My understanding is that the properties are owned by the UMC, not by the local congregation. So if they don’t do something like this, they leave the property behind, which is hard to swallow without a fight. Which I am glad they are putting up, even though I am not a Methodist.
I see. The UMC owns the property, not the membership. I’m not familiar with that concept. I sure do hope they hold fast to their principles, but it sounds like they’re captive in a way.