Disaffiliation Process & Information
Information about the withdrawal process for clergy and the disaffiliation process for churches.
Webinars
View the recordings of the August webinars below.
For Clergy
Specific processes need to be followed for clergy who wish to withdraw from The United Methodist Church. There are separate paths available for those who wish to unite with another denomination and those who wish to withdraw from their ordination.
To Withdraw & Unite With Another Denomination (¶360.1 and ¶320.1)
This action is immediate. Please only complete these steps when you are ready to withdraw. You may wish to align your withdrawal with a church disaffiliation date.
- Submit a written request (via email or paper) to withdraw to the NC Conference Secretary, Rev. Gray Southern, and copy Rev. Beth Hood, Assistant to the Bishop for Clergy Life
- Submit your Certificate of Conference Membership to the Conference Secretary (What if I can’t find my certificate?)
- Questions? Read our Frequently Asked Questions→
To Withdraw from the Ordained Ministerial Office (¶360.1)
Do not withdraw from the Ordained Ministerial Office if you intend to unite with another denomination as a clergyperson. This action is immediate. See the steps above for “To Withdraw & Unite With Another Denomination” instead.
- Submit a written request (via email or paper) to withdraw to their district superintendent for deposit with the NC Conference Secretary, Rev. Gray Southern, and copy Rev. Beth Hood, Assistant to the Bishop for Clergy Life
- Submit your certificate of conference membership to your district superintendent for deposit with the NC Conference Secretary
- Submit your certificate of ordination to your district superintendent for deposit with the NC Conference Secretary (What if I can’t find my certificate(s)?)
- Clergy session votes to approve the withdrawal request
- Questions? Read our Frequently Asked Questions→
Withdrawal for Licensed Local Pastors
Whenever any Local Pastor severs relationship with The United Methodist Church, their license and credentials shall be surrendered to the District Superintendent for deposit with the Conference Secretary, Rev. Gray Southern. The effective date of withdrawal is the date of the letter of withdrawal. If you can not locate your original license, you shall submit a written request to withdraw to the District Superintendent, noting that you can not locate your license. Additionally, complete and submit the second page (including notarization) of the withdrawal request to the Conference Secretary (grays@nccumc.org). The form may also be requested from The Conference Secretary’s Office.
Following these initiating actions on your part, and subsequent to your withdrawal, your UMC dCOM will vote to discontinue you per your request.
Withdrawal for Certified Candidates (¶314)
Paragraph 314 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church notes that Certified Candidates may be discontinued on their own request, upon severing their relationship with The United Methodist Church, or upon action to discontinue by the district committee on ordained ministry. To withdraw as a Certified Candidate, please send a letter of resignation to the Rev. Beth Hood, Assistant to the Bishop for Clergy Life. The effective date of withdrawal is the date of the letter of withdrawal.
For Churches
The relationship between a Local Church and the Conference is governed by The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. Any separation must be accomplished through means authorized by the Discipline. The process for a church to disaffiliate for reasons of conscience over issues involving church doctrine or practices regarding homosexuality is outlined in paragraph ¶2553 of the Discipline, which was enacted at the 2019 General Conference and expires December 31, 2023.
The NC Conference’s Disaffiliation Agreement follows ¶2553 of the Discipline with terms and conditions for disaffiliation having been established by the Board of Trustees of the annual conference, with the advice of the cabinet, the annual conference treasurer, the annual conference benefits officer, the director of connectional ministries, and the annual conference chancellor as outlined in the Disaffiliation Agreement.
PLEASE NOTE: While the NCC Disaffiliation Agreement has not changed, some process items have been refined or updated for 2023 and as such, churches must review and complete the full content/process steps provided below (including churches who previously inquired or otherwise engaged the process).
