST week and what a sermon it was!” See also John Beyers’ post. (Added 9-11-2023)
Post by LaGrange First UMC (N.GA) Facebook Page. The aftermath of a close disaffiliation vote: At 33:33, Interim Pastor Stuart Gulley remarks: In addition to the announced exits of Assoc. Pastor Liz Millar and Worship Director Richard Pryor, Mary Elizabeth Garrick (Minister of Modern Worship) and Sara Grace Todd (Dir. of Member Engagement) would also be leaving. The financial impact of withdrawn pledges would be $170K for this year. Many volunteers have resigned. (Added 9-11-2023)
Tweet by Shane Raynor: “First United Methodist Church of Lockhart TX voted today 77% to 23% to disaffiliate from the #UMC. We also voted to unite with the @GlobalMChurch” (Added 9-11-2023)
“Dozens of North Carolina Methodist Churches Join Over 6,000 Leaving Denomination” via Christianity Today. CT picked up this Yonat Shimron article from Religion News Service. (Added 9-11-2023)
Tweet by Beth Ann Cook: “For all the talk by some progressives that #GMC wouldn’t be clergy woman friendly we have huge crop of sisters being ordained across the USA. It is overwhelming some robe suppliers timeframe. So much that we’re organizing loans of robes by those already ordained. #laughing” (Added 9-10-2023)
“Some local churches leave UMC” by Julie White via The Daily Herald (PA). “The United Methodist Church Conference has recently experienced a parting in their denomination, with some congregations voting to disaffiliate with the conference. Two of the congregations in the Tyrone area and one in Bellwood recently voted to disaffiliate. They are the Church of the Good Shepherd (COGS) in Tyrone, the Warriors Mark Methodist Church (WMMC), and Calvary Bellwood.” (Added 9-9-2023)
“‘Vine’ church for independent Methodists sprouts in Little Rock” by Frank Lockwood via Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. “The new Little Rock congregation is led by Nick Schimmer, a 2022 graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary and the former associate pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church on Napa Valley Drive.” (Added 9-9-2023)
“‘We are reclaiming the best of Methodism’: Global Methodist Church kicks off inaugural Alabama Emerald Coast Conference in Montgomery” by Craig Monger via 1819 News. “The AEC began its inaugural conference with a message from the President Pro Tem. and Lead Pastor at Montgomery’s St. James GMC, Dr. Lester. The conference runs Friday through Saturday, with dozens of events slated to highlight the direction of the rapidly expanding branch of Methodism. Saturday will feature the ordination of 39 GMC clergy.” (Added 9-9-2023)
“A Centrist’s Analysis of Recent UMC History – A Conversation With Lonnie Brooks” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken Podcast (YouTube). An interview with long-time Alaska Lay Delegate to the UMC General Conference. See Lonnie Brooks’ General Conference legislative proposals. (Added 9-9-2023)
“15 more Holston churches will disaffiliate after Sept. 7 vote” via Holston UM Conference. “The 15 churches requesting to leave the denomination are an addition to 264 churches that disaffiliated after an in-person Special Session of the Holston Annual Conference held April 22 in Knoxville, Tennessee.” (Added 9-9-2023)
“Why Most Anglican Clergy Approve Same-Sex Marriage — And What This Means for the Futurre of the Church” by Carl Trueman via First Things. “To oppose our current Western cultural regime, where sexual identity is key to personal value, is to deny the humanity of fellow citizens. The world sees that as a deeply immoral act, and not one that will likely be tolerated forever.” (Added 9-9-2023)
“Why thousands of U.S. congregations are leaving the United Methodist Church” by Sarah Maddox via CBS News. “People aren’t upset at those bishops who were closeted. It was okay for them to not tell the truth. But they’re upset at me for living openly in love and joy,” said Oliveto. “How can we say no to love and joy as a church?” (Added 9-9-2023)
“What Comes After General Conference Deadline?” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “To some extent, that separation is already happening. The theologically conservative denomination, the Global Methodist Church, went ahead and launched last year. Some who negotiated the protocol have already left for the new denomination. Other negotiators, who are committed to remaining United Methodist, say the Protocol’s time has passed.” (Added 9-8-2023)
