The United Methodist Church (Protestant denomination of Christianity) consisted of over 30 thousand congregations (churches) in the United States at its highest point. This is one of the biggest church groups in the United States , but its membership has been rapidly declining. In 2019, the United Methodist Church strengthened its bans on gay clergy and same-sex weddings. It stands by strong anti LGBTQ+ views, demonstrating the discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community and the continued struggle for equality.
However, many congregations disagree with these views made by the United Methodist Church, and as of early August 2023, over 6000 congregations over the nation have been approved for disaffiliation since 2019. These disaffilitations have been spread out the country, and not specifically in one area.
But now that has changed with many congregations in Georgia now pushing extra efforts to leave the United Methodist Church. 261 of the Georgian congregations are now going through all efforts to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church as soon as possible (officially will be disaffiliated on November 30).
This strengthening of bans on gay clergy and same-sex weddings represents the broader social justice issue of equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Many congregations are making efforts to reduce the magnitude of this issue and welcome everyone into their church. But, there are also many other congregations that are still affiliated with the United Methodist Church, which demonstrates the split of views and how this social justice issue is still not resolved.
Ayan Kumar's Blog 