Essential details, guidelines, resources, and tools for the 2023 NCC Disaffiliation Process are provided below. All process steps, including submission of required information and documents, must be completed as outlined under each step and requires utilization of the NCC Online Data Collection System (OLDCS). Submissions outside of the process tools, including paper documents mailed or delivered to NCC or District Offices, will not be accepted or processed. Churches not equipped to use online tools are asked to seek legal counsel and/or other local assistance with navigating and completing this online process.
Local Churches and the NCC must maintain the covenant of Christian community and conduct to one another as outlined in the Mutual Recognition content in paragraph 2 of the Disaffiliation Agreement. As such, all parties are expected to help avoid the spread of misinformation and harm. Words or actions by Local Church clergy or laity that seek to undermine the mission and ministry of the United Methodist Church or NC Conference will be addressed. Such words or actions include, but are not limited to:
- sharing or promoting false or misleading information
- manipulative restraint of apportioned or connectional giving
- inviting of non-UM speakers, including GMC speakers, to a UM church
- not respecting denominational or congregational boundaries as outlined in The Discipline, paragraphs 341.1 and 2702.1 (d) and (f)
- withholding or restricting UMC information from church members
- failing to appropriately include pastors in disaffiliation planning/process
Clergy and laity who engage in actions listed above or others deemed contrary to the spirit of Christian community and mutual respect as outlined in Paragraph 2 of the Disaffiliation Agreement may subject their churches to a variety of remedies, including some that may delay the church’s disaffiliation process until the matter can be investigated and resolved.
Disaffiliation Agreements will be considered for ratification vote at the regular Annual Conference Session in June 2023. Upon Annual Conference’s ratification and Local Church’s satisfaction of all terms and conditions set forth in the Disaffiliation Agreement, churches will disaffiliate effective July 31, 2023.
An additional disaffiliation cycle and special called session of the Annual Conference will be scheduled (with key details and timeline to be announced after the June 2023 Annual Conference Session).
Please note that the final deadline for churches to submit an inquiry form to start the NCC Disaffiliation Process is April 20, 2023.
The following church deadlines are established for the current 2023 Disaffiliation Process cycle:
- February 1, 2023 – Step 1: Submit a Disaffiliation Inquiry Form
- March 1, 2023 – Step 2: Conduct Church Council Vote to Request Special Called Church Conference
- March 1, 2023 – Step 3: Request Church Conference and Call by the District Superintendent
- March 31, 2023 – Step 4: Church Conference Disaffiliation Vote and Disaffiliation Agreement
- June 30, 2023 – Step 5: Complete Disaffiliation Agreement Compliance Requirements
- June 2023 – Step 6: Annual Conference Ratification at Duly Called Annual Conference
- June 30, 2023 – Step 7: Finalize Compliance Requirements and Organizational Transition to New Church
NOTE: July 1 – 31, 2023, is a verification period for the NCC to verify compliance and execute/record property release documents.
Disaffiliation Process Steps
Expand each step below (by clicking on the white bar) to review the information and resources provided to complete each process step.
1. Submit a Disaffiliation Inquiry Form (by February 1, 2023 / April 20, 2023)
After examining the Disaffiliation Agreement Template along with the steps and key dates outlined here, Council Chairperson or Board of Trustees Chairperson of a Local Church may submit a Disaffiliation Inquiry Form (required even if the church previously inquired or otherwise engaged the process).
While completing this inquiry form does not mean your church will or must disaffiliate, it is reserved for serious inquiries only and serves to:
- Notify the NCC that the church genuinely wishes to explore disaffiliation from the UMC.
- Establish a disaffiliation liaison (and alternate) to serve as the primary contact for disaffiliation communications.
- Initiate a UMC Representative visit request to be scheduled in collaboration with the District Superintendent.
- Request specific dollar amounts for the church’s disaffiliation payments obligations.
Upon receipt of the inquiry form, the NCC will send a follow-up email to the pastor and designated disaffiliation liaison (within seven business days) providing instructions for next steps, including how to obtain payment amounts and continue the disaffiliation process via the NCC Online Data Collection System (OLDCS). As such, the church’s disaffiliation liaison will need the church’s OLDCS login information. Please note: the Disaffiliation Tab will not be visible in your church’s record in OLDCS until after you receive the follow-up email referenced above.