Post by Tim Parker via Facebook. Disaffiliation Cost Appeal: “At Oakdale Church in Maryland, we are raising $4 million to re-dig our spiritual wells. But if we can’t, we will dig a new one in a new place, just like Issac did. I’m inviting 100 churches to help us reach our goal by contributing $1,000 each. If we don’t make it, all the money will be sent back! Please prayerfully consider and feel free to message me.” (Added 9-8-2023)
“Three dozen NC churches have agreed to leave the UMC under approved plan” by Yonat Shimron via Religion News Service. “A group of 36 United Methodist churches in North Carolina that had sued, demanding to sever their ties to the denomination, have agreed to leave using a plan approved by church leaders in 2019, the Western North Carolina Conference announced.” (Added 9-8-2023)
“Plaintiff’s Original Petition” via Rio Texas UMC Conference. The lawsuit initiated by the Rio Texas Conference against churches that announced their exit without using Par. 2553 process. (Added 9-8-2023)
“Why Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church Should Not Be Closed” by Paul Stallsworth via Facebook. A speech against closure presented on the floor of annual conference and re-published recently. (Added 9-8-2023)
“Hearing on Lawsuit Brought by Former Members of Fifth Avenue UMC” via UMC North Carolina Conference. “In a hearing in New Hanover County Superior Court on September 7, motions were considered in the case filed against the NC Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC) by former members of Fifth Avenue UMC over the closure of the church. At the end of the hearing, the judge took the matter under advisement.” (Added 9-8-2023)
“Methodist Breakaway Leader Plans to Leave Alabama” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. Coverage of Vaughn Stafford’s move to Mississippi. (Added 9-8-2023)
Tweet by UMNS. “The Rev. Marta Sobrino Bolen has seen transformative growth in her congregation, and she credits a lot of it to the time she invested attending the hospitality training for #UMC Lighthouse Congregations. @Mississippi_UMC reports. https://mississippi-umc.org/newsdetail/hospitality-training-s-approach-proven-impactful-for-congregation-17539260” (Added 9-8-2023)
Post by David Housholder via Facebook. “The Cal-Pac UMC [Conference] considers this church “redundant” and “dying.” Check out the website–does it look “dying” to you? The [conference] wants to close the church, sell the property to a developer, and pocket the money. Surf City Church (founded 1904!) is fighting back.” (Added 9-8-2023)
“Who Are the Global Methodists?” by Jack Harnish. “…if you want to find the global Methodists, you will find them in the World Methodist Council and in the world-wide, ecumenical, global Church of Jesus Christ.” (Added 9-8-2023)
“Creating a Good Life” by Martin Thielen via UM Insight. UM Clergy: “My spiritual journey has evolved over five decades from conservative evangelicalism to progressive Christianity to a hybrid of progressive and nontraditional faith. Since the journey isn’t over, it will continue to evolve.” (Added 9-8-2023)
“Deming Methodists vote to stay with church” by Algernon D’Ammassa via Deming Headlight (NM). “Deming’s First United Methodist Church survived a disaffiliation vote last week that might have led to financial ruin.” (Added 9-8-2023)
Overheard: UM Data has been updated to include statistical data from 2021. (Added 9-8-2023)
Overheard: All 15 Holston Conference congregations being considered for disaffiliation at the September 7 special session were ratified. 264 were approved at an earlier special session in April.(Added 9-8-2023)
Post via Friends of Fifth Avenue (Facebook). “Everyone – thank you for your continued prayers for the congregation of Fifth Avenue Methodist. We had our hearing today. The judge is reviewing all of the information submitted by both sides and we hope to have a decision soon. Please continue to pray for all of us!! Thank you!” (Added 9-8-2023)
Overheard: There is a hearing today in the case by Fifth Avenue UMC in Wilmington, NC on the forced closure of their church prior to a disaffiliation vote. (Added 9-7-2023)
Post via Louis Kasongo via Facebook. “Regionalization, which is a transfer of authority that pushes people to be autonomous, will be to the advantage of the bishops who support it in order to feel free in everything, even though they are already a problem for the Church with their dictatorship.” (Added 9-7-2023)
“Churches Seeking Ratification of Disaffiliation Agreements at the September 7, 2023 Special Session of Holston Annual Conference” via Holston Conference UMC. Fourteen churches listed. (Added 9-7-2023)
