The UMC’s Judicial Council ruled that a much-debated The Book of Discipline paragraph 2548.2 can only be used conditionally and that paragraph 2553 must be used for churches seeking to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church.

“Paragraph 2548.2 (of the Book of Discipline) establishes a process for the limited purpose of deeding and transferring church property to another denomination but does not apply to the membership of a local church,” the top church court said in Decision 1449.

The council further ruled in a decision released Aug. 23 that the UMC must already have an existing agreement with the other denomination for such a transfer to occur. No such agreement exists with the newly formed denomination, the Global Methodist Church. Read story

An Annual Conference resolution (#2022-10) proposed endorsing use of para. 2548.2 as a means of disaffiliation but it was ruled out of order by Bishop John Schol and his ruling was overwhelmingly affirmed in a vote of the annual conference members.

“We are glad that we now have clarity about the use of paragraph 2548.2,” said Bishop Schol, “and we will continue to work with all congregations to discern their future. For those seeking to grow their congregation’s mission and vitality, please select the following link: EPAUMC Pathways.