Please note that inquiries received after February 1, 2023, will be processed in the Fall 2023 cycle, and with a final initial inquiry deadline of April 20, 2023.
2. Conduct Church Council Vote to Request Special Called Church Conference (by March 1, 2023)
After reviewing the Disaffiliation Agreement Template and specific amounts for disaffiliation payment obligations provided by the NCC, the Local Church Council (or its equivalent) must vote, using the required motion (Council), to request a Church Conference and call to consider disaffiliation.
Council’s (or equivalent) meeting minutes must document (download template):
- review of the agreement template and payment amounts
- required motion and vote results
- list of meeting attendees
Please note the required minutes contents must be entered into an OLDCS form in the next step – the sample template above is provided for reference to ensure the required information is documented during the meeting.
3. Request for Church Conference and Call by the District Superintendent (by March 1, 2023)
- Submit (via the OLDCS Disaffiliation Tab) the Disaffiliation Church Conference Request form, to include the following:
- Enter the required Church Council Minutes content (as outlined in Step 2 above).
- Upload the Church Membership Roll, including the following for all current professing members, active or inactive, in spreadsheet format (download spreadsheet template): First Name, Last Name, Greeting Name, Email Address, Phone Number, Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code.
The NCC acknowledges that providing the required membership roll may be challenging for some churches; however, in order to fulfill the requirements of the Disaffiliation Agreement and facilitate the Church Conference vote, a full membership roll in spreadsheet form, as outlined above is required. Churches are asked to seek local assistance as needed to fulfill this requirement.
Upon verification of the submitted documents, the respective District Superintendent will contact the pastor to coordinate the best timing for the Church Conference and subsequently issue a Church Conference call, in writing, with the scheduled date and time. The Church Conference will be held in accordance with The Discipline and NCC Disaffiliation Agreement.
- Submit (via the OLDCS Disaffiliation Tab) the required list and description of real and personal property to be retained by the church upon disaffiliation for Exhibit B of the Disaffiliation Agreement as outlined in the Property Release Guidelines. All required real property information and deeds are available through your county Register of Deeds and Tax departments. Churches not equipped to provide the required property information and deeds are strongly encouraged to seek local legal counsel.
Upon verification of the submitted property information and scheduling of the Church Conference, the NCC will provide a Disaffiliation Agreement for your church, including payment amounts and Exhibit B content, which must be signed by the Local Church Board of Trustees upon affirming Church Conference vote.
4. Church Conference Disaffiliation Vote & Agreement (by March 31, 2023)
At least two-thirds (2/3) of the professing members present at a church conference of the Local Church must vote, via required motion (Church Conference) and written ballot provided by the District Superintendent, to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church “for reasons of conscience regarding a change in the requirements and provisions of the Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality or the ordination or marriage of self-avowed practicing homosexuals as resolved and adopted by the 2019 General Conference, or the actions or inactions of its annual conference related to these issues which follow.”
Upon a passing vote and immediately following the Church Conference, the Chair and a second officer of the Local Church Board of Trustees (or, if incorporated, any two incorporation officers) must sign the Disaffiliation Agreement, which the NCC will email to the church disaffiliation liaison prior to the Church Conference.
Church Conference procedures, written ballots, and other required documents (including a printed copy of the Disaffiliation Agreement) will be provided by the respective District Superintendent.
5. Complete Disaffiliation Agreement Compliance Requirements (by June 30, 2023)
Compliance with all Disaffiliation Agreement terms and conditions is required prior to the Disaffiliation Date.
If all terms and conditions are not fulfilled before the Disaffiliation Date, the Disaffiliation Agreement is considered null and void.
To allow adequate time for compliance with terms and conditions, churches must fulfill compliance requirements as soon as possible, and not later than June 30, 2023 (unless otherwise specified).
