The Annual Conference will provide information on the cost required to cover pension liabilities for previous pastors and release your church from the trust clause on its property. Theological differences, declining membership, and a lack of clarity in the UMCs mission and purpose are all contributing to this trend. If so, will they be offered an age-appropriate presentation about whats happening? Click here for the Connectional Covenant. Nearly half of the UMC congregations. Approval for disaffiliation by at least a two-thirds majority of a churchs professing members present at the vote. The pastor will receive a letter that can be shared with the congregation. Any professing member who has not voluntarily asked to be removed from the roles or was not removed by the 2021 charge or church conference is entitled to participate and vote. No entity of The United Methodist Church is asking any congregation to disaffiliate or even consider disaffiliation. On March 28-29, Bishop Frank J. We requested a presentation by someone who could explain the reasons for staying with UMC. InDecision 1423, the Judicial Council affirmed a decision by New England Conference Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar. In other denominations, such votes have resulted in people leaving the church. Under any process of disaffiliation, your congregation will want to avoid any situation in which you do not follow or appear not to follow the requirements as set forth by the Discipline and your conference. A process for disaffiliation was established by the 2019 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement among some churches to disaffiliate from the denomination. Prayer, scripture reading and the words of Jesus to center and root ourselves spiritually. 2548.2, and, under some circumstances, 2549.3.bmay be sometimes also be involved to address related property issues. Some experts predict that the denomination may eventually split over theological and organizational differences, while others believe that the United Methodist Church will continue to evolve and adapt in response to the changing needs of its congregations. Article 1Of Faith in the Holy Trinity There is but one living [], The second report to the Church Council by the Study Committee on disaffiliation. []. There may be more cause for hope than you realize, but someone may need to stand up and make the case to stay United Methodist to activate others in your church inclined to remain United Methodist. While paragraph 2553 authorizes the conference Trustees to develop the terms, they quickly realized that congregations leaving the denomination has a broad range of impact across the conference which they may not fully understand without obtaining feedback from a larger group and vetting the options. How were the terms determined? This disaffiliation process is a journey to find other Wesleyans who hold the same values of scriptural authority and Christocentric theology that we do. The Missional Transition Support will be assessed by multiplying the three-year average of the total amount of all cash, bank balances, investments, endowments, and reserves by the percent of the votes against disaffiliation during the Church conference vote. Carrollton, Texas 75010. Votes about disaffiliation are never simply rational or financial. The Principles for Disaffiliation used by the Arkansas Conference call for a minimum three-month discernment period Now that First United Methodist Church has chosen to disaffiliate, they are in the process of joining the Global Methodist Church. All property and congregational transfer costs including GNJ legal fees. What should United Methodist congregations know about disaffiliation? Your Foundation remains firmly grounded in helping you achieve the dreams God has placed on your heart. Receive Communications and/or Join Our Support Lists! The UMC has been grappling with issues related to human sexuality, particularly the ordination of LGBTQ+ individuals and the blessing of same-sex marriages. Is this saying that in the event of disaffiliation the UMC will actually take that % of the churchs money and investments? Some conferences require a full three years of apportionment payments. Annual conferences cannot create comity agreements with other denominations. Missional Transitional Support the GNJ Trustees recognize that the bank balances, investments, endowments, and reserves in every congregation are the result of faithful tithing by every member of that congregation. Or something else? During an annual conference held this week in Athens, 70. In that ruling, the church courtalso spelled outthat any disaffiliation must include: The new Judicial Council rulings cover decisions of law that bishops made during the 2020 and 2021 annual conference seasons. Yes. The disaffiliation plan offers a limited way to release congregations from The United Methodist Church's centuries-old trust clause, which states that church property is held in trust for the benefit of the entire denomination. While we do not know how other conferences will cover these costs, the GNJ Board of Trustees determined their fiscal responsibility was to avoid/minimize drawing from GNJ Designated Funds which are designed to fund GNJs Mission and priorities and to avoid/minimize increasing Shared Ministry Apportionments for congregations who elect to stay with GNJ. This must occur no later than December 31, 2023, for the congregation to disaffiliate. Stay UMC is a grassroots organization and is not involved in conference administration. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the General Administration Fund apportionment at 100 percent. The Term Sheet is not negotiable. How will ballots be collected at the special church conferences? Another factor contributing to the disaffiliation of Methodist churches is the decline in membership. This decline is due to a number of factors, including an aging population and a lack of younger members. As we navigate the changes in the United Methodist denomination, we want to be sure we stay true to who we are, who God has called us to be, and our belief system. