History / Background
What is the Pastor’s view on the other reasons for disaffiliation? To be clear I am not seeking the Pastors opinion, but the facts of disaffiliation plainly laid out so we can have an open discussion.
This schism has come after decades of fighting over significant theological issues at the general church level. In 2016, after General Conference a group of progressives and conservatives began to suggest that Methodism as a whole might be better served by an amicable separation that released different parts of the denomination to go and do ministry in the way they deemed best. This was the focus of the 2019 General Conference. And it was hoped that we would bring about the ultimate solution. Unfortunately, the hope for an amicable separation quickly faded.
There is a growing tension between conservative and progressives over our church doctrines and discipline. Progressives say no one is seriously considering changing our church doctrines and at the same time conservatives question the validity of our doctrines on the page if contrary doctrines are taught in our approved seminaries and from our pulpits.
Bishops and pastors are breaking their covenant vows and this is driving a wedge into the denomination. Previous votes to uphold our theology have become increasingly marginalized through disobedience on the part of our pastors, bishops and regional governing bodies.
Finally, there are some real questions as to how the ‘big tent’ inclusive church will be lived out. There is an expressed desire for the Post Separation UMC to be a place of welcome for theologically progressive, centrist and conservative Methodists. However, some of the rhetoric of our last General Conference suggests that this will be easier said than done.
Why is this happening now? And how long has it been an issue?
In the greater United Methodist Church, our difference in biblical interpretation have led to a great disunity in the life of the church on a whole.
Since 1972, United Methodists have disagreed on whether the practice of homosexuality is contrary of Christian teaching and, more specifically, on whether homosexual persons should be ordained as ministers and married in the church.
The issue was the focus of a Special Session of the General Conference (the global governing body) of the UMC in 2019. At that time, the traditional teaching embodied in our Book of Discipline since 1972 was affirmed. However, the division between United Methodists with traditional or conservative beliefs and United Methodists with progressive or liberal beliefs became clearer and the conflict and disobedience of some leaders intensified.
Several pieces of legislation were proposed after the 2019 General Conference to help the UMC divide gracefully. However, because of the pandemic, the General Conference expected to consider that legislation was postponed in 2020, 2021, and again this year, when it was announced that General Conference would not meet until 2024.
This decision not to hold a General Conference in 2022 has resulted in a number of responses that call for clarity. Several churches in our Annual Conference have already begun the process of discernment to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church, according to the Principles of Disaffiliation adopted at our 2020 Session of the Texas Annual Conference. The announcement of the May 1, 2022 launch of the Global Methodist Church has generated increased interest in disaffiliating to this new denomination. [Taken from Frequently Asked Questions (txcumc.org)]
Why do we need to decide or vote on a plan this year?
There are several factors driving the choice to go through the Discernment Process now rather than wait to see what General Conference 2024 brings.
- There is a paragraph (¶2553) in the Book of Discipline that allows for a gracious exit from the UMC if a church meets several criteria. This paragraph also has a “Sunset clause” of December 31, 2023, meaning it will not be available after this date.
- If the church votes to disaffiliate from UMC, this decision must be presented and approved in a Charge Conference. Our Bishop, Scott Jones of the Texas Annual Conference of UMC has agreed to hold a special session on Dec. 3, 2022. The next available opportunity to present a choice to disaffiliate will be May 30, 2023.
- Bishop Scott Jones of the Texas Annual Conference of UMC has chosen to retire at the end of this year on December 31, 2022. The Annual Conference scheduled for May 2023 with be under a new Bishop. Bishop Jones replacement has not been announced yet.
Doctrine
If we stay UMC, what assurances do we have that the UMC will be consistent in following Biblical Values and the Book of Discipline across the denomination?
The Texas Annual Conference and for the most part in the South Central Jurisdiction to which the TAC belongs, continues to be faithful to the covenant of the United Methodist Church. However, we do live in covenant with one another, and covenants are sometime violated. When that happens, accountability structures are called to respond to those violations. The United Methodist Church have had some of the flaws in those structures unveiled, which will take time and great effort to address. The same will be true in every denominational and local expression of the church.
What are the specific areas of difference between the GMC and UMC?
Please review this comparison chart from the Texas UMC Conference that outline the current differences within UMC and GMC. UMC-GMC Comparison Chart (txcumc.org)
There is not much difference around doctrine. However, GMC has more structure and accountability to doctrinal standards for clergy and congregations, Clergy are not guaranteed appointments and all church property is owned by the individual churches.
How would conformity to Book of Discipline be enforced in UMC, GMC or other options?