Establish New Legal Entity / Organizational Transition
- Establish New Legal Entity (by May 15, 2023)
- Submit (via the OLDCS Disaffiliation Tab) documentation showing the full legal name, mailing address, and incorporation status of the new church entity. A copy of the NC Secretary of State (NCSOS) entity registration letter or entity record from the NCSOS Business Registration Search portal is preferred.
- Complete Organizational Transition (by June 30, 2023)
- Please note that in order for organizational transition to the new church entity to be completed by June 30, 2023, the church must take timely and appropriate action to facilitate the following as soon as possible upon affirming Church Conference vote:
- Establish one or more new legal entities.
- Settle, liquidate, and/or transfer all obligations and retained property/assets as appropriate.
- Close or dissolve any legal entities related to the disaffiliated UMC.
- Please note that in order for organizational transition to the new church entity to be completed by June 30, 2023, the church must take timely and appropriate action to facilitate the following as soon as possible upon affirming Church Conference vote:
To effectuate the above:
- If the Local Church is incorporated, the church must (a) either dissolve the corporation or change its name to one that does not include the words “United Methodist” and (b) ensure that ownership of all property is in the name of the new organization or newly named organization that does not include “United Methodist” in its name.
- If the Local Church is not incorporated, the church must (a) change its name or incorporate under a new name and (b) ensure that ownership of all property is in the name of the new organization or newly named organization that does not include “United Methodist” in its name.
Local Church Records and Archives
Follow the Records and Archives Guidelines to submit the records. Upon receipt and verification of records, an NCC representative will upload a signed Archival Records Receipt form to the church’s OLDCS Disaffiliation process record. Contact Dennis Lamm (lammbo@nccumc.org) if you have questions or need assistance.
Please note that year-to-date data for annual statistical tables must also be provided. The NCC Statistician will contact pastors of disaffiliating churches soon after the Church Conference vote to provide additional details.
Insurance Coverage
Request from your insurance agent the following documents showing proof of coverage at no less than NC Conference Recommended Insurance Coverage Limits through the disaffiliation date and submit the same (via the OLDCS Disaffiliation Tab):
- Certificate of Insurance (COI)
- Evidence of Property Insurance (EPI)
- If the current policy is not “Occurrence” based (confirm with your agent), the church must also provide:
- Evidence of Reporting Endorsement (“tail end coverage”) which continues and maintains coverage for the period prior to the disaffiliation date (if available for a commercially reasonable price).
Please note that the declarations page of the church’s policy may be helpful but is not sufficient for proof of coverage. Standard Certificate of Insurance and Evidence of Property Insurance forms issued by your insurance agent are required.
Once the submitted proof of insurance documents are reviewed, the church disaffiliation liaison will receive an email with next steps necessary for compliance. Once adequate insurance coverage is verified, the disaffiliation liaison will receive a compliance confirmation email.
Remnant Congregation
Cooperate with the NCC‘s evaluation of the viability of any remnant members who may not wish to disaffiliate and the transfer of those members to other United Methodist churches or the NCC membership roll, to include sharing Continuing in The United Methodist Church with any members who wish to remain UMC.
Payments
Remit required payments via one of the following options:
- Mail the NCC Disaffiliation Remittance Advice form and check payable to the Conference Treasurer-Raleigh Area to the address on the remittance advice form.
- Complete an ACH Authorization form requesting that the NCC Treasurer’s Office initiate an electronic bank draft.
- Deliver (or send via courier/registered/overnight service) the NCC Disaffiliation Remittance Advice form and check payable to:
- Location: NCC Building, 700 Waterfield Ridge Place, Garner, NC 27529
- Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (payments may be delivered to the front desk)
Required payments include:
- Disaffiliation Payment obligations as specified in the church’s Disaffiliation Agreement.
- Direct Bill Insurance and/or Pension for prior and/or current year per the Statements Tab (OLDCS).
- Legal fees for property release as determined by NCC Counsel (based on parcel quantity and/or complexity).
