Information About the UMC Denomination

Questions about the UMC denomination?

Please contact John at johncenko@gracehummelstown.org for the additional resources available


TLC, Grace’s Administrative Board, met with representatives from the Susquehanna Conference on Monday, January 16, 2023.

Based upon the specific reasons permitted for disaffiliation within the Susquehanna Conference, no vote was taken in the matter of moving into a formal period of discernment. The concerns expressed by congregation members over the past few months did not meet the requirements provided. Below you will find links to the Book of Discipline paragraphs in question with the pertinent portions printed.

Anyone who would like more information is encouraged to reach out to Diana at dianabriselli@gracehummelstown.org or Kent vranakent@gmail.com or any member of TLC.

 Blessings,

TLC members

 

2553 https://cdn.cokesbury.com/images/community/cokesburyportals/2016boderrata.pdf

*The portion applicable is below:

Section VIII. Disaffiliation of Local Churches Over Issues Related to Human Sexuality

¶ 2553. Disaffiliation of a Local Church Over Issues Related to Human Sexuality—1. Basis—Because of the current deep conflict within The United Methodist Church around issues of human sexuality, a local church shall have a limited right, under the provisions of this paragraph, to disaffiliate from the denomination for reasons of conscience regarding a change in the requirements and provisions of the Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality or the ordination or marriage of self-avowed practicing homosexuals as resolved and adopted by the 2019 General Conference, or the actions or inactions of its annual conference related to these issues which follow.

¶ 304 https://www.umc.org/en/content/book-of-discipline-304-qualifications-for-ordination

*The portion applicable is below:

3. While persons set apart by the Church for ordained ministry are subject to all the frailties of the human condition and the pressures of society, they are required to maintain the highest standards of holy living in the world. The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals1 are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.2

¶341 https://www.umc.org/en/content/book-of-discipline-341-unauthorized-conduct

 *The portion applicable is below:

 6. Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.35.

Questions, thoughts, etc. please contact Diana at dianabriselli@gracehummelstown.org or Kent at vranakent@gmail.com