United Methodist Delegates Overwhelmingly Endorse “Regionalization” Proposal
United Methodist Delegates Overwhelmingly Endorse Regionalization Proposal
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a significant move aimed at defusing debates over the role of LGBTQ individuals in the United Methodist Church, delegates voted 586-164 in favor of a constitutional amendment known as the “regionalization” proposal. This decision was made on the third day of the 11-day General Conference, the legislative body of the United Methodist Church, currently meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The regionalization proposal entails creating multiple regional conferences, with one dedicated to the United States and others covering areas such as the Philippines, Europe, and Africa. While regions outside the U.S. already have the flexibility to adapt church rules to their local contexts, this amendment would grant the U.S. church similar autonomy, while also defining autonomy more clearly for all regions.
The vote easily surpassed the two-thirds majority required for an amendment to the church’s constitution. However, final approval will depend on two-thirds of total votes cast in the annual conferences, or local governing bodies.
If ratified, the amendment could allow the American church to authorize rites such as the ordination of LGBTQ individuals and same-sex marriage, aligning with the growing support for these practices within the U.S. church. Christine Schneider-Oesch of Switzerland, a member of the committee proposing the changes, highlighted the significance of granting the U.S. church the right to decide on matters that concern them internally.
The proposal comes amidst a backdrop of schism within the denomination, with a significant number of U.S. congregations leaving the church in recent years due to disagreements over LGBTQ ordination and same-sex marriage. Advocates view the regionalization proposal as a step towards addressing U.S.-centric issues within the church, while opponents, like Zimbabwean pastor Rev. Forbes Matonga, criticize the plan for perpetuating colonial structures.
While LGBTQ issues were not central to Thursday’s debate, they are expected to be discussed further in the coming days of the General Conference. Some proposals aim to lift the current bans on ordaining LGBTQ individuals and same-sex marriage.
The approval of the regionalization proposal also saw the departure of churches in former Soviet countries within the Eurasia Episcopal Area, including Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. These churches, which are more conservative on LGBTQ matters, sought independence from the denomination.
Overall, the regionalization proposal is seen as a significant step towards addressing internal conflicts within the United Methodist Church and providing autonomy to different regions while maintaining connections to the worldwide denomination. The discussions at the General Conference reflect a diverse range of perspectives and challenges facing the church as it navigates complex theological and geopolitical issues.