by News and Staff Reports, September 7, 2022, from UM-Insight, Cynthia Astle, Editor, republished by permission (see below). See also this analysis from David Livingston of Great Plains Conference who names six statements from a Texas church which "are, at best deceptive."
An old saying about falsehoods and truth has been credited to many famous men, but renowned London preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon popularized a version in one of his sermons: "A lie will go 'round the world while truth is pulling its boots on."
Counteracting lies about The United Methodist Church has been the challenge of United Methodist conference communicators over Summer 2022. As the fall church season begins, many annual conference publications have shared resources to debunk some of the most outlandish claims being made about the UMC's future. While not a formal organized effort at countering misinformation, communicators have shared with one another compilations that provide a clearer picture about the misstatements coloring discussions on disaffiliation in many annual conferences.
What follows are excerpts from one of the most recent compilations of this information presented by the Louisiana Annual Conference in its "Louisiana NOW" newsletter. Not all these statements have circulated in Louisiana, but the questions presented here have surfaced in nearly every U.S. annual conference regarding disaffiliation. A resource unique to Louisiana is its "Staying" series of videos and podcasts, which presents interviews on the value of remaining in The United Methodist Church, said Todd Rossnagel, conference communications director.
Some of this material comes from United Methodist Communications' Ask the UMC team, which has written a series, "Is The United Methodist Church REALLY ...?" to counteract the most outlandish claims. United Methodist Insight has published all three installments (bottom of the page) thus far of this series and links to the full articles are given here.
Discerning and Discussing: A Helpful Guide
The United Methodist Church, and in turn, the Louisiana Conference, finds itself in a season of discerning. There are some congregations wondering about the future of The United Methodist Church and whether they should consider disaffiliating from it.
As a result of this discernment process, some outside groups are intentionally spreading information that is false. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the various misperceptions or misinformation that some congregations are receiving as they are discerning their next steps.
Is the United Methodist Church “splitting”?
No. The term “split” applies when there is a negotiated agreement within the denomination to divide assets and resources. No such agreement has been made in The United Methodist Church. The earliest point at which such an agreement could be made would be at the next General Conference to be held in 2024. A more accurate term, as suggested by the Rev. William Lawrence, retired dean of Perkins School of Theology and former member of the United Methodist Judicial Council, is “splintering.” What is happening is that some traditionalist leaders have decided to create their own denomination (the Global Methodist Church). Leaders of that denomination and other unofficial advocacy groups, such as the Wesleyan Covenant Association, which created it, are encouraging like-minded United Methodist congregations and clergy to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church and join their denomination instead.
Is there action needed on behalf of a church that is remaining in the United Methodist Church?
No. If a church has decided to remain United Methodist, there is no action – not a signed declaration nor a notice – that is needed.
Is the United Methodist Church asking traditionalists to leave the denomination?
No. The requests for disaffiliations are coming largely from the Wesleyan Covenant Association and, in turn, the Global Methodist Church that the WCA has founded. Additionally, the contributions of traditionalists have been part of our rich history and will continue to shape our future history. Diversity is, and always will be, the cornerstone of our Wesleyan denomination.
Is it true that if you are progressive, you should stay United Methodist, but if you are a traditionalist, you have no other choice than to leave?
No. The UMC will continue to be a denomination with traditionalists, centrists, and progressives. The UMC's position on human sexuality remains under the traditionalist plan passed at General Conference 2019 and cannot be modified until GC 2024. Even then, it is unclear what our policies will allow. The diversity of theological perspectives remains a thriving aspect of our life together as United Methodists.
Is the United Methodist Church going to change the Bible?
No. The United Methodist Church has no official translation of the Bible and has never sought to alter the Bible at all. United Methodists have always had a variety of views about how to interpret specific passages of Scripture and likely always will.
Is the United Methodist Church going to require its clergy and clergy candidates to agree to offer same-sex weddings as a condition of candidacy, status, or appointment?
No. The United Methodist Church does not currently require its clergy or clergy candidates to perform weddings as a condition of candidacy, status, or appointment. Individual clergy always have and will continue to have the freedom to discern and determine who to marry in each local context. This will continue.
Is the United Methodist Church ordaining drag queens and supporting worship of a “Queer God?”
No and no. Both of these allegations are based on individual incidents that actually happened. But both of those circumstances have been seriously misrepresented. No United Methodist bishop has ever ordained, commissioned, or licensed a drag queen.
Is the United Methodist Church about to alter its doctrine to deny the virgin birth, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, or salvation through Christ alone?
No. All these positions are bedrock in the doctrinal standards of The United Methodist Church, more specifically in the Articles of Religion and the Confession of Faith. These cannot be altered without a two-thirds vote of the General Conference followed by a three-fourths aggregate approval of all annual conferences of The United Methodist Church worldwide. There is no basis to conclude such majorities can be achieved to alter the Articles and Confession for any reason.
'Staying:' Louisiana's Video/Podcast Series
During a time when there is discussion about potentially leaving the United Methodist Church, the Louisiana Conference wants to talk about the value of staying. We invite you to watch and listen to a new video/podcast series called Staying.
The first episode of "Staying" features Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey who discusses the value of staying and addresses the harmful nature of misinformation. Three more episodes now are available.
Slide Presentation Aids Conversations
United Methodist Communications has officially released a slide deck that is designed to help facilitate conversations. The deck is built in Google slides, which makes it very easy to customize. The goal of the deck is to allow members to take a moment to pause, rediscover and reconnect with what our global, change-making body of believers is all about. Questions and answered in this deck:
- Why is our connection unique?
- What has brought us here and what calling do we need to fulfill?
- How can we root into our beliefs, history, mission and ministry in order to stand strong and face the future – together?
#BeUMC Honors Core Values
The #BeUMC campaign honors the core values that connect the people of The United Methodist Church (The UMC). This grassroots campaign, built upon powerful stories of congregations and people living their faith, celebrates what draws us to the UMC and what we aspire to be.
This discussion guide is a great way for Sunday School classes, Bible studies, or small groups to reflect on what it means to #BeUMC.
This article was adapted by Insight Editor Cynthia B. Astle and includes various resources previously published by various annual conference communications. This article may be reproduced elsewhere provided this accreditation is included.