The congregation at Asbury Memorial Church in Savannah, Georgia is the first in the U.S. to officially disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church over LGBTQ rights.
Around 50 people have joined the church since they voted to disaffiliate back in September, 15-year church member Preston Hodges said.
Hester said in the past, people in the new member class have decided not to join the church because of Asbury’s affiliation with the United Methodist Church. “Church in this country is dying. We are one of the few churches that are growing, and it’s been a beautiful experience for me to be a part of that part for a long, long time. Young people just can’t see the point of church when church cuts people out,” Hodges said. “So I think we will see an uptick in youth coming to our church, to people of color coming to our church, as well as gay and lesbian people.
Wilhelm eventually found himself at the head of Asbury’s local branch of the Reconciling Ministries Network, an organization seeking the inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in both the policy and practices of United Methodist Church. For many of these questions, there is no quick and easy answer. But Janet Wagner, who has been with the church since 2004, said she doesn’t expect quick or easy answers.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Georgia Church Leaves United Methodist Over LGBTQ Clergy, Same-Sex MarriageA Georgia church that supports LGBTQ rights is splitting from the United Methodist Church — the first congregation in the country to do so. The split comes a year after the UMC reaffirmed a ban on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings.
Read more »
Georgia church splits from United Methodists over gay rightsThe move by Asbury Memorial Church in Savannah, Georgia, comes a year and a half after the UMC — the second-largest Protestant denomination in the U.S. — voted to strengthen its bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings. - NBCOUT
Read more »
Georgia Church Splits From United Methodists Over Support For LGBTQ RightsSavannah's Asbury Memorial Church is now officially independent following disputes on same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQ pastors.
Read more »
United Airlines, DraftKings, Facebook: Stocks That Defined the WeekHere are seven major companies whose stocks moved on the week’s news.
Read more »
Georgia Church Leaves United Methodist Over LGBTQ Clergy, Same-Sex MarriageA Georgia church that supports LGBTQ rights is splitting from the United Methodist Church — the first congregation in the country to do so. The split comes a year after the UMC reaffirmed a ban on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings.
Read more »
Georgia Church Splits From United Methodists Over Support For LGBTQ RightsSavannah's Asbury Memorial Church is now officially independent following disputes on same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQ pastors.
Read more »