As landmark United Methodist gathering approaches, African churches weigh their future
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The United Methodist Church is facing the possibility of a schism as its first major legislative gathering approaches. The church lost one-fourth of its U.S. churches in a recent schism over disputes on sexuality and theology. The question of whether the church can avert a similar outcome in other parts of the world, particularly in Africa, where most of its members live, is being debated. At the upcoming General Conference, delegates will discuss proposals ranging from repealing the ban on same-sex marriage and ordaining LGBTQ people to creating more autonomy for regional conferences and making it easier for international churches to leave the denomination. African churches are divided on the issue, with some favoring disaffiliation and others advocating for regional conferences to set their own rules. The United Methodist Church is the most international of the major U.S. Protestant denominations, with members from four continents participating in legislative gatherings and sharing the same rules. The church has experienced a significant loss of membership due to the schism, with more than 7,600 U.S. congregations departing. The General Conference will also consider approving a provision that would allow churches in other countries to disaffiliate under more favorable legal terms. The fate of proposals to repeal the bans on LGBTQ ordination and marriage and to regionalize the church is uncertain.

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https://www.voanews.com/a/as-landmark-united-methodist-gathering-approaches-african-churches-weigh-their-future/7569806.html