NCC/UMC Affiliate Financial Obligations
Submit (via the OLDCS Disaffiliation Tab) documentation evidencing release, repayment, or transfer of financial obligations to any NCC/UMC affiliates (or affirm there are no NCC/UMC affiliate obligations).
Affiliated entities include, without limitation:
- Board of Missions, Inc.
- United Methodist Foundation of NC
- The General Board of Global Ministries of The UMC
- Any other NCC-/UMC-affiliate to which the church has an obligation requiring action
Other Financial Liabilities
Submit (via the OLDCS Disaffiliation Tab) documentation evidencing satisfaction, assignment, or transfer of any debts, loans, and liabilities (or affirm there are no other financial liabilities).
Intellectual Property
Confirm (via the OLDCS Disaffiliation Tab) discontinuance of all “United Methodist” branding, the Cross & Flame insignia, and any other intellectual property of the denomination and Annual Conference, including removal of church signage and digital media (e.g., websites, domain names/URLs, email, social media, etc.).
Please note that UM hymnals and worship resources available to the general public are excluded from this requirement. These items will be included with the release of tangible and intangible personal property, which churches may retain, use, donate, and/or distribute at their discretion.
Group Tax Exemption
If applicable, cease use of the denomination’s group tax exemption ruling as outlined in Disaffiliation Agreement paragraph 5.d. Contact legal@gcfa.org if you have questions or require additional information regarding the denomination’s group tax exemption ruling.
Please note that the NCC will notify GCFA of disaffiliated churches, and as such, the church should not give notice to GCFA and is not required to provide documentation to the NCC.
6. Annual Conference Ratification at Duly Called Annual Conference (June 2023)
Disaffiliation Agreements, after preparation by the Board of Trustees and execution by the Local Church, must be ratified by a simple majority of the members . . . present and voting” at a duly-called session of Annual Conference.
7. Finalize Compliance Requirements and Organizational Transition to New Church (by June 30, 2023)
Affirm (via the OLDCS Disaffiliation Tab) that the church has satisfied all terms and conditions of the Disaffiliation Agreement, including finalizing its organizational transition to the new legal entity.
Upon verification that the Local Church has fulfilled all its obligations, terms, and conditions set forth in the Disaffiliation Agreement, the NCC will execute a quitclaim deed(s) and bill of sale releasing all its interest in the property to be transferred to the new church as of the July 31, 2023, disaffiliation date.
Documents, Resources & Video
Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions→
- Webinar FAQs (8/11→, 8/18→, 8/25→)
- Is The UMC Really…? (Part 1→, Part 2→, Part 3→, Part 4→, Part 5→)
- Book of Discipline ¶2553→
- You May Have Heard→
- What Does This Mean For My Church?→
- History Of The UMC & Human Sexuality→
- Resources For Holy Conversations→
- Continuing in the UMC→
Video
- #ProudToBeUMC→ (courtesy of Adam Hamilton and the Proud To Be UMC Team)
- “The United Methodist Church”→ (courtesy of the Texas Annual Conference)
- The Disaffiliation Agreement Webinar→ (recorded 8/11/22)
- The Clergy Withdrawal Webinar→
(recorded 8/18/22) - The Future of The UMC Webinar→ (recorded 8/25/22)
Frequently Asked Questions
Clergy Withdrawal
Can a Clergyperson be part of both The United Methodist Church and the Global Methodist Church?
No. The Judicial Council ruled in 1993 that The Book of Discipline has no provision allowing an ordained United Methodist clergy to hold membership simultaneously in another denomination.
What is the difference between a Certificate of Conference Membership and an Ordination Certificate?
The Certificate of membership and certificate of ordination are distinct and tangible documents.
One’s ordination and conference membership are two different aspects of a clergyperson’s relationship with the United Methodist Church. The expressions of those aspects have changed over the years by virtue of action taken by The General Conference.
