Replies

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