This is a real struggle. I left Methodism (after generations of Methodists in my family going all the way back to Wesley in England) in the late 60s over racism. Many others did the same, and when I returned in the 90s, the hymnals and congregations reflected racial integration. Some stayed and fought, but those who left also "sent a message."
In 2003 I left again, after my 6th gay pastor in a row was appointed. Since gays are only 3% of the U.S. population, I felt that this was greatly disproportionate; and the preaching and treatment of the children in the church became indoctrination away from the Bible and towards wholesale approval of homosexual behavior.
I sent my second message, but this time I do not plan to return. I've had it with the UMC. Wesley must be spinning in his grave at what this "church" has turned into, with all its outraged, self-righteous liberals shouting down the Bible-believers in classes and at meetings. Their "tolerance" -- of sin -- has become intolerable to me.
"In 2003 I left again, after my 6th gay pastor in a row was appointed. Since gays are only 3% of the U.S. population, I felt that this was greatly disproportionate; and the preaching and treatment of the children in the church became indoctrination away from the Bible and towards wholesale approval of homosexual behavior. "
My MIL, who died a year ago this Month, was a life long Methodist like her parents, and their English ancestors like yours were Methodist back in the UK.
Her church in a small midwest farming town had 2 Lesbians forced on them by their Bishops. That drove away so many people, the church had to yoke with the local Baptist church to stay open. Both churches use the old Methodist Church for services and events. For 3 years they have a Methodist preacher and the next 3 years a Baptist preacher.
The last Methodist Preacher, a man of undetermined sexual choices was the last straw for my MIL. One of the first things he did was to remove the American flag in the church and replace it with a UN Flag. He would fly to Cuba to help with the sugar cane harvest. He hated GW in the 2000 elections. She labeled him an outright communist, and he didn't deny it.
She stopped going to church. The Mehtodist preacher never visited he in her home or retirement home inspite of her being born into that church close to 90 years before her death. He left on the normal rotation. The new Baptist minister visited her often in her retirement home and later the nursing home her final year or so.
She told my wife and her brothers that when she died, she did not want the funeral held in the Methodist Church. If the Baptist preacher was still there, he would be good. She did not want any fake Methodist preacher presiding at her funeral. Her wishes were followed.