A Quarter of U.S. United Methodist Churches Depart Over LGBTQ Policies

Many Join More Conservative Denominations, UMC Prepares for Budget Cuts and Upcoming Legislative Gathering

A quarter of U.S. congregations in the United Methodist Church have received permission to leave the denomination over disputes involving the church’s LGBTQ-related policies.
Many departing congregations have joined the more conservative Global Methodist Church, with others joining smaller denominations, going independent or still considering their options.
The first denomination-wide legislative gathering in eight years, slated for spring 2024, will consider calls to liberalize policies on marriage and ordination.
UMC officials are already preparing historic budget cuts to denominational agencies in anticipation of lower revenue from fewer churches.
Efforts to lift bans on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination are expected to have a strong chance at the legislative General Conference, scheduled for April and May in Charlotte, North Carolina, given the departure of many conservative votes.