UMC: All bishops are members of the Council of Bishops, which collectively is charged with the general oversight and promotion of the temporal and spiritual interests of the entire Church.
The highest judicial body or “court,” is the Judicial Council which is made up of nine laity and clergy that are elected by the General Conference. They normally meet twice a year to consider whether actions of the various church bodies adhere to the constitution and follow the rules outlined in the Book of Discipline.
In recent years, UMC has discovered some flaws in their system to hold Bishops and Clergy accountable to the UMC Doctrine and the Book of Discipline.
Under the leadership of Bishop Jones, the Texas Annual Conference is very strict on adherence to the Book of Discipline. It is unclear who will replace Bishop Jones next year and if that will change.
GMC: Specific principles of fair process are established to handle any and all complaints. See Part Eight Judicial Administration in the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline What do Methodists Believe? | Learn More | Global Church (globalmethodist.org) The Transitional Leadership Council shall approve the Judicial Practices and Procedures (JPP) that govern the complaint, supervisory, administrative, and judicial processes. Such JPP shall have the force of church law, but not be included in the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline. In the event of a conflict between the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline and the JPP, the Transitional Book Doctrines and Discipline shall govern.
Are core Christian beliefs at risk within the UMC?
All positions are bedrock in the doctrinal standards of The United Methodist Church, more specifically in the Articles of Religion and the Confession of Faith. These cannot be altered without a two-thirds vote of the General Conference followed by a three-fourths aggregate approval of all annual conferences of The United Methodist Church worldwide. There is no basis to conclude such majorities can be achieved to alter the Articles and Confession for any reason. Is The United Methodist Church really…? (Part 1) (umc.org)
Will the prohibition on same sex marriage and ordination of practicing homosexuals be eliminated from the Book of Discipline in the next General Conference? If eliminated, will all UMC clergy be required to perform same in 2024?
The 2024 General Conference will certainly consider legislative proposals that would drop several existing prohibitions. There are items that could authorize clergy who choose to do so to preside at same-sex weddings or union ceremonies. There are several proposals to drop the statement “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” Some proposals would remove the current policy that forbids committees and boards of ordained ministry and clergy sessions to approve and bishops to license, commission, ordain, or appoint self-avowed, practicing homosexuals as clergy. Another would drop the prohibition on annual conferences and general agencies to provide any funding for any activity or publication that promotes “the acceptance of homosexuality.”
The key words are consider and proposal. The General Conference must consider all legislative items it receives. All legislative items before a General Conference are proposals only. They have no force unless a General Conference approves them. [Is The UMC really… ? (Part 2)]
To perform the marriage ceremony after due counsel with the parties involved and in accordance with the laws of the state and the rules of The United Methodist Church. The decision to perform the ceremony shall be the right and responsibility of the pastor.
What is CUMC’s opinion on accepting all types of individuals to be member of the Methodist Church?
At Cypress UMC we follow the Book of Discipline that states ” The United Methodist Church acknowledges that all persons are of sacred worth. All persons without regard to race, color, national origin, status, or economic condition, shall be eligible to attend its worship services, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments, upon baptism be admitted as baptized members, and upon taking vows declaring the Christian faith, become professing members in any local church in the connection. All persons need the ministry of the Church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God’s grace is available to all. We will seek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.1 (See Judicial Council Decision 702)
What is CUMC’s position on same-sex marriages?
At Cypress UMC we follow the Book of Discipline that states “We affirm that sexuality is God’s good gift to all persons…. Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are affirmed only with the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage….a union of one man and one women. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching.”
What will be CUMC’s position on gay or transgender pastors?
At Cypress UMC we follow the Book of Discipline that states “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 homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church. “Self-avowed practicing homosexual” is understood to mean that a person openly acknowledges to a bishop, district superintendent, district committee of ordained ministry, Board of Ordained Ministry, or clergy session that the person is a practicing homosexual; or is living in a same-sex marriage, domestic partnership or civil union, or is a person who publicly states she or he is a practicing homosexual.”
Will pastor on either side be told they can or cannot perform certain rituals (such as same sex marriages)?
Both the UMC Book of Discipline and GMC Transitional Book of Doctrines and Disciplines state that charges may be brought up against clergy if they perform same-sex marriages. Unfortunately, there are several UMC clergy who have elected to go against the Book of Discipline and perform same-sex marriages in recent years. A number of bishops and some cabinets have indicated their commitment to hold in abeyance (delay) all… administrative and judicial complaint processes addressing restrictions in the Book of Discipline regarding gay and lesbian clergy and/or same-sex weddings until after General Conference meets and action related to the separation of the denomination can be considered.” [Extended Cabinet Statement on LGBTQIA+ Inclusion (minnesotaumc.org)]
It is unclear how the UMC will address this issue going forward.
