In other words, the “progressives” don’t have the votes to prevail. Rather than lose, they’re going to create their own special meeting with their own special rules. If you can’t win under the rules that everyone has agreed to, change the rules. It’s what liberals do.
The canon law is clear. Methodist ministers are prohibited from officiating at same sex weddings. Those who do must be defrocked. Practicing homosexuals may not be ordained as ministers. Bishops who knowingly ordain such persons must be defrocked. There is no need to study canon law for two years. Follow the rules which have been agreed to.
Time is not on their side. This is telling - of the 864 delegates at the conference, 30% are from Africa. Those 30% are conservative and the African share of delegates will only increase in the future.
This is the Waterloo of the progressives and they have retreated.
The split will eventually occur. It has just been delayed.