Methodist Church Splitting

Splitting the Methodist Church

Why division may be the best option for the future

JOAN THYAGARAJAN writer

In the wake of the controversy regarding the LGBTQ+ presence in the church, the recent proposition to split the Methodist Church into two separate denominations is beneficial for both parties within the church. The Methodist Church is the largest denomination of Protestant Christianity in the United States. Before this proposed split, the Methodist Church was staunchly against LGBTQ+ rights, and would not allow samesex marriage or accept LGBTQ+ members into the ranks of their clergy. After a vote in 2019 which rejected the previous proposal for more extensive LGBTQ+ involvement in the church, the division between the church was proposed in order to give the LGBTQ+ community freedom to practice their religion. This schism could divide a church of over seven million people, and if it does, it could be one of the most progressive steps taken for LGBTQ+ rights.

One of the biggest taboos for the United Methodist Church has been gay marriage. The do’s and don’ts of marriage are ingrained as part of the religion, but there must be a separation between religion and fundamental human rights. If someone believes same-sex marriage should not be allowed, they should not be able to infringe upon the rights of someone who does. By preventing people from following a religion of their choice because of their sexuality, they are disavowed their freedom of belief.

The church has no obligation to change its rules, as their beliefs are valid to themselves, but by creating a separate denomination in this faith for those who believe in gay marriage, the original church could keep its faith, and the progressive church would be free to allow same-sex marriage, while still being Methodist.

Along with protecting the rights of citizens, this split would be a strong first step towards ousting the stereotype that the Christian community as a whole is completely

against the LGBTQ+ community. As a Chris- tian, I myself have struggled to figure out my stance on this topic since my church commu- nity made it clear they were anti-LGBTQ+, yet I had numerous LGBTQ+ friends whom I cared for dearly. This stereotype made it ex- tremely difficult to determine my position and whether or not what I believed was justified. While it may be true that some Christians are anti-LGBTQ+, there are thousands of them who have taken a pro-LGBTQ+ stance.

...this split would be a strong first step towards ousting the stereotype that the Christian community as a whole is completely against the LGBTQ+ community.

The “anti-LGBTQ+” stereotype is inaccu- rate in mentality, if not by structure, and can be detrimental to young Christians, who are forming their religious identity. This stereo- type can not be broken without Christianity proving it is willing to accept the LGBTQ+ community, and forming a subdivision in this faith for those who are LGBTQ+ would be making good headway in proving that this ste- reotype is invalid.

In addition to breaking the stereotype, the potential split would also be beneficial for the church to get an increase in its atten- dance. Statistics from the Pew Research Cen- ter have shown that right now, the number of church-going people in America based on their survey has reached an all-time low at 65% in 2019 from 77% in 2009. One of the main possible reasons for this decline in attendance is that members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as heterosexual allies, are displeased by the church’s adamant rules on ostracizing the LGBTQ+ community. Because of this, they are leaving the faith, which accounts for the low attendance. By splitting the church, this conflict would be resolved, as those displeased with the current negativity towards LGBTQ+ members would have their own denomina- tion to worship under, and church attendance would increase.

One of the factors that might be detri- mental to the church is a loss of diversity in the church, which will create a monocultural environment that does not embrace America’s motley demographic. While this may be true since the conventional Methodist Church will be losing the LGBTQ+ portion of its com- munity, it will not come as much of a blow since this party was being suppressed, and therefore, never held a solid presence in the church. Members of the LGBTQ+ commu- nity are not allowed to marry people of the prefered sex or join the clergy, both of which are major components of a Methodist’s life. The fact that they are denied these privileges unless they denounce their sexuality leads to the LGBTQ+ community losing what made them unique and what was broadening the demographic of the church so that they could follow their religion. Therefore, their absence will not be felt in the cultural aspect of the church, since the LGBTQ+ community is not bringing any diversity to the church as a result of them suppressing their sexuality.

Christianity has existed for over a millen- nium, and it has been constantly morphing into a religion that is relevant to the day and age in which we live. The split of the United Methodist Church is another progressive step in order to modernize and accept the LGBTQ+ presence that is growing in Chris- tianity.