He’s right about this. No matter what conservative Methodists end up calling themselves or how numerous they are (it will be substantial), this is a good move. The “progressive” side is glorified Unitarianism. Good riddance to them.
I studied with the Unitarians at Tufts University, Crane Theological school in the 60’s. The UMC today does not differ in any respect from the Unitarians of that era. This began long ago. I was harassed out of the UMC ministry under hate filled threats by the Bishop and his little Supers because I was the only charismatic in the Baltimore Conference, according to a Bishop from that conference. As a third generation pastor I left with a broken heart knowing that the UMC was no longer my spiritual home. I pray for the new Methodists and am anxious to join their ranks.