"261 Georgia Methodist Churches Split Over LGBTQ+ Divide"
The North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church has approved the disaffiliation of 261 congregations due to theological differences and disagreements over the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the church. This marks a significant split within the denomination, with over 7,000 congregations having received approval to leave since 2019. The United Methodist Church has long debated its bans on same-sex marriages and the ordination of openly LGBTQ+ clergy, leading to a growing defiance and departure of conservative congregations.