FAQ's on UM Status

1. What is Disaffiliation?

A vote for Disaffiliation means we desire to leave the United Methodist Church (UMC). Not voting or a vote against Disaffiliation means we desire to stay in the UMC.

2. Do we have to vote on Disaffiliation?

No. However, with several large churches across the US having disaffiliated, the membership, structure, and finances of the denomination will likely see changes. As “traditional” churches leave, the remaining UMC decision-making bodies could become more “progressive” in makeup.

3. What is the current UMC official stance on homosexuality?

The United Methodist Church affirms that sexuality is “God’s good gift to all persons” and that “all people are of sacred worth and are equally valuable in the sight of God.” Since 1972, the UMC Book of Discipline has affirmed that “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” The UMC has also maintained long-standing restrictions regarding practicing homosexual clergy and same-sex weddings. Pastors may not be “self-avowed, practicing homosexuals” and may not conduct ceremonies that celebrate same-sex weddings or unions. Such ceremonies also may not be held on church property.

For more information, see “What is the Church's position on homosexuality?” at https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-is-the-churchs-position-on- homosexuality.

4. What are the proposed changes to the UMC stance on homosexuality?

Many proposals on this issue have been introduced since the denomination’s 1972 General Conference and at every quadrennial conference since. Recently, proposals have involved removing the “incompatibility statement,” allowing ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy and permitting pastors and churches to officiate LGBTQ+ weddings. None of these proposals have yet to be approved by a General Conference.

5. If the rules haven’t changed yet and Louisiana is currently enforcing the rules we have, why are some UMC churches considering Disaffiliation now?

Proceedings of every General Conference since 1972 have become more and more contentious due to opposing views on the subject of human sexuality, and related clergy and bishop disobedience has become more widespread. Many on both sides of the issues believe that this conflict cannot be resolved, even with the UMC’s hopes for fostering a “big tent” denomination. In 2019, several bishops, clergy, and laity of the Louisiana Annual Conference negotiated and cosigned the “Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation” which “propose[d] restructuring the United Methodist Church by separation as the best means to resolve our differences, allowing each part of the Church to remain true to its theological understanding, while recognizing the dignity, equality, integrity, and respect of every person.”

In 2019, ¶2553 was introduced into the Book of Discipline as a path for churches to disaffiliate and be released from the “trust clause” (a statement included in legal documents declaring that the property and assets of a local church are held “in trust” for the benefit of the entire denomination), allowing departing churches to retain ownership of their land, facilities, endowments and other assets. This provision sunsets on December 31, 2023, but requires ratification at the preceding Annual Conference in June 2023. In 2021, the Louisiana Annual Conference passed the LA Conference’s iteration of the 2553 plan. A copy of the 2553 plan is on pages 10-11 of this document. 

6. Are other churches in the Louisiana Conference considering Disaffiliation?

As of November 2022, 67 of the Louisiana Conference’s nearly 500 churches have voted to disaffiliate, and those votes have been ratified by the Conference. Though we cannot provide an exact count or list of churches, it is our understanding that additional congregations are discerning the disaffiliation process prior to Annual Conference in 2023 and the sun-setting of the ¶2553 provision in December 2023.

7. If we hold a Church Conference, who can vote?

Any professing member of Broadmoor UMC at the time a Church Conference is called by the District Superintendent who attends the Church Conference in person is eligible to vote. This includes any youth who have completed confirmation before the date of the vote. Per UMC rules, those who are unable to be present cannot submit a proxy vote, nor can anyone vote electronically.

8. What is the voting threshold for Disaffiliation?

At least two-thirds of the professing members who attend the Church Conference must vote to disaffiliate for the measure to pass. While we want as many members as possible to come and vote, there is no minimum number required to reach a quorum. Whoever is present at the meeting constitutes a quorum.

9. What would happen if Broadmoor UMC votes to Disaffiliate?

If a vote for disaffiliation passes, our Governance Board trustees will begin the legal process of transferring all assets into the name of the new church entity we will create. We will also begin exploring our next steps as a church, including whether we affiliate with another denomination or become an independent church. If we disaffiliate, Broadmoor Church may continue to serve people in the Shreveport area and beyond, just as we have always done.

10. What would happen if Broadmoor UMC votes to stay in the UMC?

If we remain in the UMC, Broadmoor UMC will continue to serve people in the Shreveport area and beyond, just as we have always done.

11. What would happen to members who disagree with the results of the vote?

Our hope is that everyone will continue to be a member of Broadmoor UMC, regardless of the results of a vote. It is understandable, however, that some people will choose to join another church that more closely aligns with their personal views and beliefs.

12. What would happen to our current pastors and staff after a vote?

Appointed clergy at Broadmoor UMC will have to make their own personal decision whether to remain with the UMC or step away. It is possible that employment costs may increase should Broadmoor UMC disaffiliate and elect to become an independent church. Specific changes require further study.