Post by Shane Frederick via Facebook. An updated list of Illinois Great Rivers Conference churches either disaffiliated or in the process. (Added 9-7-2023)
“When you think of an annual conference meeting among Methodists, what comes to mind: Maalox? 5 Hour Energy?” by Scott Field via Great Lakes GMC Conference. “If you have experienced attending an Annual Conference in the past, you understand the question. Was it a stomach-churning political rally? A sleep-inducing chain of endless reports?” (Added 9-7-2023)
“Church in St. Mary’s disaffiliates from United Methodist” by Michael Reed via Southern Maryland News. “The church disaffiliated from United Methodist on July 31 and is now known as Community With A Cause Global Methodist Church, the only such church so far in Southern Maryland.” (Added 9-7-2023)
“The Disunited Methodist Church” by Robyn Ross via Texas Monthly. “As United Methodist congregations across the U.S. leave over LGBTQ inclusion and the interpretation of Scripture, one East Texas community is rent asunder.” (Added 9-7-2023)
“Hope Springs Eternal: Positive Conversations about the UMC ( with Rev. Adam Hamilton)” via YouTube. Thoughts on disaffiliation and the state of the UMC. (Added 9-6-2023)
LifeWatch September 2023 Newsletter edited by Paul Stallsworth. Articles included: “Watson and Willimon on the Bishops,” “United Methodism Against Disaffiliating” (references Fifth Avenue UMC case in Wilmington), “Property Laws of a Toddler,” and “Original Sin of Methodism: Goes Woke, Goes Way, Goes Gospel.” (Added 9-6-2023)
“Kenyan Congregations Join Global Methodist Church” by Walter Fenton via GMC. “Fifty-eight local United Methodist congregations in Kenya voted to withdraw from The United Methodist Church and then announced they would align with the Global Methodist Church. The congregations made their decision at the UM Church’s Kenya–Ethiopia Annual Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, on August 24, 2023.” (Added 9-6-2023)
“COB President Bishop Bickerton calls on United Methodists to focus on love” by Press Release via UMC.org. “Bishop Bickerton is attending the Africa Colleges of Bishops meeting, representing the Council of Bishops with Bishop Gregory Palmer.” (Added 9-5-2023)
“Nichols finds new home at Magnolia Methodist Church” by James Robinson via Suffolk News-Herald. “‘I loved the local congregation, but I was at an ethical impasse with the United Methodist Church denomination, and so I went on a leave of absence. Eventually, I determined that part of what God was calling me to do was to plant a church, meaning start a church from scratch,’ he said.” (Added 9-5-2023)
Post by Ande Emmanuel via Facebook. Letter to African bishops by “Africa Voice of Unity” in support of Regionalization. See also UM Insight article. (Added 9-5-2023)
“Dr. Everett Piper on Wokeness in the Wesleyan Tradition” By Jon Harris via Conversations that Matter Podcast (YouTube). “Dr. Everett Piper joins the podcast to discuss the incursions made by social justice among Wesleyan denominations.” (Added 9-5-2023)
“Stay United Methodist or Disaffiliate?” by Beverly Wilkes-Null via Facebook (video). With the Par. 2553 deadline looming, Illinois clergy says, “Laity feel they are being bullied into making a decision based on fear, myths, and lies.” (Added 9-5-2023)
“They Called the Bullpen: ‘Bring in the Closer to secure the Save and notch the Win’” by Scott Field via WCA. “Who is the new president of the Wesleyan Covenant Association and why does the WCA need a new president now, anyway?” Field as “closer”? (Added 9-5-2023)
“FUMC to become ‘Heritage Church’ in US split” via The Baker County Press. [paywall] “First United Methodist Church of Macclenny at the end of the month will become Heritage Church after its disaffiliation with the United Methodist denomination in favor of the Global Methodists for its more traditional interpretations of Biblical scripture.” (Added 9-5-2023)
Post via the North Georgia District of the GMC Facebook Page. “We are pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Dr. John Beyers as Senior Minister of Wesley Methodist Church of LaGrange. Dr. Beyers brings decades of ministerial experience in North Georgia alongside a deep and abiding love for Methodist theology and tradition…” (Added 9-4-2023)
An Update worthy of Knowing and Understanding via Laity Sharing Network1 via Facebook. A page for Holston Conference laity analyzes UMC membership data. (Added 9-4-2023)
Post by Scott Field via WCA Facebook Page. “As we are making the turn toward the finish line of the the WCA mission, the stretch run begins now! My track shoes are on, I’ve taken the baton handed to me, and we are set to cross the finish line…victorious!” (Added 9-4-2023)
