United Methodist Church Faces Schism Over Same-Sex Marriage Doctrine

[theHandpuppet]

United Methodist Church Faces Schism Over Same-Sex Marriage Doctrine
Religion News Service
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey
05/27/2014

(RNS) Will the United Methodist Church soon have to drop the “United” part of its name?

A group of 80 pastors is suggesting that the nation’s second-largest Protestant denomination is facing an imminent split because of an inability to resolve long-standing theological disputes about sexuality and church doctrine.

But more than lamenting the current divisions, the pastors indicated there is little reason to think reconciliation — or even peaceful coexistence — could be found. Like a couple heading to divorce court, the pastors cited “irreconcilable differences” that can’t be mended.

“We can no longer talk about schism as something that might happen in the future. Schism has already taken place in our connection,” said the Rev. Maxie Dunnam, a retired president of evangelical Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky, who joined the statement....

MORE at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/27/united-methodist-church-schism_n_5398221.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular

[MNBrewer]

1. This is certain to occur

Most of my family is UMC and they are all ready to give up on the church. The problem, in their view, isn't just the American conservatives in the church, but also the African UMC churches.

[theHandpuppet]

2. Can you elaborate?

I admittedly don't know much about this subject.

[MNBrewer]

3. Church rules

Church governance rules were recently changed to give the international church more influence over theological issues. UMC has the same problem with homophobic African congregations that the Anglican church has.