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Splitting the Methodist Church

O.K. Time for me to weigh in on the big news from General Conference, which recently ended in Pittsburgh, PA. I have gotten some additional information from delegates to the event, and now know the true story in regards to the proposed split of the Methodist Church that was bandied about in the news media over the past week.

First, this was NOT an official call for a split and was not the result of a resolution offered on the floor. The mention of a split occurred at the annual breakfast of the Good News organization. Rev. Bill Hinson, the President of the Confessing Movement, suggested the possibility of a split in the future during his address at this breakfast. His comments were then reported on the media as an offical call for a split.

According to the information that I have been able to find, this comment by Rev. Hinson was based on the fact that liberals in the church are gaining more and more ground in pushing forth their homosexual agenda, primarily in two areas -- ordination of gay ministers and same-sex marriages. Rev. Hinson maintains, and I agree, that these views are not compatible with orthodox Christian doctrines or with the underlying doctrines of the United Methodist Church as outlined in our Book of Discipline. So, even though the delegates to General Conference soundly defeated attempts to push through homosexual resolutions this year, the threat is not going to go away.

Here is a direct quote from Rev. Hinson's address to the Good News breakfast attendees:

"We cannot fight both church and culture. Our culture alone confronts us with more challenges than we can humanly speaking confront and challenge. That struggle, combined with the continuous struggle in the church, is more than we can bear. And our people, who have been faithful and patient, should not have to continue to endure our endless conflict. I believe the time has come when we must begin to explore an amicable and just separation that will free us both from our cycle of pain and conflict. Such a just separation will protect the property rights of churches and the pension rights of clergy. It will also free us to reclaim our high calling and to fulfill our mission in the world. Therefore, let us like Paul and Barnabas, agree to go our separate ways."

Thoughts to think on. Jesus said that the world would know we were His through our love and our unity. However, unity cannot be based on false doctrine or incompatible teachings.

If you would like to read the entire address by Rev. Hinson, click on this link: