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. |
Grandmother, 80, is rushed to hospital with severe dehydration after drinking Devon's dirty waterA new Democratic ad campaign targets one of Trump's most loyal blocs: Rural votersKim's sister denies North Korea has supplied weapons to RussiaBarcelona closer to securing second place in Spanish league after 2Two boys, 12, stabbed teenager, 19, to death in park machete attack after victim 'shoulderTeenagers to be recruited to drive trains as government looks to ease rail staffing shortageCouples' therapist reveals the 10 signs you're in a healthy relationshipMass poisoning at highLabour accused of setting 'unrealistic' shortThe millennials taking over 'pensioner paradises': How 'Down From Londons' and under