“I Stand with John” meme posted on social media in support of Rev. Dr. John Beyers who was suspended by Bishop Dease after a failed disaffiliation vote at LaGrange First UMC (North Georgia). (Added 9-3-2023)
Post by Dale Thomas via Facebook. A response to Steve Harper’s recent post stating that John Wesley never mentioned homosexuality. (Added 9-2-2023)
Post by Deb Bee via Facebook. Report that Dr. John Beyers, suspended by Bishop Dease of North Georgia, will pastor the new Wesley Methodist Church (GMC) in LaGrange that formed following a narrowly missed disaffiliation vote. See also here, here, here, and here. (Added 9-3-2023)
“Africa Will Exit from United Methodism” by Jerry Kulah via Juicy Ecumenism. “We are therefore resolved that, the liberals and progressives within our global connections may ‘have the whole world, but give us Jesus.’ Let us go our separate ways and serve the Lord.” (Added 9-3-2023)
Post by Warren Lathem via Facebook. Shares a translation of a message by Louis Bishimba responding to Bishop Mande Muyombo in North Katanga. See also here. (Added 9-3-2023)
“Holton Church Disaffiliation from UMC” via GoFundMe. Our congregation in Holton, Michigan (https://www.holtonumc.net) has been in the process of trying to disaffiliate from our denomination as we desire to stand on the truth of God’s Word. However, the denomination holds all of our property in trust. In order for us to leave, we have to pay a total of $280,000 ($80,000 of which we know we will raise by our deadline, Dec. 15, 2023). (Added 9-2-2023)
“Faith Church Releases Statement Post-Disaffiliation” via GoPitchTV Facebook (Iowa). “Going south of town on Highway 5, you’ll likely notice a new sign outside the Church, formerly Faith United Methodist Church…” (Added 9-2-2023)
“What Makes A Methodist A Methodist? A Conversation With Rev. Matt Sichel” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken. “Rev. Matthew Sichel is an Ordained Deacon in the Northeast TCAT of the Global Methodist Church. He disaffiliated from the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church recently and is actively involved in leading the conversation around how Wesleyanism needs to continue forward as a distinct religious tradition in the future.” (Added 9-2-2023)
Post by Derrek Belase via Facebook. Director of Connectional Ministries for the UMC Oklahoma Conference: “…Many who have benefitted from the connectional and apportionment system are belittling it, questioning it and using it as a reason to disaffiliate from the UMC…” (Added 9-2-2023)
“Weekly Live Stream – Sept. 1, 2023” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken Podcast. “I’m planning to talk about some work done by Riley B. Case, which substantiates the use of autocratic elitist power in the UMC, justifying the exodus we are currently seeing. I mean to talk about some rhetoric from a conference official that betrays the entitlement so many in power feel to the resources of local churches.” (Added 9-2-2023)
“A Collapsing ‘Big Tent’?” by Thomas Lambrecht via Good News. Actions against Simon Mafunda and John Beyers show that there is shrinking space for traditionalists in the UMC. (Added 9-2-2023)
“Not One Word” by Steve Harper via Facebook. “Well….my ‘Wesley scholar’ status (which I intentionally do not refer to often) finally collided with the disaffiliations occurring in the United Methodist Church…” (Added 9-2-2023)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. “The United Methodist Church is preparing for a historic event as people and resources are being marshaled to hold an ecclesial trial next month of Bishop Minerva Carcaño…” Lots of context follows. (Added 9-2-2023)
Post by Jack Harnish via Facebook. “Just to be clear…the “growth” of the GMC is not the growth of new churches, it is growth-by-poaching the United Methodist Church. That’s about 10% of the total number of UM Churches in the USA.” (Added 9-1-2023)
“Sand Springs United Methodist Church votes to disaffiliate from denomination” by Sharon Bishop-Baldwin via Tulsa World [paywall]. Oklahoma media coverage. (Added 9-1-2023)
“High Point church older than city votes to leave the United Methodist Church over LBGTQ+ policies” via WGHP (YouTube). Area UM’s call Wesley Memorial “The Vatican” because of its lead role in the area. (Added 9-1-2023)
“United Methodist Church demands $4 million from Maryland congregation as ‘exit fee,’ pastor says” by Mark Kellner via Washington Times. “We’ve gone basically to our congregation with an emergency appeal that we need $4 million by October 25 to be able to buy the building that we’ve already paid for,” the pastor said. (Added 9-1-2023)
