NORTH CANTON, Ohio — On the heels of the United Methodist Church's announcement that it expects to split following an impasse over the debate on gay marriage and LGBTQ inclusion in the church, a local bishop is asking members of the clergy to carefully read over the details of what is being proposed.
"I strongly encourage all clergy and laity to visit the Conference website and read the release – and the links contained within it – to gain a full understanding of what is being proposed. I ask that you not solely rely on news of the release shared through broadcast and social media," wrote Bishop Tracy S. Malone in a letter to the members of the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church.
The split would divide the third-largest religious denomination in the U.S.
Leaders of the church said Friday that a "traditionalist" Methodist denomination would split off from the United Methodist Church. The traditionalist denomination would continue to oppose same-sex marriage and prohibit LGBTQ individuals to be ordained clergy. The remaining portion of the Methodist church will permit same-sex marriage and LGBTQ clergy members for the first time in the church's history.
The agreement came as sanctions were about to go effect in the church that would severely punish United Methodist Church pastors who performed same-sex marriages, according to the Washington Post. Pastors who performed same-sex marriages would receive one year's suspension without pay for the first wedding and removal from the clergy for any additional weddings.
Instead, the agreement, mediated by Kenneth Feinberg, will postpone the sanctions and allow a vote on the splitting of the church in May, at the church's annual conference.
"The faithful group submitting today’s proposal joins other faithful groups across our beloved United Methodist Church who have already submitted petitions to be considered by delegates to the General Conference, which meets May 5-15 in Minneapolis, Minnesota," wrote Bishop Malone. "General Conference is the only body that can set official policy and speak for the denomination. The General Conference delegates who were elected by their respective annual conferences are given the responsibility to review and make decisions on all matters and petitions before the Conference. Bishops preside over the sessions of General Conference but do not vote."
The agreement will give $25 million to the new "traditionalist" denomination, according to the Washington Post. In return, the new denomination would drop all claims to the original United Methodist Church's assets. Churches that wish to join the new denomination will conduct a vote within a specified time frame. Churches that wish to remain under the original United Methodist Church will not have to take any action.
Bishop Malone closed her message by writing the following: "While we do not know the outcome of General Conference 2020, we do know that we serve a faithful God who leads us and guides us and through whom all things are possible. Therefore, be it resolved that we remain committed to our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world; and we remain faithful to live into our East Ohio Conference vision by:
- being disciples, making disciples, and maturing disciples of Jesus Christ;
- being God’s agents of transformation in our communities and throughout the world, and
- being bold and courageous leaders in reaching new people, younger people, and a more diverse people."
You can read Bishop Malone's entire letter to the East Ohio Conference below: