The United Methodist Church has lost 20% of U.S. congregations in schism over LGBTQ rules

[Phil01]

The United Methodist Church has lost 20% of U.S. congregations in schism over LGBTQ rules
https://news.yahoo.com/united-methodist-church-lost-20-094426012.html

More than 6,180 United Methodist congregations in the U.S. have been granted permission to leave the denomination in a schism that began in 2019 over the role of LGBTQ Methodists in the church and other theological issues, according to an unofficial tally kept by UM News. The bulk of the departures, 4,172, were approved in June, in the annual gatherings of United Methodist regional conferences.

In all, about a fifth of United Methodist congregations have now opted to leave, The Associated Press reported. About half of those disaffiliated congregations have already joined the new, more socially conservative Global Methodist Church. The departures have been concentrated in the South and Midwest, including 708 congregations in Texas alone. This is the final year for churches to disaffiliate under a special process created in 2019.

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Not necessarily bad news. The anti-gay types stop holding them back.

[DURHAM D]

1. Did they let them keep all the real estate? nt

[unc70]

4. Probably only 15% of members. Often the smaller churches

Some of the real estate transfers, but it is complicated.

The small UMC church of my youth is one of those leaving. My brother told me that it had become dominated by "holy roller" types from a neighboring area. More of the Whitfield types vs versus the Wesley types. Various small neighboring congregations are leaving, most are staying. My brother will move his membership to a more-liberal congregation.

Most of the larger UMC churches are staying with the UMC. Once the more liberal doctrine is adopted, it should greatly help those remaining within the UMC.

[relayerbob]

2. Granted permission?

I would've kicked bigots out, let them form their own "church" and not allow them to use the name "Methodist"

[bmbmd]

3. Don't let the door hit ya

Last edited Mon Jul 10, 2023, 07:16 PM - Edit history (1)

where the good lord split ya. I am delighted that they are gone. There is already an atmosphere of hope and optimism and inclusiveness spreading on the UMC. We lost some real estate and our world renowned charities will suffer temporarily, but I believe our greatest days are yet to come.

[AllaN01Bear]

5. we had ours in 2007. the other side lost after they took buildings etc

we are a lot stronger now than with them here . all are welcome. we got our buildings back after court cases . sold many.

[YDogg]

6. Good.