One of the dominant Christian denominations in the U.S., the United Methodist Church, is experiencing a major split. Since 2019, more than 7,000 congregations have received approval to leave the church. The factions have disagreements in theology, namely how the church considers LGBTQ+ ministers and congregants.
In December of 2023, one-quarter of the United Methodist Church's congregations decided to formally split from the Church. Rooted in theological disputes and disagreements over LGBTQIA+ inclusion, this schism has given rise to the emergence of the Global Methodist Church.
Simply contacting the church and asking them to remove you from their member list is all you should have to do. It's not a dire need but just a tidying up for them. Some people treat it like a matter of faith, but it really isn't that. It's a reality of operating as a charitable organization.
Disaffiliating pastors and members commonly cite the half-dozen biblical verses that pertain to homosexuality as their reason for leaving. But we in the UMC have for decades routinely ignored biblical teachings about the role of women, adultery, and slavery, among other topics.
Why are Churches Disaffiliating? There are a number of reasons why Methodist churches are disaffiliating from the UMC. Some churches believe that the UMC's stance on homosexuality is unbiblical. Others believe that the UMC is too liberal and that it is no longer a true Methodist denomination.
Thousands of congregations have left the church amid a dispute about marriage and ordaining LGBT ministers. The United Methodist Church (UMC) has historically regarded itself as a “big tent” denomination.
Now more conservative congregations are departing because of that failure to uphold the church's stated belief that, quote, "homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching." One that wants to leave because of that lack of enforcement is the Fount Church in Orange County, Calif.
Book of Discipline: ¶ 215. Definition of Membership. Definition of Membership—The membership of a local United Methodist church shall include all people who have been baptized and all people who have professed their faith.
Here's what your church resignation letter should include: Appropriate salutation. Statement stating your intent to resign. Date of your intended resignation. Reason(s) behind your resignation. Expression of gratitude. Offer of assistance during transition. Sign off.
If you were received as a church member at confirmation you can send a letter to the church and ask that you membership be terminated.