Thousands of Methodist churches flee denomination over LGBT rift: What's going on?

In the last couple of months, thousands more houses of worship have left the United Methodist Church, having their disaffiliation votes approved by their UMC conferences.

Updated totals show that as many as 6,000 churches have fled the UMC in the last couple of years — and the issue shows no signs of slowing down.

"For the last several ... decades, the United Methodist Church has been in a big debate about whether to change its official stance on LGBT issues," Christian Post reporter Michael Gryboski explained on “The Inside Story” podcast. "At present, the UMC prohibits the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordination of non-celibate homosexuals."

Now, chaos within the denomination has unfolded. What's happening and why does it matter? Listen to Gryboski explain:

CLICK ABOVE ARTICLE LINK FOR THE AUDIO

I found out last weekend that the Methodist church in my home town voted to stay in the UMC. This was not surprising, as the only people left in it are, in the main, either comically stubborn old people in denial who have been there since LBJ was in office and absolutely intend to go down with "their" ship, or late middle-aged know-it-alls - the majority with gay kids who can do no wrong - that love the liberal social club atmosphere and the revolving door of SJW reverends.

This last vote should peel away most of the handful who have fought against the rot until now. There is talk that three of the old "mainline" churches in town have shrunk to the point that they are going consolidate their Sunday schools into one... an "inclusive" one, naturally.

"I have asked her repeatedly to comment on the situation and indeed I asked her if she was for or against the UMC allowing transexuals and open homosexuals..."

You'd think she'd want to share her expertise with folks about the goings-on in UMC, since she has first-hand knowledge of it. Instead, she posts lengthy second or third-hand Ukraine propaganda that she can't even verify because she's not inside Ukraine to see first-hand what is going on. The least she could do is respond to your questions about UMC, instead of ignoring them. When you ignore evil going on around you, you are basically condoning it.

Blow up your TV
Throw away your paper
Go to the country
Build you a home
Plant a little garden
Eat a lot of peaches
Try an' find Jesus on your own

"Spanish Pipedream" - John Prine

He was in my top 3 favorite singer/songwriters. "SP" is my 2nd favorite of his right after "Paradise". Never cared for his politics. COVID took him too soon in spring 2020. Godspeed JP.

'California Fleein' - Bablyon Bee boys parody of The Beach Boys 1987 cover of the Mamas and the Papas 1965 'California Dreaming'

The ones that aren't moving are calling themselves Reconciling Ministries Network. Here is the typical web explanation - name of church removed.

We the community of XXXXXX United Methodist Church, as a reconciling church that shares God through love and service, extend a special welcome to all people. We recognize we are called to be one body with many members.

We acknowledge throughout the church’s history there has been discrimination and exclusivity. We are a loving church that strives to be different. We value progressive theological teaching, discourse and compelling worship.

We believe every person has worth as a unique creation made in the image of God. We declare ourselves to be open, loving, and affirming to each and every person regardless of race, culture, age, gender, gender-identity, marital status, sexual orientation, ability or socioeconomic status.

Because God’s love in Jesus Christ has broken down the walls that divide us, we seek to love in a way that unites us.

My two sisters and I were raised in the UMC, graduated from SMU, as well as our mother and most of the extended family. Our grandfather was a circuit rider - just so you know the roots go deep. Both my middle sister and me left the UMC some time ago. The oldest is employed by the church and is a long time member of the congregation. She is also quite progressive as a former public school teacher.

The few discussions have been difficult, as her heart is right - we were all spiritually dead once. The challenge I see is there is little effort to save folks. It appears instead that sin is being normalized, and "reconciling" religion is just making people comfortable in their sins.

Somewhere between the two positions is God's Perfect Way. He ate with sinners, he reached out to those on the margins, but always looking to transform lives - to go and sin no more. That is not possible without being made alive in Christ. Someone who has imagined themselves gay all their life can't change without being spiritually reborn.

Her church was already on the ropes from Covid - never growing back to pre-pandemic attendance. They lost another 3rd by the split. Now, they have a part-time pastor and its uncertain whether they fold, merge with another, or build back.

As you might tell, this does not make me happy. However, I am confident God is in control. And SOMETHING GOOD will come from all of this. Maybe God can work through some of these churches and transform these lost lives back to His Perfect Will.

The new denomination, The Global Methodist Church, has stated they welcome all people to their services, whatever their orientation, but they won’t allow practicing homosexuals to be pastors, teachers or in positions of authority, nor will they marry homosexuals. Which is the position of our local Methodist church, now disaffiliated from UMC.
Here’s that pastor’s thoughts on the subject:
https://jeffreyrickman.substack.com/p/moral-concerns-for-those-disaffiliated

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