How does the church continue outreach to the community if we are not open and affirming to all children of God?
Cypress UMC IS an open and affirming Church to all of God’s children as we are truly
following guidance from the Holy Bible as well as the Book of Discipline
1. Matthew 22: 37-39 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.
2. Social Principles in the Book of Discipline “The United Methodist Church acknowledges that all persons are of sacred worth. All persons without regard to race, color, national origin, status, or economic condition, shall be eligible to attend its worship services, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments, upon baptism be admitted as baptized members, and upon taking vows declaring the Christian faith, become professing members in any local church in the connection.”
If for any reason you witness examples to the contrary, we encourage you to speak lovingly with that individual or reach out to Cypress UMC clergy to make them aware of specific incidents that you have witnessed.
Process / Timeline
What are the mechanics of how a decision will be made by our church body?
A Town Hall Primer meeting was held on August 17 with the general guidelines on the process.
We will enter a period of 40 day season of prayer as we strive to discern exactly what is the will of God for Cypress United Methodist Church. This will start on August 22. A Day of Fasting will conclude the 40 days of prayer on October 1.
Town Hall Meetings will be conducted on September 26, 27 and 28.
A Holy Conversation Event will be conducted on October 2.
A Church Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, October 25 at 7 pm for a final vote on disaffiliation.
When a vote is taken, will there have to be a certain percentage of the congregation voting for a decision to be made?
All professing members of Cypress United Methodist Church are eligible to vote. In the United Methodist Church, a quorum is defined as the number of professing members in attendance.
When will CUMC vote on the issue?
A straw poll will be conducted during the Town Hall meetings on September 26, 27 and 28. If the percentage of those in favor of disaffiliation and currently undecided equal 50% or more of the total in attendance, we will move forward in our discernment process.
The final vote to disaffiliate or not will be conducted at the Church Conference on October 25 at 7:00 pm.
How will the October vote be handled (i.e., show of hands, paper ballot)?
The vote will be a secret, paper ballot vote.
Will the congregation have a vote, and who gets to vote?
All professing members of Cypress United Methodist Church are eligible to vote. Membership will be verified either through pre-registration or review of the church membership rolls on the day of the vote.
If you have any questions about your membership status, please contact the church office by October 18.
What are the requirements and processes for disaffiliation?
At the Church Conference 2/3’s or 66.7% of the membership, present and voting, must vote for disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church. As per the Book of Discipline, Mail-in voting or voting by proxy will not be allowed. You must be present at the Church conference to vote.
If the congregation votes to disaffiliate, when would the process begin, and how long would it take?
The process begins immediately after the 2/3’s vote of the Church Conference to disaffiliate. Various paperwork will need to be submitted to the District Superintendent and Texas Annual Conference Board of Trustees, who will vote for approval of the disaffiliation on November 21, 2022. Disaffiliation funds will need to be deposited by November 28, 2022. On December 3, 2022 a Special Session of the Texas Annual Conference will be conducted to approve churches requesting disaffiliation. The Disaffiliation date is December 31, 2022.
What are the requirements and processes for joining the GMC?
After approval of the Disaffiliation, the Board of Stewards will present a new resolution that will require a second vote of the membership in attendance at the Charge Conference. A simple majority of this vote will determine if we want to join the Global Methodist Church or not.
The documents for Disaffiliation and an amendment approved by the church membership would be submitted with an application to the Transitional Leadership Council of the Global Methodist Church. After receipt, they will vote on the approval to become a member congregation.
Options
What options are available to CUMC, and what are the consequences of each option?
The three most viable options assuming disaffiliation are:
- Global United Methodist Church – Launched May 1, 2022 as a traditional expression of Methodism, and will retain the current understanding of marriage as a lifelong relationship between one man and one woman and the practice of homosexuality as outside of Christian teaching.
- The Free United Methodist. This is a more global Methodist church with only around 70,000 members in the United States compared to over 6 million in the United Methodist Church. It is generally considered to be a more conservative church but is not looking for major expansion at this time from transferring congregations.
- Becoming an Independent / non-denominational church. At this time, it is believed Cypress United Methodist Church does not have the size, financial capability or infrastructure to support an Independent Church.
If we disaffiliate, who determines what direction we go…global, free, or independent?
The decision on which denomination we associate with if we disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church will be made by a vote of the members of Cypress United Methodist Church. The Board of Stewards will propose a resolution to be voted on. The three most viable options are: Global Methodist, Free Methodist and Independent.
What have the other Methodist Churches in the Houston area decided to do?
