Since 1972, the Book of Discipline has included statements as part of its Social Principles related to human sexuality. Specifically, in 1972 it declared that “the United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers the practice incompatible with Christian teaching.” At almost every General Conference since 1972, there has been a debate concerning this issue. General Conference is the highest level of legislation within the UMC and is the only body that can change the Book of Discipline.  Delegates from every Annual Conference in the world meet at General Conference every four years to consider proposals for change in our Book of Discipline. Those who have favored keeping the current language (and, in some cases, strengthening it) have become known as “Traditionalists”; those who have argued for removing the language have become known as “Non-Traditionalists” or “Progressives”.

While the Non-Traditionalists have presented proposals at nearly every General Conference since 1972 to remove or alter these words, every attempt has failed. In fact, Traditionalists have since managed to pass additional proposals strengthening their position, including language stating that same-sex marriages shall not be conducted by ordained ministers nor shall they be conducted in our churches and language banning self-avowed practicing homosexuals as ordained ministers.

In 2016, the debate intensified and resulted in gridlock at General Conference. At this point, the Council of Bishops decided to postpone all matters regarding the issues of human sexuality and schedule a Special Called Session in 2019 to debate and decide all related proposals. At the 2019 General Conference Special Called Session, the Traditionalists once again prevailed, keeping all existing language intact as well as adding language related to punitive actions for ordained ministers failing to follow the Discipline. An additional paragraph [2553] was added to the Discipline at that time allowing for churches to disaffiliate from the denomination based on their disagreement with the church’s stance on human sexuality. The provisions of this paragraph are in effect until December 31, 2023.

While the 2019 Special Called Session of General Conference was supposed to settle the issue and debate on human sexuality, it was apparent to almost everyone that it did not do so.  The vote to affirm the Traditionalist stand was 53% in favor and 47% opposed.  Clearly, the church was deeply divided on this issue and no one left believing that the arguments would not be brought up again at later conferences.  Shortly after the conclusion of the 2019 session, the Council of Bishops created a group of church leaders representing both sides of the issue to work on a way that the church might be reconciled through grace for separation and restructuring. Through the efforts of this group, a protocol was unanimously put forth for consideration at the next General Conference in 2020 as to how a separation into two churches might take place.  However, before the 2020 General Conference could occur and consider the proposed protocol, the global Covid pandemic happened, causing the 2020 Conference to be delayed until 2021. When the pandemic did not end in 2021, the conference was again postposed to 2022, and then again to 2024. 

The Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation agreement is expected to be presented for approval at the 2024 General Conference, but like any proposed legislation, it is subject to debate and change. However, because it was unanimously signed by every person within the diverse group created by the Council of Bishops, and because both the Non-Traditionalists and Traditionalists would be separating into churches of like-minded members, the protocol is still generally believed to have a very good chance of being approved in some form.

In the meantime, a group of Traditionalists decided to start a new denomination called the Global Methodist Church. This church was to be the traditionalist church that would be spawned by the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation agreement. However, because of the delays in General Conference due to Covid, the Global Methodist Church announced its startup in 2023, encouraging churches to disaffiliate and join their church.

So, to answer the question “why are churches disaffiliating?” the answers vary.  Many are clearly tired of the arguments and debate that have gone on for more than 50 years and they want out. Some are acting on the misconception that if they don’t get out by the sunset date of December 31, 2023, under Paragraph 2553 of the Discipline, they will not be able to [See Question 4 for clarification]. Some are using the opportunity to disaffiliate because they simply do not want to continue paying their apportioned mission shares each year. According to a MS Conference official, of the 800+ churches in the MS Conference, less than 200 are expected to be affirmed for disaffiliation at the 2023 Session of the MS Annual Conference this June. The vast majority of churches are waiting to see what their options are after the 2024 General Conference, especially as it relates to the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation agreement.

The Protocol is an eight-page plan that would allow conferences and churches to leave the United Methodist church – with their assets and liabilities – and join a newly formed traditional Methodist denomination, or perhaps another Methodist denomination that is created.  It is at this point merely a proposal that must be approved by General Conference. A copy of the Protocol, as it is currently written, can be found by going HERE.  

In reviewing or reading this Protocol it should be kept in mind that when written, it was intended to be presented at the 2020 General Conference which never occurred.  The reader should also be cautioned not to get bogged down in some of the details laid out in the proposed agreement since some of these details could possibly be amended at General Conference, if and when it is considered.

As it now exists on paper, a generalized synopsis of the basic principles is this:  The Protocol allows for the creation of a new, traditionalist denomination and provides procedures for possible other Methodist denominations. There is money set aside for the creation of the traditionalist denomination ($25 million over 4 years) and additional funds for any other Methodist denomination. Annual conferences will be able to vote to join the newly formed traditionalist or any other newly created Methodist denomination.  If a local church wishes to be a part of a denomination other than the one voted on by its Annual Conference, the local church may vote to go another way. If no vote happens at either the annual conference or local church level, the conference/church will stay as a part of the existing UMC.

