The United Methodist Church (UMC) is facing a significant schism as over one million African members, primarily from the Ivory Coast, voted to leave the denomination. This mass departure follows the UMC’s recent decisions at the General Conference to adopt more liberal stances on LGBTQ+ issues, including the affirmation of same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy. These changes have sparked intense controversy, particularly among the church’s more conservative African congregations.
The African Methodist community, which represents a substantial portion of the UMC’s global membership, cited the church’s deviation from biblical teachings as the primary reason for its exit. According to Bishop Benjamin Boni of the United Methodist Conference of Ivory Coast, the UMC’s new policies compromise doctrinal integrity and prioritize socio-cultural values over scripture. This sentiment echoes across other African churches, which have traditionally upheld conservative theological views.
African Methodists Vote to Leave UMC Over Doctrinal Changes
The General Conference’s decision to redefine marriage and eliminate charges for adultery and extramarital sex for clergy marked a turning point. Many African delegates felt their voices were marginalized during the decision-making process, leading to a rapid and decisive vote to disaffiliate. The exit of the Ivory Coast’s Methodist church alone, which accounts for over 1.2 million members, represents a loss of 12% of the UMC’s global membership.
This development is expected to trigger similar actions in other African regions, where dissatisfaction with the UMC’s direction is growing. African Methodists’ departure poses a significant challenge to the denomination, potentially reshaping its global landscape. The UMC now faces the dual task of managing declining membership and reconciling internal doctrinal differences.
The implications of this exodus are profound. It not only highlights the deep ideological divide within the UMC but also underscores the growing independence and influence of African Methodism. As these churches reassert their commitment to traditional biblical teachings, the future of the UMC remains uncertain, with potential further fragmentation on the horizon.
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