A STATEMENT REGARDING METHODIST AFFILIATION
From the Leadership Board
Stonebridge United Methodist Church
October 20, 2022
These are challenging days for The United Methodist Church. In addition to the struggles we all face – political divisiveness, economic difficulties, natural disasters, etc. – the UMC is also experiencing the departure of congregations. This statement comes from the Leadership Board of Stonebridge United Methodist Church in McKinney, Texas, and only reflects the leadership of this congregation. In no way does this intend to speak for any other United Methodist congregation.
United Methodists have had disagreements over many things since the inception of the denomination in 1968. Those disagreements have ranged from organizational structure to property disputes to human sexuality to other issues of the day. There are some pastors and congregations that are choosing to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church due to these long-standing disagreements. Some will remain independent, but many will join the new Global Methodist Church denomination.
Stonebridge United Methodist Church will remain United Methodist. There are no plans to pursue disaffiliation. And the pastors of SUMC plan to remain United Methodist.
We continue to affirm our aspiration to “Seek to be a joyful community that strives to live and love like Jesus.” And we choose not to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church.
Signed,
The Members of Leadership Board
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