REASONS TO RECOMMEND DISAFFILIATION

The growing disregard for the authority of Scripture and the primacy of Jesus Christ

We currently have some UMC pastors and seminary professors who do not believe the tenets of our faith as put forth in the Apostles’ Creed (Virgin birth, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins, bodily resurrection, etc.). They see Scripture as a document subject

to our current cultural and scientific beliefs, and thus their acceptance of the Bible as ultimate and eternal truth is lost.

"All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.”

(2 Timothy 3:15-16)

 

 

The lack of accountability of some bishops

Some Bishops in the UMC are free to disobey and encourage their pastors to disobey rules in The United Methodist Book of Discipline, yet with no consequence. The accountability structure of the denomination is broken. Over time, bishops have allowed

current societal values to take precedence over historical Scriptural teaching and adherence to common Methodist regulations.

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church

of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”

(Acts 20:28)

 

 

The rejection of the sanctity of pre-born life

Following the recent Supreme Court decision to return the abortion question to the States (Dobbs vs. Jackson), the president of the UMC Council of Bishops released a statement calling the decision unfair and unjust.

“For You formed my in most being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You,

for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

(Psalm 139:13-14)

 

 

Lack of adherence to paragraphs 2702.1, 304.3 and 341.6 in The United Methodist Book of Discipline

We welcome all people to come to First United Methodist Church and join us as we seek to be a witness to the world of God’s love and grace. However, we continue to uphold paragraphs 2702.1, 304.3, and 341.6 addressing same-sex marriage and ordination of self-avowed practicing gay men or women in the Book of Discipline.

"But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female. For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

(Mark 10:6-9)

 

 

The real value of owning our own building and property

Right now, the land and the church building that belongs to First United Methodist Church is held in trust by the Trustees of the Annual Conference. The Trust Clause, founded by John Wesley in 1750, was intended to protect the polity and doctrine of the local church and to promote connectionalism. Today, the Trust Clause is being used in a manner that is not consistent with its original intent.

“For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.”

(2 Corinthians 8:21)