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. Isnt fair that a portion of their tithing be used to support this cost, or should we increase Shared Ministry apportionments or draw from GNJ designated funds to cover this cost? Please provide details on the process that the two guides will follow as they assist us in the discernment process. This paragraph has been part of the Book of Discipline for many years. The denominations Trust Clause remains in effect at all times. While there have been rumors and articles where person have stated their opinions concerning a moving away from the denominations doctrinal standards, the UMC maintains the beliefs found in the BOD Articles of Religion and disaffiliation is strictly over issues related to human sexuality. The Judicial Councils ruling said the disaffiliation process established by General Conference constitutes minimum standards, which do not preclude additional procedures and standard terms created by annual conferences, provided that the latter do not negate or violate the former.. Letters, reports and other resources generated to keep us informed about this process, specifically as it pertains to First Methodist Carrollton. As a connectional church, United Methodists hold property in common. Bishop Beard's presentation was recorded . However, it may be important for you to point out hidden or unforeseen costs inherent in disaffiliation such as: Interest and loan costs to fund money needed to comply with par. The United Methodist Church is one of the largest Protestant denominations in the United States, with an estimated 7 million members. When a church discontinues as a United Methodist congregation, either by closing or disaffiliating from the UMC, all real and personal property reverts back to the UMC to strengthen the witness and mission of the church. Jan. 15More than 6 million members of the United Methodist Church across the nation and 12.5 million worldwide face an impending deadline on whether to part ways with the church and. No, the timeframe for the administrative board/church council to discern disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church under 2553 has now passed. A Term Sheet, which is developed by the GNJ Board of Trustees, is an agreement of the basic terms and conditions of the disaffiliation. Research and resources compiled by other United Methodist churches. While the number of disaffiliated churches is relatively small compared to the overall number of United Methodist churches in the US, their departure does have an impact on the remaining churches. excerpt from a story by Heather Hahn, assistant news editor, UM News. Over 100 churches have disaffiliated from UMC in recent years., The United Methodist Church. The mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Like many mainline denominations, the UMC has seen a steady decline in attendance and membership in recent decades. What is the Connectional Covenant? This paragraph is about transfer of property. United Methodist Foundation of North Carolina. This is important, because exactly how the process will work varies by annual conference. Well over 100 churches (out of our 650 congregations) are currently considering disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church. There are two exceptions the pastor parish relations committee and the board of trustees. a decision to disaffiliate by a two-thirds majority of the professing members present at a church conference (not charge conference); the payment in full of two years of that congregations apportionment commitment as set by the conference; the payment in full of the congregations pro-rata share of the conferences pension liability, based on a formula approved by the annual conference. Advocate hosting a pastor or other leader to represent the benefits of staying United Methodist. The fellowship around [], January 22, 4 PM FMC Church Conference January 24, 7 PM Church Council meeting January 29 Whats [], Lindy Thomas has prepared a table graphic comparing the United Methodist Church, Global Methodist Church, Free Methodist Church, and Evangelical [], A View From the Pew: How We Got Here I was baptized in the Methodist church but spent the last [], An update on whats happened in the life of our church regarding disaffiliation from the United Methodist denomination. [], Still have questions about the disaffiliation process and want to talk to someone? The provisions of 2553 expire on December 31, 2023 and shall not be used after that date. Our lay leadership, organized through our Church Council. Example: If the three-year average of all the church funds is $100,000 and 20% of the members vote against disaffiliation, the terms for disaffiliation include a $20,000 Missional Transitional Support. Another reason for disaffiliation among United Methodist churches is concerns about the denominations organizational structure and decision-making processes. Clergy persons who continue with The UMC and are appointed to a congregation that continues as a UMC congregation will their maintain membership in The UMC as a clergy person and participate in the appointment process as in the past. A $3,500 administrative fee to defray the cost of the discernment and disaffiliation guides that will be used by the GNJ cabinet and the board of trustees to facilitate the process. One option is for young people to meet as a group and the guides will work with them. Working through this process with the district superintendent is not only required in most conferences, but wise. The United Methodist Churchs top court released six decisions Feb. 9 related to a new provision governing how congregations can leave the denomination with property. Thank you so much to everyone that baked, cleaned, prepared, and shared! On April 16, 2021, the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church affirmed the constitutionality of this paragraph, paving the way for annual conferences to implement processes for disaffiliation. That's okay! This article will explore the reasons behind this trend and provide an overview of the number of churches that have disaffiliated in the US. We are not encouraging any congregation to do so, either. First United Methodist Church in Washington was founded in 1800. These provisions require, at a minimum, three things: Annual