Before 1996, clergy were ordained Provisional Deacons and Ordained Elders. Certificates were issued with each status. In 1996 the General Conference made changes to The Orders of Ministry. These changes resulted in clergy being commissioned as Provisional Deacons/Elders, Ordained Deacons/Elders, and Received into Full Connection. Eventually, separate certificates were issued with each status.
Depending on when a clergy person entered into relationship with the Annual Conference will determine what certificates they have and what certificates they need to submit. Those most recently ordained likely have a Certificate of Conference Membership separate from their Ordination Certificate.
Clergy withdrawing to unite with another denomination keep their Certificate of Ordination and surrender their Certificate of Conference Membership to the Conference Secretary.
Clergy withdrawing from the Ministerial Office must surrender to the Conference Secretary their Certificate of Ordination and, where applicable, their Certificate of Conference Membership.
What if I can’t find my Certificate of Conference Membership and/or Certificate of Ordination?
Submit a written request to withdraw, noting in the letter that you can not locate your original certificate. Additionally, Additionally, complete and submit the second page (including notarization) of the withdrawal request to the Conference Secretary (grays@nccumc.org).
Who has to approve the withdrawal?
The withdrawal letter and certificates are received by the Conference Secretary and reported to the Office of Clergy Life and the Executive Clergy Session of the NC Conference.
When will the withdrawal be finalized?
The effective date of withdrawal is the date of the letter of withdrawal.
Can I request a copy of my records/files be sent to officials in another Denomination?
Records/files are not shared with other Denominations. Upon request of the clergy person, The Office of Clergy Life can submit a letter of status and standing to other Denomination Officials. Clergy designated as in “good standing” have completed Sexual Ethics Training, are current with Course of Study requirements [applies only to Local Pastors], and are not under formal Complaint.
When a clergy person withdraws, what is their relationship with the church they are presently serving?
The effective date of the withdrawal marks an immediate change in the relationship between the clergy and congregation. Those who withdraw can no longer serve as a pastor of a United Methodist congregation nor reside in a United Methodist parsonage.
Clergy Benefits
If I withdraw from the NC Conference, can I continue on the Conference health insurance plan?
Clergy on the Conference health insurance plan at the point of withdrawal from the NC Conference can continue on the Conference plan for up to 18 months on continuation coverage with full cost being paid by the participant.
If I withdraw from the NC Conference, can I continue on the Conference life insurance plan?
Coverage on the Conference life insurance plan will end on the last day of the month of the effective date of the clergyperson’s withdrawal.
What happens to my pension benefits?
Wespath Benefits and Investments manages pension benefits for the UMC and has provided Frequently Asked Questions about the continuation of benefits for clergy who withdraw from the UMC. All questions about pension benefits (except the Transition Fund for NC Conference participants) should be directed to Wespath.
Can my new church continue on the pension plan?
Wespath Benefits and Investments manages pension benefits for the UMC and has provided Frequently Asked Questions about the continuation of benefits for clergy who withdraw from the UMC. All questions about pension benefits (except the Transition Fund for NC Conference participants) should be directed to Wespath.
What happens to my Transition Fund benefits?
For clergy participating in the Transition Fund, previously accrued benefits are held in the participant’s Personal Investment Plan (PIP) account. Benefits already earned are already held in the PIP and will remain in the participant’s account. Any requirements of the PIP apply to Transition Fund benefits in the PIP, including retirement eligibility, plan loans, plan withdrawals, etc.
Can I continue in the Transition Fund?
The Transition Fund is a plan of the NC Conference for NC Conference participants. If a Transition Fund member is no longer a member of the NC Conference, s/he is no longer eligible to participate in the Transition Fund and will be terminated from future participation in the Transition Fund. All benefits previously earned and invested in the participant’s PIP will remain with the participant.
What happens to my health insurance benefits when I retire from my new church outside the NC Conference?
NC Conference retirement health insurance benefits are provided for clergy who retire from ministry in the NC Conference. If a clergyperson does not retire from the NC Conference, the clergyperson is not eligible for retirement health insurance benefits through the NC Conference.