13. Where can I learn more information?

There are numerous sources of information about the current situation in the United Methodist Church. Please note that not everything you can read on the Internet is helpful or even truthful. While no site is perfect, we’ve complied two sets of videos addressing this subject. The best way to watch these is to watch them in order as Adam Hamilton responds to Rob Renfroe. Below the Renfroe/Hamilton videos are two sermons you may watch, as well. Click on the blue hyperlink to watch these videos.

Rob Renfroe - The United Methodist Church is Divided and Dividing
Adam Hamilton - Adam Hamilton Response

Rob Renfroe - Our Differences Regarding the Bible
Adam Hamilton: Love of Scripture

Rob Renfroe - Our Differences Regarding Jesus
Adam Hamilton: Committed to Christ

Rob Renfroe - Our Differences Regarding Sexuality
Adam Hamilton: Human Sexuality

Rob Renfroe - Why It’s Time for Traditionalists to Leave
Adam Hamilton: A Future with Hope

More resources:

Other Sermons:

"Who Has the Final Word" - Dr. John Robbins

"Forward in Faith" - Rev. Mark Sorenson

14. Who makes up the Governance Board Subcommittee on UM Status and how were they selected?

The chart below reflects our current Governance Board with asterisks reflecting those who are serving on the UM Status Subcommittee. The Governance Board is selected by a nominations committee who are BUMC members, as well. The Subcommittee on UM Status members are volunteers from the Governance Board. 

15. Is the United Methodist Church Splitting at this time?

No. The term “split” applies when there is a negotiated agreement within the denomination to divide assets and resources. No such agreement has been made in The United Methodist Church. The earliest point at which such an agreement could be made would be at the next General Conference to be held in 2024. 

A more accurate term, as suggested by the Rev. William Lawrence, retired dean of Perkins School of Theology and former member of the Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church, is “splintering.” What is happening is that some traditionalist leaders have decided to create their own denomination (the Global Methodist Church). Leaders of that denomination and other unofficial advocacy groups, such as the Wesleyan Covenant Association, which created it, are encouraging like-minded United Methodist congregations and clergy to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church and join their denomination instead.

16. Is the United Methodist Church ignoring or refusing to implement the Discipline’s statements, restrictions, and requirements regarding practicing homosexuals and same sex weddings?

While there are a few examples that come close to "ignoring the Discipline," a number of bishops and some cabinets have indicated their commitment, in the words of the Minnesota Conference extended cabinet, to hold in abeyance all... administrative and judicial complaint processes addressing restrictions in the Book of Discipline regarding gay and lesbian clergy and/or same-sex weddings until after General Conference meets and action related to the separation of the denomination can be considered."  

What is abeyance, and where did this idea come from? 

The term "abeyance" means "delay." It does not mean a refusal to implement the Discipline. It means delaying further action on certain kinds of charges for a limited period of time and for particular reasons. Bishops who have announced they are placing such charges in abeyance are not refusing to implement the Discipline. They are indicating they will process such charges in light of actions that take place at a later time.  

This approach to dealing with such charges began with the development of the so-called Protocol legislation, announced in January 2020.  

While the Protocol legislation has no effect unless or until a General Conference approves it, the process of developing it included a commitment by all of its signers, including key leaders of traditionalist organizations and eight United Methodist bishops from across the connection. Article V of the agreement states,  "As one expression of reconciliation and grace through separation, the undersigned agree that all administrative or judicial processes addressing restrictions in the Book of Discipline related to self-avowed practicing homosexuals or same-sex weddings shall be held in abeyance beginning January 1, 2020 through the adjournment of the first conference of the post-separation United Methodist Church. Clergy shall continue to remain in good standing while such complaints are held in abeyance." 

The term "post-separation United Methodist Church" referred originally to the General Conference in 2024, assuming the General Conference meeting in 2020 would have passed the Protocol or other terms of separating the denomination. Since the 2020 General Conference is now delayed to 2024, the first post-separation General Conference would be in 2028. The term separation involves an action of the General Conference. It does not apply to the decision of the Wesleyan Covenant Association to launch the Global Methodist Church prior to the next General Conference.  

The part of the Protocol agreement calling for abeyance for some period of time, originally signed by eight bishops, has since also been committed to by several other bishops in the United States. Signers of this statement also included Keith Boyette, former leader of the Wesleyan Covenant Association and current leader of the Global Methodist Church. Boyette has separately stated his agreement with a practice of abeyance on such charges until a General Conference can meet to decide next steps.

To those on all "sides" who indicated their support for abeyance effective in 2020, abeyance in processing such charges was not seen as a refusal to implement the Discipline. Rather, it represented and represents the hope for a less stressful time of separation leading up to and following the action of a General Conference to create such a separation. 

What can we accurately say about the isolated examples noted and the wider practice of abeyance?  The Discipline's statements, restrictions, and requirements regarding self-avowed, practicing clergy and same-sex marriages are unevenly enforced in The United Methodist Church at this time. Initiatives by individual conferences or jurisdictions are one source of this unevenness. The practice of abeyance derives from a mutual agreement of United Methodists who identify as progressive, centrist, and traditionalist. Still, the provisions of the Discipline remain in force and are more widely enforced across the whole denomination, worldwide, than not.   

