[sphinx]

Hundreds of congregations, perhaps representing two percent of total USA churches and less than one percent of members, have openly dissented from the church's marriage teaching. They should be permitted to leave the denomination with their property and assets.

This is the key, and the principle needs to apply both ways. Move to a congregational model in which local churches own their own buildings, call their own pastors and support central church organizations (including colleges and seminaries) through voluntary assessments. Be clear as a matter of organizational principle and consistent practice that congregations are sovereign and can leave at any time. Problem solved.

Control over the seminaries is crucial. Traditionalist congregations, probably the majority among the Methodist churches, need a reliable supply of trustworthy pastors. My uninformed guess is that Methodism's current seminaries are not exactly hotbeds of orthodoxy.

[SeekAndFind]

How about the college and universities that near the Methodist name? You know, Wesleyan and Southern Methodist come to mind....

What about the hospitals?