conferences may add to these requirements, and some have done so. 2553 are not insignificant. For congregations that disaffiliate, and their appointed pastor(s) remain(s) in the UMC, the estimated clergy compensation including housing and benefits for 18 months and maximum moving expenses for two moves per individual. GNJ congregations are required to begin this process no later than September 30, 2022. A total 421 congregants voted - 295 voted to disaffiliate, but 126 voted to remain with the United Methodist Church [] The church court notes that under the Discipline, a local church cannot sever its connectional relationship to The United Methodist Church without the consent of the annual conference. The Judicial Council has construed this provision to mean that the annual conference must ratify any disaffiliation agreement. The reasons for this trend include disagreements over theological issues and concerns about the denominations organizational structure and decision-making processes. The disaffiliation will be complete by December 31, 2022. Establishment of terms and conditions between the exiting local church and the conference board of trustees. A vote was taken at the church on Monday evening (Oct. 3). An address from Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church in Reynoldsburg, OH. A YouTube playlst where Rev. Hosted by Cornerstone UMC in Houston on August 14, 2022. Some of the most common reasons include disagreements over theological issues, such as the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy, and concerns about the denominations organizational structure and decision-making processes. There are a variety of ways to make decisions. One of the main reasons for disaffiliation among Methodist churches is the growing theological differences within the denomination. This provision about property transfer is not about a vote for the congregation to disaffiliate or join another denomination. There are four things needed for spiritual discernment. All BSA settlement contributions as apportioned by the GNJ Council on Finance and Administration (CFA). Following the worship service on Sunday, February 5,First Methodist Carrollton voted173 to 1 in favor of joining the Global Methodist [], Church family, Sunday was great! This can be seen in the way that the UMC has struggled to articulate a clear and consistent message on social and political issues, which has left many members feeling confused and disconnected from the denomination. The Global Methodist Church was established earlier this year in response to the United Methodist Church becoming more progressive in their views on allowing LGBTQ+ members of clergy and performing wedding ceremonies for gay couples. If you have questions regarding your account(s), please fill out the form below and we will respond to you as soon as possible. Due diligence in all land transfers requires an accurate accounting of values of all properties, particularly if any costs of the transfer arerelated to the property itself. Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. And in a situation where the congregation has acted in ways that are not compliant with the Discipline and the guidance of the district superintendent, the conference board of trustees may not offer the congregation any terms to obtain its former property or assets. In order for a congregation to disaffiliate, the Annual Conference must approve the disaffiliation by a simple majority vote. You may read the Judicial Council ruling here:ResourceUMC | Judicial Council Decision Number 1449. From what I read, it appears that a church can spend a lot to go through the process only to have the request arbitrarily rejected. Why arent superintendents leading the disaffiliation and covenanting process? The letter will identify dates for the Church Conferences and other pertinent information needed to prepare for the conferences. No entity of The United Methodist Church is asking any congregation to disaffiliate or even consider disaffiliation. UMF is a stand-alone corporation with the ability to manage funds for any church organization even those that disaffiliate from the United Methodist denomination. Waiting until the next General Conference could offer a less expensive option for churches to exit the UMC. It took about an hour and a half for congregants to vote. Theprojectedterm sheet will be provided in the first disaffiliation discernment Special Called Church Conference session with the assigned Guide. What are the financial requirements in the Term Sheet? We'll try and provide as much clarity as we can, and you are always invited to contact the church office at (469) 568-1240 and ask for Amy Smith. The congregation will know before taking the vote at the . The pastor meets with and participates in the discussions of theboard of trustees, but the pastor is not a voting memberunlessspecifically elected as a trustee. https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-who-has-voice-and-vote-in-a-local-church. It will never be the same. However, click here to read the covenant your cabinet has made to you concerning this matter. Any unpaid apportionments for the 12 months prior to the disaffiliation date, as well as an additional 12 months of apportionments. Looking for a staff member? Successful Guides will be those whose theology or viewpoints are not detected by congregations in the discernment and decision process. The Southeast Jurisdictional Conference is November 2-4, 2022. Notifications about the meeting are to go to all members as outlined and provided to the church. Our goals with this FAQ are to provide clarity and accurate information about the process of disaffiliation for those who may be considering it and to dispel confusion. Yes. UMF will prepare this amendment for you. The term sheet is reviewed by the Disaffiliating Congregations Church Conference via special session that votes by two-thirds to accept the terms of the established Disaffiliation Agreement. If two-thirds of those members choose to leave GNJ, the remaining one-third will need to support to establish new or fund existing ministries for these members to join. Only congregants who were members of the church were allowed to vote. For