East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church

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THE EOC DISAFFILIATION AND SEPARATION PATHWAY

Bishop Tracy S. Malone Shares a Mission and Ministry Message with EOC Clergy and Laity

Bishop Tracy S. Malone reminds us that the mission of Jesus Christ is alive in the East Ohio Conference amidst anxiety caused by the postponement until 2024 of the 2020 General Conference, and the uncertainty being experienced because of plans of disaffiliation and separation. We are on a journey to live into our shared vision of discipleship, evangelism, and transformation.

“Beloved, I am thankful that I get to witness a measure of all of the fullness of God across the East Ohio Conference. God’s Spirit is moving in and through our United Methodist churches in some amazing and transformative ways. I see a measure of the fullness of God as I attend your worship services and share in conversations with clergy and laity. I see a measure of the fullness of God as I witness how local churches are sharing the love, the grace, and the hospitality of Jesus Christ with their neighbors, how you’re feeding the hungry and caring for those who have suffered trauma and pain, and how you are connecting with those who are looking for hope and community,” shares Bishop Tracy S. Malone in the above video message.

Later in her message Bishop Malone reiterates that it has always been her hope and prayer that no one feels that they have to choose to leave or separate from The United Methodist Church and she assures clergy and laity of congregations seeking to disaffiliate that “no one will be abandoned” should they wish to remain United Methodist.

The bishop’s video message also includes a timeline denoting these three important dates related to matters of disaffiliation:

April 3 – deadline to notify your superintendent and the bishop’s office in writing,
May 10 – deadline for district superintendents to schedule church conferences, and
May 20 – deadline for full disaffiliation cost payments to be received.

To download the video above, first click the share button in the upper right corner of the video window then click the Vimeo link.
Then, on the Vimeo page, click the download button underneath the video window.

Bishop Tracy S. Malone Outlines the Pathway for Disaffiliation and Separation

View a video message from Bishop Malone in which she outlines the disaffiliation and separation path the Conference will use. The pathway was determined after consultation between the Bishop, the chancellor, the Board of Trustees president, the CCF&A chair, the Financial & Administrative Services executive director, the executive director of Connectional Ministries, and the executive assistant to the bishop.

Resources from The United Methodist Church

Ask The UMC Series: Is The United Methodist Church really … ?
During this challenging time, misinformation about the church's official positions, how a church can exit, and what the future holds is causing added stress for many. Ask The UMC has created a series of FAQs designed to help dispel false information and provide accurate answers to the questions we are receiving. Click here to view the list of FAQs.

What to Do if Your Church is Disaffiliating but You Are Not

Laity: contact your district superintendent for information about transferring membership to a nearby United Methodist Church.
Clergy: contact your district superintendent so you can be considered for another appointment after the church disaffiliates.
Retired Deacons/Elders: contact your district superintendent to establish a new charge conference relationship with a United Methodist Church.

Find contact information for each district superintendent.