As members of The United Methodist Church debate the church’s stance on human sexuality, some congregations are considering whether they wish to leave the denomination. During this challenging time with the postponement of the 2020 General Conference to 2024 and the launch of the Global Methodist Church on May 1, 2022, some churches have discerned to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church.
1. If your church is staying in The United Methodist Church, there is no action you need to take.
2. Two hundred and twenty-seven churches in the Virginia Conference (as of October 7, 2023) have met the criteria for disaffiliation and been ratified by the Virginia Annual Conference membership.
Learn more from October 2022 AC …
Learn more from February 2023 AC…
Learn more from October 2023 AC…
3. The Paragraph 2553 legislation, approved by the denomination and the Virginia bishop and Cabinet for disaffiliation, has a sunset date of December 31, 2023. The opportunity to disaffiliate in the Virginia Conference under Paragraph 2553 legislation from the Book of Discipline is now closed.
4. When churches close or disaffiliate, church families may scatter and relationships fray. If you are experiencing this transition, but have chosen to remain United Methodist, you may be unsure of your next steps.
As you discern where God is calling you, you are not alone. Learn about Bridge Churches…
Find more VAUMC news and releases about disaffiliation in the links below.
FAQ #1 Is the UMC really….splitting? Asking traditionalists to leave? Changing doctrines on Virgin Birth? Learn more…
FAQ #2 Is the UMC really…dropping prohibitions related to human sexuality? Learn more….
FAQ #3 Is the UMC really…letting churches leave the denomination using legislation other than Par. 2553? Learn more…
FAQ #4 Is the UMC really… letting departing churches retain their pastors? Ending memberships of those whose local church disaffiliates? Learn more…
FAQ #5 Is the UMC really… asking local churches to vote on whether to remain in The United Methodist Church or join the Global Methodist Church? Learn more…
VUMPI Executive Director John Fuller provides information about Virginia Conference pension liabilities.
The Virginia Annual Conference held four Special Called sessions from 2022 to 2023 for churches who followed the disaffiliation process outlined in Paragraph 2553 from the Book of Discipline to
October 7, 2023 A Special Called Annual Conference session was held on October 7, 2023 for the Virginia Annual Conference membership to consider the ratification of 120 local churches seeking
The last Special Called Annual Conference in the Virginia Conference to consider local church disaffiliation under Paragraph 2553 of the Book of Discipline is scheduled for Saturday, October 7, 2023
For those whose congregations have voted to disaffiliate, but who wish to remain United Methodist, the Virginia Annual Conference and the Cabinet offer Next Steps, a web site with resources
May 6, 2023 A Special Called Annual Conference session was held on May 6, 2023 for the Virginia Annual Conference membership to consider the ratification of 64 local churches seeking
February 18, 2023 A Special Called Annual Conference session was held on February 18, 2023 for the Virginia Annual Conference membership to consider the ratification of 34 local churches seeking
