Book of Discipline
After traditionalist churches left, UMC may be more — not less — diverse
By Yonat Shimron — April 16, 2024
(RNS) — Even after the departures, 24% of North Carolina clergy remaining in the denomination disagree with allowing LGBTQ people to get married and ordained within the denomination.
Legislation aims to ‘decolonize’ United Methodists, give parity to non-US conferences
By Yonat Shimron — February 6, 2024
(RNS) — A proposed regionalization plan would undo the dominance and control of the US church and make it on par with United Methodist conferences abroad.
In United Methodist Church trial, a church on trial
By William B. Lawrence — October 2, 2023
(RNS) — A trial violated Wesley's dictum 'Do no harm.'
Three dozen NC churches have agreed to leave the UMC under approved plan
By Yonat Shimron — September 8, 2023
(RNS) — After a judge dismissed their lawsuit, the 36 churches in the Western North Carolina Conference agreed to leave under the denomination's exit plan. They will formally exit in November.
31 UMC churches in NC demand immediate exit from denomination, threaten lawsuit
By Yonat Shimron and Emily McFarlan Miller — August 18, 2022
(RNS) — Legal action or the threat of legal action represents a new strategy on behalf of churches wanting an immediate exit from the United Methodist Church.
What to do about ordination? A gay divinity school student ponders her future
By Yonat Shimron — April 23, 2019
DURHAM (RNS) — Dozens of LGBTQ United Methodist seminary students will graduate next month from the 13 schools affiliated with the denomination. Like Spencer Cullom, who is a lesbian, they face an uncertain future.
Methodist university presidents call on denomination to amend LGBTQ policies
By Yonat Shimron — January 10, 2019
(RNS) — The group, which represents presidents of 93 affiliated colleges and universities, urged the denomination to recognize the 'sacred worth' of people regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Liberals run risk in weaponizing church discipline against Sessions
By Jacob Lupfer — June 21, 2018
(RNS ) — A move by members of the United Methodist Church to rein in Attorney General Jeff Sessions is a symptom of our exhaustion over the immigration debate. But the liberals' sudden commitment to church discipline is shortsighted and likely to backfire.
Methodist lesbian voted down as deacon
By Adelle M. Banks — June 2, 2016
(RNS) Tara 'T.C.' Morrow needed a two-thirds vote to become a provisional deacon.
Why United Methodists’ chaos on sexuality issues will continue (COMMENTARY)
By Jacob Lupfer — May 23, 2016
(RNS) In reality, the bishops did not lead.
Liberia’s United Methodists keep ban on divorced clergy becoming bishops
By Fredrick Nzwili — May 7, 2015
(RNS) The church’s leaders say the ban brings moral credibility to the office and guides the conduct of those who want to be bishop.
Spared a church trial in one region, Methodists may find censure in another
By Renée K. Gadoua — March 10, 2014
(RNS) The resolution of the Rev. Thomas Ogletree’s case highlights an emerging dynamic that allows some pastors to skirt rules banning clergy from performing same-sex wedding, while others risk costly church trials and the loss of clergy credentials.
A Methodist pastor calls for speedy resolution in conflict over gays
By Renée K. Gadoua — December 24, 2013
(RNS) A deep divide within the United Methodist Church over how to minister to gays and lesbians has led a Washington, D.C., pastor to suggest the denomination should not wait until its 2016 General Conference to change its policies.
Frank Schaefer defrocked by United Methodist officials
By Renée K. Gadoua — December 19, 2013
(RNS) A two-day church trial last month found Schaefer guilty of violating church law by performing the 2007 same-sex wedding of his son.
Pa. pastor Frank Schaefer won’t quit voluntarily
By Renée K. Gadoua — December 16, 2013
(RNS) The Rev. Frank Schaefer said Monday he would refuse to surrender his clergy credentials voluntarily and continue to perform gay marriages in opposition to his denomination’s orders.
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