“Wesleyan Denominations: Going Independent or Non-Denominational” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “Matt Judkins… was kind enough to be willing to have a conversation to talk about the benefits of independence. I have no doubt that our conversation will help many to discern how it is that they need to comport themselves at the present moment.” (Added 9-1-2023)
Tweet by Chris Ritter: [picture] “Every so often the UM Fallout Compendium gets archived due to its sheer size. Here is a Word Cloud from the +/-1300 links posted in Summer 2023.” (Added 9-1-2023)
“The United Methodist South Central Jurisdiction Has Been Taken Over” by John Lomperis via Juicy Ecumenism. “This concludes the series on the dramatic changes to the United Methodist Church in the American South.” (Added 9-1-2023)
Post by Lauren Porter via Mississippi WCA Facebook. A list of churches believed to be disaffiliating in Mississippi. (Added 8-31-2023)
“Next Steps 3 of 3: Manage Expectations” by Mark Holland via Mainstream UMC (PDF). “Failure to change the language at General Conference 2024 may begin an exodus from the left. We likely have the votes (a simple majority) to change the language now. We are likely NOT to have the votes at the next General Conference if regionalization fails.” (Added 8-31-2023)
Tweet by Drew McIntyre: “The vitriol which some UMC folk have for the GMC makes me wonder how they feel about AME, Nazarene, Wesleyan, CME, and other Wesleyan expressions. I don’t think you serve Christian unity by hurling insults at a train as it leaves the station.” (Added 8-31-2023)
“The Question of Bishops in the Global Methodist Church // Interview with Bishop Scott Jones” by Matt O’Reilly via Theology Project. “What will the role of bishops be in the Global Methodist Church? In this video, Dr. Matt O’Reilly sits down with Bishop Scott Jones to discuss that question from every angle.” (Added 8-31-2023)
Post by Shane Frederick via Facebook. “Running tally for [Illinois Great Rivers Conference] churches who have voted to disaffiliate awaiting a December release… (Added 8-31-2023)
Post by Dave Westlake via Facebook. “With the potential of quite a few churches closing in the next few years (both UMC and GMC), have the annual conferences’ Board of Trustees started making plans for the added expense of the caretaking responsibility of the closed buildings?…” (Added 8-31-2023)
“Living Faith Community Church in Naperville, IL” via Northern Illinois WCA. “After Wheatland Salem UMC in Naperville determined that, despite a vote to disaffiliate, the congregation could not afford the costs involved, many of the congregational leaders determined that God was calling them to be done with the UMC’s denominational conflict and, instead, start something new.” (Added 8-31-2023)
Overheard: Bethesda UMC in Lexington, NC voted to disaffiliate on August 30. The vote was 145-15 in favor (91%). (Added 8-31-2023)
Post by Warren Latham via Facebook. “All of the 185 churches in the joint lawsuit in North GA have completed their votes at Church Conferences. 182 achieved a super majority to disaffiliate. The three that did not missed the required percentage by as few as 3 votes, all 3 just barely missed it. All 3 were heavily targeted by Stay UMC folks and AC officials. Now we have churches voting who did not participate in the lawsuit. Seven have already voted to disaffiliate…August 31 deadline.” (Added 8-31-2023)
Post by James Howell via WNCC-UMC Facebook Group. “I have to say I don’t mind the disaffiliation as much as when the disaffiliators say “We trust in Scripture.” My ugly side says they and many of their people aren’t great students of Scripture… AND: they do that “Some United Methodist somewhere said or did such and such – so therefore all United Methodists are like that” – a massive logical fallacy, that to me feels defensive and petty. (Added 8-31-2023)
Overheard: Sherman United Methodist Church, Illinois Great Rivers Conference, voted disaffiliation 84-28 (75%), and for joining the GMC 77-6 (92.8%). (Added 8-31-2023)
“Navigating the Waiting Space” by Jessica Brodie via UM Insight. “Many are waiting to see what happens at General Conference. Things are not over, and it’s going to be a long time before the waiting is done and things seem reasonably clear.” (Added 8-31-2023)
See Also: June-August 2023, March-May 2023, Nov 2022-Feb 2023, Aug-Oct 2022, May-July 2022, Jan-April 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, or earlier.
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