example, disaffiliation may lead to a decline in membership and financial contributions. Has the United Methodist Church changed or abandoned its beliefs that are now outlined in our Articles of Religion, specifically, the resurrection, and the Trinity? The key words in that sentence are "church property," permit, and annual conference. This paragraph was created to give permission to annual conferences to order such transfers of deeds at the request of the local church. What will the conference do to ensure the well-being of clergy serving in congregations that decide to disaffiliate but he/she/they decide to stay in the UMC? It creates a right for congregations to request such transfer of property, and then only where local laws require the congregation's involvement in the transfer. We encourage you to read it carefully. They did not respond by press time. Your district superintendent can give you the most accurate information so your congregation can make its best decisions informed by the facts. General Conference could also fail to produce any exit or extend the expiration of par. This is a good and sensitive question. Our goals with this FAQ are to provide clarity and accurate information about the process of disaffiliation for those who may be considering it and to dispel confusion. That seems very wrong. This is not an outcome that bishops or congregations would prefer. Whenever possible, it is likely to your advantage to encourage a slow and deliberate process, rather than a quick, hasty decision. A sound discernment process helps members of the congregation listen to and respect each others views, learn about both the costs and the benefits of either decision, and help reveal whether there is a two-thirds majority of professing members to allow a vote for disaffiliation to prevail. Openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit in ourselves and others. At what point in the process will clergy appointed to the congregation discerning disaffiliation have to express their personal decision regarding disaffiliation? When does the Annual Conference vote to on a congregations disaffiliation? This process is based upon section 2553 of The Book of Discipline. However, our annual conference policies and processes on disaffiliations will not change with new leadership. The following are significant milestones/durations to be aware of: Disaffiliation Discernment Process, Phase 1 (Notification) 1 month minimum, Disaffiliation Discernment Process, Phase 2 (Prayerful Discernment) 3 month minimum, Disaffiliation Discernment Process, Phase 3 (Church Conference) 10 day minimum notification. This paragraph does not create a right nor a process for congregations to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church. Disaffiliation is a limited option which suspends the Trust Clause of the UMC and allows a congregation to disaffiliate and take the property held in trust. They are assisting a congregation to discern if it will disaffiliate from the UMC and GNJ. Your district superintendent will work with your congregation at each step of the discernment process. No. God has important mission and ministry for the congregations of GNJ, and this will be the primary focus of GNJ over the next year. The following is a summary of the financial items in the term sheet. Can this matter come up again? Your awareness of the contents of the following documents may be critical in being an advocate for a fair process during the Discernment Process and any effort to stay United Methodist: Newly added par. You can also reach out to any of the people listed on this page. What are the seven steps to the disaffiliation process? The Disaffiliation Policy approved at the 2019 Annual Conference Session sets out a framework to be followed when a significant number of members of a congregation express a desire to leave the South Georgia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 2553 of The Book of Discipline of The United . A bishop has only one vote on the matter. Spiritual discernment is setting oneself or the community apart for a time of deep listening for the Holy Spirits wisdom, insight and calling. Pastors are to continue to lead the congregation by doing no harm and refraining from leading the congregation in one way or another. InDecision 1424, the church court affirmed Arkansas Conference Bishop Gary Muellers decision. Passed during the same legislative assembly the church law allows congregations to exit with property for reasons of conscience related to homosexuality if they meetcertain requirements. Stay up-to-date on important announcements, events and more. Your support of The General Administration Fund apportionment supports the legislative body of the denomination, the Judicial Council. It permits the annual conference to direct the local church trustees to assign the deeds of church property to the proper legal representatives of a Pan Methodist church or another evangelical denomination. Pastor: Dr. Jim Dean: cell: 828-508-0035 / email: jedean619 . Disaffiliation means separating from the WNC Annual Conference (WNCC) and the entire UMC. The GNJ terms include requirements of paragraph 2553 and any costs incurred by GNJ. This phenomenon is not unique to the UMC and is happening among other mainline denominations as well. You can find the Discipleship Ministries resources here. Tel. Waiting to disaffiliate could either provide better terms or prevent the possibility of an exit altogether. the Book of Disciplines new Paragraph 2553, The United Methodist Churchs centuries-old trust clause, Church court clarifies disaffiliation rules. Disaffiliation is complete only when all payments due are made in full, the annual conference has approved the motion of disaffiliation and the effective date of disaffiliation set by the annual conference is reached. Can a congregation disaffiliate under paragraph 2548.2 of The Book of Discipline? We would prefer open ballot by show of hands to secret written ballot. The Oklahoma Conference Board of Trustees has approved a disaffiliation process for local churches. (2021). Any outstanding loans as identified by GNJ Loan Board; CFA or the GNJ Board of Trustees.
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