Earlier this year, the United Methodist Church (UMC) experienced a significant loss of over one million members in a single day. This mass departure was prompted by a vote from a major West African conference to withdraw from the organization, citing the UMC’s acceptance of LGBT clergy and marriages as a primary concern. The African EMUCI expressed that the church “deviates from the Holy Scriptures” and prefers to “sacrifice its honor and integrity to honor the LGBTQ community.”
This decision by EMCUI was a direct reaction to the U.S.-based UMC’s vote in May to lift a long-standing prohibition on LGBT clergy and marriages, which triggered a widespread exodus of congregations globally. The contentious resolution was approved with a vote of 692-51 during the general conference held in Charlotte, North Carolina. Additionally, the Korean Methodist Church is also considering a similar departure.
The Korean Church, which comprises approximately 1.5 million members, stated, “Homosexuality cannot be accepted until the Lord returns. This is not an emotional issue but a matter of unchangeable truth. Homosexuality is clearly a sin.” They further emphasized, “This is an issue concerning the sanctity of life that the church must teach correctly, without compromise.”
The substantial decline in membership has resulted in financial challenges for the United Methodist Church. The organization is facing budgetary constraints as thousands depart in response to progressive policies. To address these issues, Bishops reached an agreement on December 11 for a spending plan that excluded pay raises. The number of active bishops has decreased from 39 to 32, with many now overseeing multiple conferences. However, the board did approve a one-time bonus for office staff.
Furthermore, the board sanctioned a one-time grant of $20,000 for each of the 15 U.S. episcopal areas that were compelled to consolidate, totaling $300,000. These funds are intended to assist staff members who may have faced layoffs during this transition, with none allocated to individual bishops but rather to their respective organizations.
Rev. Moses Kumar, the leading executive of the General Council on Finance and Administration, addressed the board, stating, “Let us ensure that our mission is the driving force behind our financial decisions.” He commended the board for their dedication and the extensive hours they devoted to examining the spending proposals. “May our united efforts be fruitful as we enter this new quadrennium with optimism and determination,” he concluded.
This year’s budget has posed significant challenges. Approximately 25% of U.S. churches have disaffiliated, resulting in a historically low spending plan. The total budget for 2025 is projected to be between $353.6 million and $373.4 million. This four-year budget reflects a reduction of about 40% compared to the previous denominational budget approved by the General Conference in 2016.
A particularly difficult aspect of this process for the United Methodist Church has been the necessity of staff reductions. “When we discuss the office allowance, I want to emphasize that we are referring to individuals,” Rev. Sheila Ahler remarked to the finance agency board. “In any merger, there is inevitably a decrease in staff, which is challenging,” she noted. “This is especially hard when it involves the bishops’ staff, who have often been with the bishop for many years.”
