Proposed UMC Split – Information Points from ZUMC Leadership
What led to the proposal to split the United Methodist Church?
In 1972, the UMC added affirmations about human sexuality to the Book of Discipline, our official document that contains the laws, doctrine, administration, organizational work, and procedures of the church. In ¶ 304.3 of the Book of Discipline is the following statement:
“The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.”
Included in the Social Principles is the following statement:
“Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are affirmed only with the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage.”
This language has become increasingly unpopular with some within the UMC who affirm same sex-marriage and inclusion of homosexuals in the leadership of the church as clergy.
In February of 2018, the UMC held a special session to “examine paragraphs in The Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality and to explore options to strengthen church unity.” At this special session a majority of the General Conference delegates voted to adopt to uphold the “Traditionalist Plan.” Under this plan, the UMC would:
● Require “accountability to the current Book of Discipline language.”
● Broaden the definition of “self-avowed practicing homosexual.”
● Require bishops and every annual conference to “certify that they will uphold, enforce, and maintain the Discipline’s standards on LGBTQ marriage and ordination.”
After the adoption of the plan, many churches, bishops, pastors, and Annual Conferences in the USA have refused to abide by the General Conference decision, which has caused an inevitable division of the denomination led by those who have embraced LGBTQ inclusion.
What happens next?
On May 5, 2020 the UMC General Conference will meet to vote on our next step as a denomination. Although there are several plans being proposed, the most likely proposal to be voted on is a “Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation” which proposes a way to split the UMC into two or more separate denominations. The primary two would be a “Progressive” denomination, which would modify the UMC Book of Discipline, removing any restrictions for LGBTQ persons in the Church, allowing for clergy ordinations and marriages, and a “Traditionalist” denomination which would follow the current Book of Discipline. Other denominations would be possible, but are not clearly defined at this point.
By May 15, 2021 - Any new denominations must be registered with the Council of Bishops. At that time there will be more information on the possible denominational groups and their direction.
By December 31, 2021 – Annual (or Regional) Conferences must vote to determine which denomination they will align with. For us, this will happen either at the June 2020 Annual Conference or the June 2021 Annual Conference. Zachary UMC is in the Louisiana Conference. Should the Zachary UMC agree with the decision of the Annual Conference, then no action is needed. However, if not….
By December 31, 2024 - Local churches must vote to decide if they choose to join a different denomination than their Annual Conference.
Prayer and Patience
Because there are a lot of actions that must take place before December 21, 2024 and because there are so many unknowns at this time, the leadership of Zachary United Methodist Church asks that our members be patient and seek to be informed regarding these events and pray for the United Methodist Church, ZUMC, and our future. In addition, we ask that everyone strive to seek understanding and show the respect and love that Jesus demonstrated for all people.
Other helpful links to read are:
United Methodist Traditionalists, Centrists, Progressives & Bishops sign agreement aimed at separation
Frequently Asked Questions about the United Methodist Mediation Team
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7
In 1972, the UMC added affirmations about human sexuality to the Book of Discipline, our official document that contains the laws, doctrine, administration, organizational work, and procedures of the church. In ¶ 304.3 of the Book of Discipline is the following statement:
“The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.”
Included in the Social Principles is the following statement:
“Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are affirmed only with the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage.”
This language has become increasingly unpopular with some within the UMC who affirm same sex-marriage and inclusion of homosexuals in the leadership of the church as clergy.
In February of 2018, the UMC held a special session to “examine paragraphs in The Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality and to explore options to strengthen church unity.” At this special session a majority of the General Conference delegates voted to adopt to uphold the “Traditionalist Plan.” Under this plan, the UMC would:
● Require “accountability to the current Book of Discipline language.”
● Broaden the definition of “self-avowed practicing homosexual.”
● Require bishops and every annual conference to “certify that they will uphold, enforce, and maintain the Discipline’s standards on LGBTQ marriage and ordination.”
After the adoption of the plan, many churches, bishops, pastors, and Annual Conferences in the USA have refused to abide by the General Conference decision, which has caused an inevitable division of the denomination led by those who have embraced LGBTQ inclusion.
What happens next?
On May 5, 2020 the UMC General Conference will meet to vote on our next step as a denomination. Although there are several plans being proposed, the most likely proposal to be voted on is a “Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation” which proposes a way to split the UMC into two or more separate denominations. The primary two would be a “Progressive” denomination, which would modify the UMC Book of Discipline, removing any restrictions for LGBTQ persons in the Church, allowing for clergy ordinations and marriages, and a “Traditionalist” denomination which would follow the current Book of Discipline. Other denominations would be possible, but are not clearly defined at this point.
By May 15, 2021 - Any new denominations must be registered with the Council of Bishops. At that time there will be more information on the possible denominational groups and their direction.
By December 31, 2021 – Annual (or Regional) Conferences must vote to determine which denomination they will align with. For us, this will happen either at the June 2020 Annual Conference or the June 2021 Annual Conference. Zachary UMC is in the Louisiana Conference. Should the Zachary UMC agree with the decision of the Annual Conference, then no action is needed. However, if not….
By December 31, 2024 - Local churches must vote to decide if they choose to join a different denomination than their Annual Conference.
Prayer and Patience
Because there are a lot of actions that must take place before December 21, 2024 and because there are so many unknowns at this time, the leadership of Zachary United Methodist Church asks that our members be patient and seek to be informed regarding these events and pray for the United Methodist Church, ZUMC, and our future. In addition, we ask that everyone strive to seek understanding and show the respect and love that Jesus demonstrated for all people.
Other helpful links to read are:
United Methodist Traditionalists, Centrists, Progressives & Bishops sign agreement aimed at separation
Frequently Asked Questions about the United Methodist Mediation Team
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7