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.
As a reminder to the Virginia Annual Conference members, on Saturday, October 29, 2022, two Special Annual Conferences will be held: Next week, further information, including an agenda, will be
As a reminder to the Virginia Annual Conference members, on Saturday, October 29, 2022, two Special Annual Conferences will be held: Next week, further information, including an agenda, will be
In recent weeks, the Virginia Conference has received more than two dozen letters from an organization called the National Center for Life and Liberty (NCLL) demanding that 26 churches be
On August 23, 2022, the Judicial Council, The United Methodist Church’s top court, issued a strong and clear ruling that churches seeking to disaffiliate over matters of human sexuality must