17. Is the United Methodist Church about to alter its doctrine to deny the virgin birth, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, or salvation through Christ alone?

No. All of these positions are bedrock in the doctrinal standards of The United Methodist Church, more specifically in the Articles of Religion and the Confession of Faith. These cannot be altered without a two-thirds vote of the General Conference followed by a three-fourths aggregate approval of all annual conferences of The United Methodist Church worldwide. There is no basis to conclude such majorities can or even wish to be achieved to alter the Articles and Confession for any reason.

In The United Methodist Book of Discipline, the Articles of Confession say, and will continue to say:

Virgin Birth and Divinity of Jesus

Articles of Religion, Article II: 

“The Son, who is the Word of the Father, the very and eternal God, of one substance with the Father, took man’s nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin.”

Confession of Faith, Article II:

“We believe in Jesus Christ, truly God and truly man, in whom the divine and human natures are perfectly and inseparably united. He is the eternal Word made flesh, the only begotten Son of the Father, born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Articles of Religion, Article III:

“Christ did truly rise again from the dead, and took again his body, with all things appertaining to the perfection of man's nature, wherewith he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth until he return to judge all men at the last day.”

Confession of Faith, Article II:

"Jesus Christ... was buried, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven to be with the Father, from whence he shall return." 

Salvation apart from faith in Jesus Christ

Articles of Religion, Article IX:

“We are accounted righteous before God only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, by faith.”

Confession of Faith, Article IX:

“We believe we are never accounted righteous before God through our works or merit, but that penitent sinners are justified or accounted righteous before God only by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

18. Is the United Methodist Church intending to change the Bible?

No. The United Methodist Church has no official translation of the Bible and has never sought to alter the Bible at all. United Methodists have always had a variety of views about how to interpret specific passages of Scripture and likely always will

19. Is the United Methodist Church going to require its clergy and clergy candidates to agree to offer same-sex weddings as a condition of candidacy, status, or appointment?

No. There are no proposals before the next General Conference to do so, nor have there ever been such proposals. 

As noted above, proposals to permit clergy who choose to do so to preside at such ceremonies have come before previous General Conferences and will come before the 2024 General Conference. All such proposals have been defeated in the past. 

20. Is the United Methodist Church going to drop all prohibitions related to human sexuality at its next General Conference in 2024?

The 2024 General Conference will certainly consider legislative proposals that would drop several existing prohibitions. There are items that could authorize clergy who choose to do so to preside at same-sex weddings or union ceremonies. There are several proposals to drop the statement “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” Some proposals would remove the current policy that forbids committees and boards of ordained ministry and clergy sessions to approve and bishops to license, commission, ordain, or appoint self-avowed, practicing homosexuals as clergy. Another would drop the prohibition on annual conferences and general agencies to provide any funding for any activity or publication that promotes "the acceptance of homosexuality." 

The key words are “consider” and “proposal.” The General Conference must consider all legislative items it receives. All legislative items before a General Conference are proposals only. They have no force unless a General Conference approves them.

All of these kinds of proposals have come before General Conferences in the past, and all have been defeated, every time.

21. Is the United Methodist Church ending United Methodist Church memberships of those whose local church disaffiliates?

Yes. When a local church disaffiliates, the Judicial Council has made clear all of its members depart the denomination with it. “Disaffiliation… under ¶2553 involves both church membership and property… the membership departs from The United Methodist Church” (Decision 1449, Question 5).  From the standpoint of The United Methodist Church, it is not possible to be a member in The United Methodist Church and a member in another denomination (or an independent church) at the same time (Paragraph 241 of the 2016 Book of Discipline). 

If your congregation has voted to disaffiliate, and you wish to remain a member of The United Methodist Church, you will want to find another United Methodist congregation to join before the effective date of disaffiliation set by the annual conference. You may ask your district office for assistance in this process. 

22. Is the United Methodist Church allowing congregations that disaffiliate to retain their current appointed pastor or deacon? 

The answer depends on whether the current clergy disaffiliate as well. United Methodist bishops are authorized to appoint clergy to United Methodist congregations. When a congregation is disaffiliated, it is no longer a United Methodist congregation. Thus, United Methodist appointments to a congregation that disaffiliated terminate on the effective date of disaffiliation as set by the annual conference. 

If the current clergy disaffiliate with the congregation, it is up to the congregation or decisions by a denomination it may join whether the current clergy continue to serve them. United Methodist deacons and local pastors may or may not be accepted as clergy by other denominations. It is more likely that United Methodist elders may be.  

If the current clergy remain United Methodist, they will no longer be appointed to the disaffiliated congregation and can no longer function as clergy for them. The United Methodist bishop will seek to appoint these clergy elsewhere as soon as possible. The congregation will need to seek new clergy leadership. 

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