A segment of the St. John United Methodist Church, led by the Church Council, decided to secede, and in fact seceded, from the United Methodist Church, and renamed it the St. John Methodist Church.

We, the undersigned, signify our intention to stay with the United Methodist Church, and remain members of the St. John United Methodist Church.

They seceded based on issues relating to same sex marriage and on LGBTQ+.

The fact is that the UMC affirmed its doctrinal position against LGBTQ+ and same sex marriage when it adopted the Traditional Plan during the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference. Doctrinally, the UMC is strongly against self-avowed LGBTQ+ and same sex marriage. These doctrinal positions are affirmed in many parts of the Book of Discipline, and is emphatic in saying that “(w)e reject social norms that assume different standards for women than for men in marriage (par. 161, sub-par. c on Family) and even reiterates that “(t)he United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching” (Par. 161, sub-par. G on Human Sexuality). In the same paragraph, it affirms that “(w)e will seek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.” (ibid).

We are also mindful of the works and mission of the UMC to the least and the needy through its social justice program by providing relief and assistance to victims of calamities, famine, even those displaced by war, and in giving succor to victims of injustice. It is providing food both for the nourishment of the soul and the body, true to the mandate of Jesus Christ that he came so that we “may have life and have it more abundantly”(John 10:10).

Under the circumstances, we do not see any reason to leave the United Methodist Church. We decided to stay and work with our brothers and sisters in the Church to ensure that the UMC remains faithful to the teachings of Christ, and His mission to the world.