The Global Methodist Church (GMC) is a new Methodist denomination that was officially launched in May 2022. It was formed as a conservative breakaway group from the United Methodist Church (UMC) over theological differences regarding issues like same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination. Here is an overview of the key events and beliefs surrounding the GMC:
Background
The roots of the split began in 2019, when the UMC voted to uphold and strengthen its bans on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ clergy at a special session of their General Conference. This sparked strong reactions from more progressive factions of the UMC who favored LGBTQ inclusion. Over the next few years, various plans and proposals were put forward by different groups within the UMC to try and resolve the growing divide over these issues.
By early 2020, a diverse 16-member group of Methodist bishops and other leaders had come together to form something called the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation. This proposal outlined a way for the UMC to split along theological lines, allowing a new traditionalist denomination to spin off. The protocol was endorsed by figures on both sides of the debate. It provided a mechanism for congregations and regional bodies to vote on whether to stay in the UMC or join the new traditionalist church.
The formation of the GMC stems directly from these efforts to formally and amicably divide the UMC. The name was chosen in 2021 after the protocol plan was approved by the Council of Bishops. A Transitional Leadership Council was formed to guide the creation and launch of the Global Methodist Church.
Beliefs and Policies
The Global Methodist Church holds to a traditional, conservative Wesleyan doctrine and Christian moral teachings. Some of their key positions include:
- Affirming a “traditional understanding of Christian marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman.” The GMC prohibits same-sex weddings and the ordination of “self-avowed practicing” LGBTQ clergy, sticking to the UMC’s original stances.
- Viewing abortion as “incompatible with Christian teaching” and not permitting GMC clergy, churches, or affiliates to perform or fund abortions.
- Upholding more traditional Christian perspectives on gender identity. The GMC’s Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline states, “We urge all people to seek the mercy and grace of God and to make every effort to live in accordance with biblical standards of sexual morality.”
- Affirming the inerrancy, infallibility, and sole authority of the Bible for determining Christian faith and practice.
- Adhering to historic Methodist teachings and Wesleyan theology, including those outlined by John Wesley, Methodism’s founder.
At the same time, the GMC allows diversity of opinion on some matters where Scripture does not provide definitive clarity. For instance, the GMC does not take an official stance on theories of biblical creation.
Structures and Leadership
The Global Methodist Church has a connectional structure similar to that of the UMC. Local churches belong to regional Annual Conferences, which are united under the global denomination. They also maintain the role of bishops as overseers of groups of conferences.
However, the GMC has incorporated some governance changes aimed at decentralizing power and authority:
- Bishops are elected by Annual Conferences rather than appointed or placed as in the UMC.
- Term limits are instituted for bishops (8 year limit).
- The role of bishops is focused more on spiritual leadership rather than administrative tasks.
- An Annual Conference can withdraw from the Global Methodist Church by a 2/3 majority vote, if they disagree with future actions or changes in the denomination.
These structural changes hint at the values of local church authority and preventing centralized power that led many to join the GMC in the first place. The GMC also elevated a new international committee called the Global Council to guide global church matters.
Membership and Growth
The GMC officially launched at a convening conference in May 2022. At this inaugural conference, the denomination reported over 300 affiliated congregations in the U.S. totalling around 58,000 members.
The majority of churches joining so far are from the United States, where entire Annual Conferences have chosen to disaffiliate from the UMC and realign with the GMC. Some estimate that up to one third of all UMC churches in America may eventually join the GMC.
However, the denomination has global aspirations. The name “Global” Methodist Church reflects a hope of attracting like-minded Methodists from Africa, Asia, and other international regions. There are already a few GMC member churches in countries like Bulgaria, Czech Republic, and Liberia.
While its future size remains to be seen, projections suggest the GMC could grow to around 500,000 members in the next few years. But the UMC remains far larger, retaining nearly 7 million U.S. members so far.
Reactions and Analysis
Responses to the launch of the Global Methodist Church have been mixed across Christendom:
- Positive: Some conservative Christians have praised the formation of the GMC as an act of courage in defending scriptural authority and traditional church teachings in an era of liberalizing cultural values.
- Negative: Progressive and moderate Methodists view the GMC as perpetuating unjust policies of exclusion, doing harm to LGBTQ people in being denied marriage or ordination in the church.
- Uncertain: Other evangelical figures have adopted a “wait and see” posture, desiring more time to assess the character and direction of this new Wesleyan denomination.
Within the UMC, the impact of churches disaffiliating varies across regions. Some Annual Conferences have seen large numbers of churches withdraw, greatly reducing their membership and resources. Others have remained relatively intact after the launch of the GMC. UMC leaders hope that this amicable separation can allow both denominations to follow their respective missions unencumbered by internal battles.
Going forward, the Global Methodist Church will face the practical work of aligning worldwide structures, standardizing policies, training leaders, and transitioning cultures and mindsets into this new expression of Methodism. If successful, the GMC could establish itself as a home for theologically conservative, evangelical-leaning Wesleyans in the years ahead.
Ultimately, only time will tell if the Global Methodist Church can foster a united Methodist movement amidst ongoing doctrinal divides in Christ’s global Church. Faithful Christians can pray for God’s wisdom and grace to prevail for all involved.