Evangelical Christians around the globe were grieved but unsurprised by the action of the United Methodist Church on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. The General Conference of the UMC convened in Charlotte, NC, where it passed a measure to remove a key element of a biblical sexual ethic from the Discipline. In a 692-51 decision, the UMC became the latest casualty in the sexual revolution.
The General Conference (missing 25% of its African delegation) chose to strike the unequivocally orthodox affirmation that “homosexuality is incompatible from Christian teaching” and to lift the ban on “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” from being ordained into ministry (para. 304.3). Now, the UMC sanctions what activist members and clergy have openly practiced for years with impunity. Although this decision has been highly anticipated for quite some time, the finality of the decision is deeply grieving, especially for those of us who share the Wesleyan tradition.
The UMC affirmation of homosexual behavior goes against the plain teaching of Scripture and the Church’s common understanding across two millennia.
The UMC affirmation of homosexual behavior goes against the plain teaching of Scripture and the Church’s common understanding across two millennia. Leviticus 18 and 20, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Timothy 1:10, and eight different vice lists in the New Testament forbid homosexual behavior. Genesis 2 says that three things are necessary in God’s design for marriage: (1) both partners are human; (2) both partners will come from different families; and (3) both partners are anatomically different (male and female by nature). Romans 1 says that homosexual behavior is plainly wrong according to the law of nature and the law of God. Further, Romans 1:32 concludes with a strong rebuke not only of those who practice such things but also of those who approve such sinful behavior. (“Approve” is from the Greek word suneudokeo, which means “to be pleased with.”) Accordingly, the UMC as a general conference is in God’s displeasure. It is an avowedly disobedient church and apostate in its beliefs and practices on this matter.
Still, there are many true believers who remain within the UMC. The general conference does not speak for them, yet they are faced with a dilemma: do they push for reform or do they leave? Already, millions of Methodists who anticipated the UMC’s decision have left. The movement toward unorthodox sexual ethics began in 1972, as soon as the UMC added the language it removed on May 1, 2024. Bishops and members have defied official doctrine for decades. As a result, since 2020, more than one-quarter of the UMC’s 5 million members in the U.S. have left the denomination. Many have joined the Global Methodist Church, which formed exactly two years prior to the May 1 General Conference vote. The GMC maintains the biblical doctrine on human sexuality.
Internationally, entire conferences have or are in the process of cutting ties with the UMC in North America. Some estimate that at least 80% of Africa’s 4.5 million Methodists will disaffiliate shortly. Many former UMC congregations have scrubbed the name “Methodist” from their church signs, and other congregations within the Methodist tradition are reluctant to use it.
Communities across the U.S. are also impacted by the UMC’s decision. Pastors and congregations are evaluating ministry partnerships. Evangelical leaders are imploring the few evangelicals who remain to flee. UMC congregations, especially in rural areas, will find themselves excluded from prior evangelical partnerships.
There is reason to be optimistic for renewal among evangelical Methodists.
As an evangelical in the Methodist tradition, I lament this chapter of Methodist history. But there is reason to be optimistic for renewal among evangelical Methodists. By separating from an apostate church, the gospel and authority of God’s Word is being re-established in congregations once under the cloud of heterodoxy. Millions of former UMC members have already found grace and healing in new churches, and hundreds of thousands more will shortly follow. The Methodist story will continue to unfold positively in these places, while the final chapter for the UMC has been written.
