Discernment resources

Varied Perspectives on the Issues

What do United Methodists Really Believe, article on the varied theological perspectives within the UMC.

Doctrinal Data about the Two New Methodist Denominations, in-depth look at the theological differences within UMC (many links to primary sources provided).

StayUMC Big Concerns Summary, StayUMC advocates for those staying in the UMC, from North Alabama Conference.

Safe Harbor Declaration, Statement to uphold full inclusion of LGBTQIA+, Western Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church

That We May Be One – FAQs, PDF addressing some of the concerns about the Global Methodist Church.

Covenant to Build Beloved Communities, Statement to uphold full inclusion of LGBTQIA+, North Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church

Working Hard to Be Better, by Carolyn Moore.  Sharing experience of working in Wesleyan Covenant Association and the UMC.

Standing in the Way of Progress, by Jeremy Rebman.  Addressing the controversy of Ordination in the Florida Conference.

The Journey: Exile to Promise, by Erik Grayson.  What will it take for Methodism to survive.

Crossing the Rubicon: A Bishop Says Goodbye to the United Methodist Church, by Bishop Mike Lowry.  Bishop Lowry surrenders his UMC credentials in order to join the Global Methodist Church.

What Divorce Can Teach the UMC, by Eric Folkerth.  Approaching the UMC split through the eyes of Divorce.

Differences that Divide the UMC, 6 Videos, by Rob Renfroe, President of the Good News Movement.  Provides brief explanations of differences within the UMC that are causing the fracture.

• Part 1: The UMC is Divided and Dividing.
• Part 2: Our Differences regarding the Bible.
• Part 3: Our Differences regarding Jesus.
• Part 4: Our Differences Regarding Sexuality.
• Part 5: Why it’s time for Traditionalists to Leave.
• Part 6: Where Should We Go?

Centrist Leaders: No More Asbury Grads in Post Separation UMC, by John Lomperis.  Shares disturbing comments by ‘Centrist’ leaders.

Centrist Leaders: We Cannot Affiliate with Traditional United Methodists, by John Lomperis.  Shares disturbing comments by ‘Centrist’ leaders.

Divided We Stand: Report on Launch Event for Uniting Methodists, by Sara Anderson.  A quick summary and reaction of the Uniting Methodists event.

North Georgia Ripple Effects, by Warren Lathem.  Outlines what has been happening in North Georgia Conference.

The UMC is More Traditional Now, but It Doesn’t Matter, by Matt O’Reilly.  Why Traditionalists are leaving the UMC even though Traditionalists are still the majority in the UMC.

Celebrated United Methodist Drag Queen Activist Denounces the Bible, by Sage Showers.

Lesbian Bishop Hopes to Reshape United Methodism for a New Era, by Collin Bastian.

Diverse and Still United: A Conversation with Adam Hamilton and John Stephens, St John’s UMC, Lubbock.  Video interview with pastors who consider themselves Traditionalist and why they are staying in the UMC.

Watch Your Language: Of Schism and Mitosis in the United Methodist Church, by Bob Phillips.  Preferring the term Mitosis rather than Schism allows the UMC to reframe what is happening with its split.

Africa Will Remain Committed to the Protocol, by Forbes Matonga.  With major signatories withdrawing their support for the “Protocol” – an amicable separation agreement for the UMC – African delegates are not abandoning it.

4 Reasons I Am Staying UMC, by C. Don Jones.

Why I’m Not Leaving the UMC, by Steve West.

State of the United Methodist Church, by Park Avenue UMC, Georgia.  Video provides a helpful overview of the current landscape of UMC split and options ahead.

On Remaining United Methodist, video by Allison Cambre.