East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church

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THE EOC DISAFFILIATION AND SEPARATION PATHWAY

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

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.

“I want us to stay focused on our mission and on our vision because let us remember that what is not postponed and what we never disaffiliate ourselves from is our calling to share the love and the good news of Jesus Christ. We never disaffiliate and separate from our compassion for those who are hurting and grieving. We never separate ourselves from the listening and the responding to the needs of the poor and the marginalized, and our work for peace, hope, and reconciliation,” Malone shares in the video. “It is my earnest hope and my earnest prayer that none of you will choose to separate or disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church. There is a place for you.”

Though that is her hope, Bishop Malone acknowledges that some individuals and churches do not feel at home in The United Methodist Church for reasons of conscience and convictions related to differences on matters regarding human sexuality.

In this video Bishop Malone outlines the disaffiliation and separation path the Conference will use, a pathway 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.

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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.