The Exodus of U.S. Congregations from the United Methodist Church
Thousands of congregations in the United States are leaving the United Methodist Church due to divisions over LGBTQ rights. The church's rejection of same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy has led to an exodus of about 20% of its congregations since 2019. The church's global legislative body, the General Conference, has upheld these rules, but more liberal congregations have defied them. Many congregations are leaving to join the newly formed Global Methodist Church, which maintains the traditional rules. Disagreements over LGBTQ issues, as well as differing interpretations of the Bible and Jesus, have caused divisions within the church.