Event · 2019

United Methodist Split

The division of the United Methodist Church over sexuality, from a 2019 special General Conference to the departure of many congregations by the end of 2023.

The 2019 conference adopted the “Traditional Plan,” keeping bans on same-sex weddings by clergy and on ordaining “self-avowed practicing” gay and lesbian people, and added a process for congregations to leave with their property. Many traditionalist churches used it, and the Global Methodist Church was launched in 2022 as a new home for them, holding the Traditional Marriage Ethic.

The 2024 General Conference then removed the restrictions, a step toward Affirming Theology, while leaving regions some freedom to set their own rules. It is the largest recent split in the Methodist family.