The makeup of the delegates representing Annual Conferences from around the world will not significantly change in 2024. The same delegates from 2019 will be attending the 2024 General Conference - not withstanding deaths or necessary replacements. Therefore, the traditionalist delegates will still outnumber the non-traditionalist delegates. Recognizing this reality, the non-traditionalists will more likely be interested in voting for some form of a separation agreement, which if passed, would allow them after the 2024 General Conference to change their Discipline after separation.

Yes.  Whether the “Protocol” passes or not, or even in the remote possibility of the Discipline being significantly changed from its present position on human sexuality, churches will still have time to decide what options they may wish to explore, including disaffiliation. Should there be no separation agreement approved, based on past actions of the General Conference, it is likely that additional language would pass, allowing churches time to consider disaffiliation, similar to Paragraph 2523 of the Discipline that was passed in 2019 which sunsets at the end of 2023. Even if they do not, however, there are other avenues for disaffiliation if a church should want to consider such an option.  The Mississippi Annual Conference has already notified churches that it has approved a plan that allows for churches to depart after the 12/31/2023 sunset date provided in Paragraph 2553 of the current Discipline. That plan allows churches until the last day of the 2025 session of the Mississippi Annual Conference to decide to leave based on what happens at the 2024 General Conference.  

If Crossgates UMC were to explore disaffiliation this year, the following 2023 timelines would apply:

• August 1: Last day to notify the District Superintendent of intent.
• September 10:  Last day to schedule an Exploratory Meeting with the DS.  Churches have 30 days after an Exploratory Meeting to officially enter the disaffiliation process by submitting a certification form to the DS.
• October 25: Last day to schedule a church conference to hold an official church vote concerning disaffiliation. There must be a two-thirds majority of members voting for the vote to pass.
• December 9: A Special Duly Called Annual Conference Session will be held for an affirmation vote on all churches completing the disaffiliation process.

If at the Church Conference, the vote to disaffiliate were to pass, Crossgates would be obligated to pay two times the 2023 conference and district mission shares (apportionments), as well as its PACT Property Liability insurance premiums for 2023 and its share of the pension covenant payment. The cost of all deed transfers would be handled by the MS Annual Conference at the expense of the local church. All of these financial obligations together would amount to approximately $250,000 - $275,000 for Crossgates. In addition to the above financial obligation, Crossgates would also assume responsibility of hiring the church clergy and staff, payment of salaries and benefit plans such as health insurance, retirement etc., and will remain responsible for any existing church debt. 

Additionally, Crossgates would have to agree not to use the word “Methodist” in its name and to eliminate all signs, references, and supplies (including hymnals, liturgy etc..) using the federally trademarked United Methodist Church name and cross and flame emblem. 

The only impact identified so far would be that its property liability insurance cost would likely be significantly higher.  Currently, the Childrens Center pays for a separate insurance plan, different than the church, but that plan is under the umbrella of the Mississippi Annual Conference PACT group plan.  Should Crossgates UMC disaffiliate, it would no longer be eligible for group coverage with the Annual Conference, nor would the Childrens Center. 

However, if the “Protocol” were to pass in 2024 in a form that would allow Annual Conferences to vote on disaffiliation, and if the Mississippi Annual Conference and Crossgates were to decide to leave the UMC for another denomination, the Childrens Center and the church would likely be able to retain coverage under a group plan with the Annual Conference.

The church council represents a cross section of the church body. The Church Council body is made up of leaders in the church representing the 4 basic administrative committees (Finance, Trustees, Nominations, SPRC) as well as other adult and youth ministries and church missions’ leaders. The Church Council will serve as a central point of contact to gather questions and concerns. Information on the Church Council committees and ministry/missions are posted on the bulletin board in the church main hallway and on the website HERE.

Note:  Over the past year, the leadership of Crossgates has recommended waiting until after the 2024 General Conference before deciding what options to explore related to disaffiliation. That decision was expressed first when the church was presented its lay delegate report of the 2022 Annual Conference by Bill Barnett. Since then, some Sunday School classes have entertained additional discussion on the issues going on currently in the United Methodist Church. Most recently, the Church Council held a meeting in March, 2023, where the only item on the agenda was a discussion of these issues. No vote was taken at that meeting, but based upon the discussion most members of the Church Council that spoke up seemed in agreement that the best course was to wait until after the 2024 General Conference before seriously exploring it options for the future. The Church Council agreed to continue conversations.  

A church choosing to return to the United Methodist Conference should reach out to their District Superintendent. The District Superintendent along with the conference leadership and the bishop, will guide that church through the process to rejoin the United Methodist Conference.