Acts of defiance continue among United Methodist congregations as the Jane. 1 effective date nears for the official implementation of the tightened anti-LGBTQ polices adopted by the 2019 special General Conference.
In San Antonio, Texas, Travis Park Church, which has covered the words "United Methodist" on its signs with rainbow-colored tape, announced it will host same-sex marriages in defiance of the UMC's ban on such ceremonies being held in local congregations or performed by United Methodist clergy. Earlier this year, Travis Park announced its disagreement with the Traditional Plan after its adoption. The congregation also has withheld its apportionments, the "fair share" assessment that funds ministry and mission beyond the local church.
The article doesn't say whether Travis Park has formally filed with the Rio Texas Annual Conference to leave The United Methodist Church.
Read the full story from KENS5.com here, and be sure to follow the links to earlier reports: Travis Park Church makes history as newest SA church to host same-sex marriages
Meanwhile, Central United Methodist Church in Spartanburg, S.C., may consider leaving the denomination if the 2020 General Conference doesn't remove the anti-LGBTQ policies, according to a report in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, United Methodist Church's debate over LGBTQ issues continue. The Rev. Tom Norrell told the newspaper that he thinks refusal to remove bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage could lead LGBTQ-friendly Central United Methodist Church to disaffiliate from the denomination.
The article quotes Rev. Norrell: “Most people see the church splitting. ... The United Methodist Church has for 30 years been debating LGBTQ rights within the church. It really has stalled the good things the Methodist church is doing. I am not sure what other options we will have, but we plan to pursue the most progressive option. The church people don’t want to leave, but we also have to follow our conscience to be inclusive.”
Media Mentions as of 10-8-2019
Mayor wants Johnson County's largest city to finally vote on adding LGBTQ protections – Kansas City Star
Oconee Street United Methodist Church takes new step toward LGBTQ+ inclusion – Red and Black