As we celebrate the 71st anniversary of St. John United Methodist Church (SJUMC), it’s essential to reflect on the unexpected turns our journey has taken in recent times. The beginning of 2023 marked a watershed moment for our church, a component of the Philippine Annual Conference within the United Methodist Church when internal conflicts divided our congregation.
Historically, our church stood strong in Wesleyan Methodist beliefs rooted in the Word of God. However, shifts in the wider United Methodist Church’s approach, particularly concerning human sexuality and gender orientation, led to deep internal disputes. A significant group within our congregation chose to break away, forming the St. John Methodist Church Cubao, Inc. (SJMCC) in February. Come July, the newly founded SJMCC joined the recently inaugurated Global Methodist Church.
These transformations were accompanied by complexity and heartache. Before the decision, an alarming incident transpired. The former SJUMC Church Council and several members solicited congregants’ signatures, claiming a plan to secede from the UMC and form an independent church.
What wasn’t revealed during these solicitations, extending beyond mere house-to-house visits, was the real intent behind an ‘attendance sheet’ presented during a church service. Masked beneath the narrative that signatures were sought from members who opposed same-sex marriage or held unfavorable views towards gay individuals, the document indirectly garnered approval for the secession, without a proper examination of formal resolutions.
The post-episode phase saw SJMCC’s resolution approved by DS Rev. Orly Veron, resulting in SJMCC’s establishment. Despite this split, a faithful few continued the legacy of SJUMC, adhering to the United Methodist Church and its tenets, under Bishop Ruby-Nell Estrella and DS Rev. Orly’s guidance.
The division saw SJUMC lose many members, but it also sparked a beacon for renewal and new beginnings. It’s with great joy that we share the ongoing growth of St. John United Methodist Church, as we rebuild our strength, unity, and unwavering faith.
Our newly appointed Church Council, Communications Team, and Administrative Pastor, Rev. Dr. Adonis Gorospe, and Associate Pastor, Jek Caballero, remain dedicated to rejuvenating SJUMC. They seek to cultivate community and global connections using innovative methods. Their firm belief lies in the power of shared narratives and open dialogue, seeing these as key to inspiring our collective growth in faith.
Though our path has been arduous, it stands as a testament to our resilience and unwavering faith. As we continue to evolve and grow, we warmly invite everyone to contribute to our narrative and aid in creating a compassionate and vibrant spiritual community.
However, our journey’s complexity extends further. Regrettably, the SJMCC, despite its secession from the United Methodist Church, refuses to let go of various church assets, insisting that they have rights stemming from their forefathers’ original purchase and construction. To further complicate matters, they demand that the SJUMC should leave the premises, challenging the Philippine Annual Conference’s legal ownership.
More than property disputes, the tension has escalated into personal domains. Disturbing incidents have occurred, such as the sudden closure of a parsonage belonging to a hospital-confined associate pastor recovering from COVID-19. There are also reports of SJMCC members threatening current staff, deaconesses, and the church council chair.
The situation necessitated heightened security, leading to the installation of CCTV cameras and the hiring of security guards. The once harmonious religious community now dwells in a cloud of uncertainty and discord. The church’s future seems uncertain as both sides maintain their positions.
We promise to keep our congregation updated as we navigate these troubled waters.
Today, we stand firm, celebrating our 71st anniversary. Happy Anniversary, St. John United Methodist Church!
