Christ United Methodist Church in Mobile: Mobile, Ala. (WKRG) In a significant move, Christ United Methodist Church, boasting nearly 5,000 members, has officially disaffiliated from the United Methodist denomination.
The disaffiliation request of Christ United Methodist Church was approved during a special session on Sunday, Nov. 12, conducted by Bishop David Graves, the Alabama-West Florida Conference Bishop in Residence for the denomination.
Bishop Graves expressed sorrow, stating, Today is another somber day in the life of the Alabama-West Florida Conference. We are saddened to say farewell to the eight churches disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church and wish them the best in ministry. We pray for these churches as they navigate ministry in a new season.
Within the Alabama-West Florida United Methodist Conference, which currently has 311 churches, eight churches chose disaffiliation. These include Marietta UMC, Oak Grove UMC, Salem UMC, Christ UMC, Macedonia UMC, Benton UMC, Hayneville UMC, and Lowndesboro UMC.
The decision by Christ UMC to disaffiliate is situated in the ongoing debate within the UMC since its affirmation against gay clergy and same-sex marriage in 2019.
Rev. Dr. Robert Couch, Christ UMCs lead pastor, explained, The issues of human sexuality, for too long, have distracted and divided the United Methodist denomination and, in turn, our local church. Furthermore, the repeated debate has harmed LGBTQ persons each time the Church clarified its long-held beliefs about human sexuality.
Christ United no longer wants to be distracted and divided by this ongoing controversy, so we requested to disaffiliate from the denomination. We plan to remain an independent congregation for one to two years as we discern any potential future affiliation with other denominations or networks.
As Christ United embarks on this new journey, the focus remains on their core principles of loving God, loving people, and changing the world, a commitment upheld for nearly 45 years.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Why do people want to leave the United Methodist Church?
The United Methodist Church, a leading Christian denomination in the U.S., is undergoing a significant division. Over 7,000 congregations have been given the green light to break away from the church since 2019. The main point of contention revolves around theology, particularly the church’s stance on LGBTQ+ ministers and members.
Why are Methodist churches disaffiliating from the UMC?
Boyette stated that differences in the way congregations handle LGBTQ clergy and marriages are not the only factor behind the significant United Methodist departure. The interpretation of the authority of the Bible and who Jesus is has also led to divisions among members.
Do Methodist believe in speaking in tongues?
United Methodists affirm the power of prayer in all languages and dialects around the world. Whether it’s the native tongues of various nations or the diverse languages spoken within the United Methodist community, prayer transcends linguistic barriers. This belief reflects the global and inclusive nature of United Methodism and its commitment to engaging with people from all walks of life.
What religion is closest to Methodist?
Methodism adopted its liturgical practices from Anglicanism, but Wesleyan theology emphasizes sacraments more than evangelical Anglicans.