As a landmark United Methodist gathering approaches, African churches weigh their future

[Valdosta]

As a landmark United Methodist gathering approaches, African churches weigh their future (AP)

The United Methodist Church lost one-fourth of its U.S. churches in a recent schism, with conservatives departing over disputes on sexuality and theology.

Now, with the approach of its first major legislative gathering in several years, the question is whether the church can avert a similar outcome elsewhere in the world, where about half its members live.

The question is particularly acute in Africa, home to the vast majority of United Methodists outside the U.S. Most of its bishops favor staying, but other voices are calling for regional conferences to disaffiliate.

At the upcoming General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, delegates will tackle a wide range of proposals – from repealing the church’s ban on same-sex marriage and ordaining LGBTQ people, to creating more autonomy for regional conferences to set such rules, to making it easier for international churches to leave the denomination.

...

More schism over gay rights.

[AllaN01Bear]

1. we went through this and had a split in 2007. we are now telling that all are welcome

etc and in the name of love . the other side in many ways made it uncofortable to stay and took our buildings . it took a court case of several years to get our buildings back. we offered them a chance to rent from us but they said no, i wish thees people may find their own path.