There is no official “scorecard” identifying the status of each church. It is a total mixed bag. As of August 9, 2022 the “United Methodist News” publication reported 265 of the 609 churches in the Texas Annual Conference are in the process of Discernment.
Some have been through Discernment and voted to leave while others have voted to stay UMC after Discernment. There are many currently going through Discernment while some churches are not even going through the Discernment process and staying UMC. The overall status of each church is unknown. All churches disaffiliating must notify the Texas Annual Conference office by November 14, 2022 with completed paperwork.
Current status of area Methodist churches
- Cornerstone voted on Sep 18 to disaffiliate.
- Foundry Discernment team has already recommended that Disaffiliation is the best path forward. Voting will take place on Sunday, Oct 30
- Good Shephard – not voted yet
- Lakewood Methodist – not voted yet
- Bear Creek decided to stay UMC without going through Discernment
- Klein decided to stay UMC without going through Discernment
How can we decide about joining the GMC when they do not have their articles of discipline written and approved?
The Global Methodist Church has a Transitional Leadership Council composed of 17 clergy and lay leaders from around the world. It has a Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline that provides the essential structure for the Global Methodist Church. A Leadership Team will be appointed and the finalized Book of Doctrines and Discipline will be adopted at its first Convening General Conference. This should be in 12 – 18 months.
Does GMC have connectional ministries supported by apportionments and how does this compare to The UMC supported ministries?
The United Methodist Church has a long history and a strong infrastructure for support of Connectional Ministries and Missions around the world. The Global Board of Missions and UMCOR support actions across the globe including: disaster relief, water wells and sanitation, medical facilities, schools, missionaries, hunger and poverty, relief in Ukraine, and the list goes on. Support also includes: college Wesley Foundations, camp at Lakeview, seminaries, scholarships and others.
These ministries in The United Methodist church are primarily supported through the church apportionments.
As a startup denomination, the Global Methodist does not have the history and infrastructure and will be taking a somewhat different approach than The United Methodist Church. From their Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline:
“Reflecting the shared mission of each of our congregations, connectional entities may be formed at the general, regional and annual conference levels to effectively support the task of making disciples and spreading scriptural holiness. These organizations shall prioritize resourcing the work of local churches, functioning where possible in and through partnerships with existing ministries, congregations, annual conferences and other bodies, rather than creating new structures. They may set standards and share best practices in adapting to fit the context and changing circumstances across the church and globe. While providing secure and reliable funding channels where appropriate, connectional entities shall nonetheless be frugal with minimal structures and staffs, so as not to burden local congregations with extra financial demands, embodying the call of Jesus not to be served, but to serve.”
It is not clear how these ministries will be supported in The Global Methodist Church but it appears they will be supported through local church operating budgets and not through the apportionment process.
Leadership
What is your recommendation to the congregation?
A vote to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church is a deeply personal decision for each of our members. Rather than attempt to influence our members, our Board of Stewards and Discernment Task Force will strive to provide accurate information about the various affiliation options. We will do this in a positive environment and avoid negative commentary about the alternative denominations or individuals.
What is the clergy position on our separation?
Our Senior Pastor will share his personal decision at the Town Hall meetings on September 26, 27, and 28
What does clergy have in mind as far as future financial support when a certain percentage of the church congregation leaves due to this decision?
This is a very similar question to what we have received after every natural disaster and every financial crisis. To this very date we have continued to do ministry and not missed a payroll because our staff and congregation continue to rise to the occasion. I continue to trust in the faithfulness and provision of God to allow us to do the ministry to which we are called. This is not a time for unbelief, but firmer reliance on God who has brought us safely thus far.
How would all this affect our clergy and staff?
The clergy and staff are going through this discernment process for themselves as well. As we would love to keep all our gifted and talented clergy and staff, we fully understand that this is a deeply personal decision that each individual will have to make a decision for themselves if they want to stay at Cypress or make a change.
Will our current Pastors be able to stay at Cypress no matter if congregation decides to disaffiliate or not?
There is nothing to suggest that our pastors would be required to move or be reappointed anywhere else just because of a particular decision made by the church. The two factors that could affect a pastors future work with the Cypress UMC would be the pastor’s personal decision because of his theological perspective. Or should the church choose to remain in the United Methodist Church, because we are in an appointive system, our pastors still serve at the pleasure of the Bishop. With consultation between the SPR Committee and our pastors there is always the potential for a new appointment based on the work of the Bishop and the Cabinet. In the GMC the process will be more of a hybrid appointive system, which in theory should give greater deference to the local church decision.
Impact
Will there likely be a consolidation of area Methodist churches?
