Historic Alabama-West Florida Conference Set to Tackle UMC Divisions

Pensacola, Florida, USA - The First United Methodist Church of Pensacola, celebrated as the Mother Church of Florida Methodism since its founding in 1821, is set to make history by hosting the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference from June 8-10. This marks the first time in 91 years that this event will be held in Pensacola, and approximately 400 delegates and their families are expected to attend. Kicking off the conference will be a Pentecost Sunday celebration led by Bishop Jonathan Holston, promising an inspiring start to the proceedings.

The agenda is packed and includes vital discussions surrounding four constitutional amendments proposed by the General Conference, alongside the ordination of new clergy members. However, amid the anticipated celebrations, it’s impossible to overlook the turmoil plaguing the United Methodist Church (UMC). Nearly 25% of American churches have distanced themselves from the UMC in recent years, largely due to growing divisions over interpretations of human sexuality. Notably, the General Conference’s decision last year to lift a ban on gay clergy and same-sex weddings has only deepened the divide. Those holding traditional views on these matters have gravitated toward forming the Global Methodist Church, creating a palpable schism that reverberates through the congregations.

Disaffiliations and Legal Battles

In a notable turn, the Alabama-West Florida Conference ratified 193 local church disaffiliations on May 7, 2023, under the guidance of Bishop David Graves. This decision came on the heels of a special session called on August 18, 2022, as outlined in the UMC’s 2016 Book of Discipline. The departing churches met specific obligations—including settling unfunded pension liabilities and contributing two years of apportionment, per paragraph 2553 of the Book of Discipline. Interestingly, while these disaffiliations represent about 38% of churches and 39% of membership within the conference, the majority still commit to the UMC; 318 congregations remain devoted to the connectional system.

As reported by AWFUMC, only 8% of U.S. congregations had disaffiliated prior to these recent sessions. The emotional weight of parting from a long-standing tradition is substantial, with Bishop Graves expressing hope for renewal even as the landscape of Methodism shifts around them.

Future Directions

Even with these changes, the future is not all bleak. Eleven new church communities are emerging under the adept direction of Rev. Jean Tippit, promising new beginnings for congregations looking for fresh avenues of worship and fellowship. New church starts range from ARK New Church Start to the forthcoming Troy New Church Start, diversifying the options for those seeking spiritual community beyond the traditional UMC framework.

The upcoming conference will also address pressing social issues through its proposed amendments, which aim to strengthen commitments against racism and ensure inclusivity in membership. The amendment relating to racism brings in terms like „white supremacy“ and „colonialism,“ as the church seeks to position itself as a proactive force against societal injustice. This is not merely a paper exercise; church leaders are keen on revitalizing their missions and reaffirming their commitment to serving all individuals, irrespective of gender or ability.

Legal disputes stemming from disaffiliations underscore the complexities at play—particularly the Trust Clause, which maintains that church property belongs to the entire denomination rather than individual congregations. The Alabama-West Florida Conference remains actively engaged in legal disputes, including a noteworthy case against the Perdido Bay Methodist Church concerning its disaffiliation efforts.

Regardless of the challenges and divisions, many church leaders are determined to forge ahead with renewed purpose and commitment to their mission. In this time of uncertainty, there’s certainly something to be said for resilience and a dedication to serving congregants and communities alike.

As the conference unfolds, all eyes will be on Pensacola’s First United Methodist Church, where history, tradition, and new beginnings intertwine in a vibrant tapestry of faith.