At this point nothing has been discussed about this. Both the UMC and GMC will be represented in the area even is a new church needs to be started.
If CUMC does vote to disaffiliate, what would be the cost? How is it calculated, and where will the money come from?
See the financial projection exhibit below for estimate disaffiliation cost and the first-year impacts. This was calculated based on known variables and reasonable assumptions for unknowns. The money needed for disaffiliation will come from general church funds and capital campaign for the sign. We do currently have a $100,000 line of credit with the Texas Methodist Foundation that we could potentially draw against.
Are there “Conference Reserves”, and are some Annual Conferences allocating funds from those reserves to be used to help pay for the any of the disaffiliation costs … i.e., pension liability?
There are conference pension reserves which have been built up over years based on church pension contributions and investment performance. A near unanimous vote at the 2022 Texas Annual Conference meeting authorized the allocation of reserves to lower unpaid pension liabilities.
Once the pension liability payment is made by the disaffiliating church to the Annual Conference (AC), does that money go directly to the Pension Trust of the AC?
Due to the current balance of the conference’s pension reserves and the current interest rate environment, it is likely that the church will not have a pension liability payment to be made. The conference’s pension administrator, Wespath, will re-evaluate on October 1.
Can money be borrowed using current endowment funds as collateral to cover the shortage of the $100,000 apportionment debt?
Our endowment fund is specifically designated funds and cannot be utilized other than as intended so it cannot be used as collateral. We do currently have a $100,000 line of credit with the Texas Methodist Foundation that we could potentially draw against.
How does it affect the church financially? What are specifics regarding the Pavilion, Spanish Ministry, and Immeasurable?
In all likelihood there will initially be a financial impact on the church whether we stay UMC or disaffiliate. Your Board of Stewards – Finance Team will manage us through these impacts. In January we will be nearing the end of the first year of Immeasurable and should begin realizing some gains from the one fund operating budget. The Board of Stewards elected a few months ago, to table further discussion on the Pavilion until the first quarter of 2023. The Spanish Ministry is a critical ministry in our Vision and Missions of the local Church and this priority will not change whether United Methodist or another denomination.
Currently we can exit with our property without penalty, but what happens with a new Bishop on 1/1/2023?
According to the Book of Discipline, the church can exit with title to property up until 12/31/2023. However, in all likelihood, the practical deadline is May 2023 since an Annual Conference vote is required. A new bishop would have to call a special session in order to leave between May and December 2023.
What happens with missions?
The Vision and Mission statements currently for Cypress United Methodist Church will not change. We will continue to serve our local mission fields with focus on the 2 mile radius of the church. The missions currently supported by the apportionments sent to the United Methodist Church will change if we disaffiliate and come under the guidelines of the Global Methodist Church.
If the congregation votes to go to the GMC, will we lose our pastor and our church property?
This has been addressed in previous questions. As a brief recap; Pastors will be making individual decisions on where they feel called to serve, UMC, GMC or some other alternative. If the decision is made to disaffiliate before Dec. 2023, the church will be able to keep their current property and other assets.
Will the congregation be fully informed of the impact their decisions will have on the LGBTQ community within the church?
The acceptance of the LGBTQ community within the United Methodist Church and Global Methodist Church will remain as it is today. All are welcome…. The potential differences are when it comes to allowing same sex marriages in the church and professing gay and lesbians to be ordained as a pastor or bishop.
What are the most obvious changes we would recognize 1 year from now after the vote has taken place and whatever changes are implemented?
No one can accurately predict the future in any situation. The same holds true when it comes to what the future looks like for both the UMC and GMC. The biggest changes that we will see in the next year will be in the members that feel that one system or another would require for conscience reasons to take their church membership elsewhere. Changes to church polity would not happen in the UMC until after General Conference in 2024.
In either scenario, what do you foresee as the potential impact on the congregation and future growth?
Our hope is that Cypress will continue to be a welcoming church for all as we maintain our ministries, missions and vision for the future. Together we can accomplish great things when we are united in our calling to share the Gospel and make Disciples of Christ within the 2 mile radius of our church.
Uncategorized
What if I don’t fully embrace either side? Do I need to look for a new church?
We hope all people can find a place where they feel loved, accepted, and heard at Cypress. We encourage you to find a small group you feel comfortable with. Through that small group together you can listen, learn, and grow from each other. Differing views often challenge us to lean in on Christ, dig into scripture, pray and grow in our understanding and faith. Please remember that our Pastors are always willing to talk if you have any questions or concerns.
Are churches in the area who have left their denominations over the past couple decades still glad they left?
This data is not available.