Can I continue to participate in the retiree health plan?
If a clergyperson retires from the NC Conference and receives benefits, those benefits will continue throughout retirement as per plan provisions. If a clergyperson does not retire from the NC Conference, s/he is not eligible for retirement health insurance benefits. A clergyperson who previously retired from the NC Conference will continue the benefits already being received through plan provisions.
Does my spouse still get retiree health benefits?
Spouses of clergypersons who retire from the NC Conference or who have previously retired from the NC Conference will continue to receive benefits as per the plan provisions. Spouses of clergypersons who do not retire from the NC Conference will not be eligible for retirement health insurance benefits.
I am already retired. What happens to my pension?
Wespath Benefits and Investments manages pension benefits for the UMC and has provided Frequently Asked Questions about the continuation of benefits for clergy who withdraw from the UMC. All questions about pension benefits (except the Transition Fund for NC Conference participants) should be directed to Wespath.
I am already retired. What happens to my health insurance HRA?
A clergyperson who previously retired from the NC Conference will continue the benefits already being received through plan provisions.
Can I continue on the disability plans of the Conference?
Wespath Benefits and Investments manages Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP) benefits for the UMC and has provided Frequently Asked Questions about the continuation of benefits for clergy who withdraw from the UMC.
I am on clergy medical leave. Can I continue on the Conference medical leave benefits?
Regarding benefits through the Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP), Wespath Benefits and Investments manages CPP benefits for the UMC and has provided Frequently Asked Questions about the continuation of benefits for clergy who withdraw from the UMC. Regarding benefits offered through the NC Conference outside of CPP, eligibility for benefits is defined by policies set by the Annual Conference through the Joint Committee on Clergy Medical Leave. Eligibility is defined as including those appointed to Clergy Medical Leave. If a clergyperson is no longer appointed to Clergy Medical Leave, medical leave benefits through the NC Conference are no longer available.
Do I get a moving expense reimbursement if I move churches when I leave The UMC?
According to plan provisions as approved by Annual Conference, moving expense reimbursements are available for clergy continuing under appointment in the categories approved in the Moving Expense Policy of the Report of the Council on Finance and Administration. Clergy who withdraw are not continuing under appointment and are, therefore, not eligible for moving expense reimbursement. Clergy who retire are eligible for reimbursement at rates set in the Moving Expense Policy for retirement moves.
I am already retired. What happens to my annual Duke Endowment gift if I leave The UMC?
According to The Duke Endowment, this gift is restricted to retired clergy of The United Methodist Church. Surrendering credentials would forfeit receipt of this grant.
Church Disaffiliation
What if my church decides we no longer want to disaffiliate? What should we do?
At any point before your church’s disaffiliation date (as specified in your Disaffiliation Agreement), you may choose not to fulfill any of the items in the Agreement, thus causing the Agreement to become null and void. This will, in effect, stop your church from disaffiliating under the current Agreement.
If the church has decided that they no longer wish to disaffiliate, or there is a desire to reconsider, the first step will be to contact your District Superintendent and let them know. They will then be able to advise you about how to proceed.
After a church disaffiliates, how can we rejoin the UMC? Is it possible for a church to reaffiliate after separation?
There are simple processes in place for clergy and churches who wish to reaffiliate with The United Methodist Church following a separation. The first step will be for a representative of the church to contact the District Superintendent who serves the geographical area where the church is located.
What is disaffiliation in The United Methodist Church (UMC)?
United Methodists throughout the world are bound together in a connectional covenant in which we support and hold each other accountable for faithful discipleship and the mission of Jesus Christ. UMC congregations are not in an independent church. Each local church congregation and property is connected for the benefit of the denomination, each church, and the ministry and mission of all at home and throughout the world. Disaffiliation means separating from the NC Annual Conference (NCC) and the entire UMC.
The 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of the UMC adopted paragraph ¶2553 in the Book of Discipline – Disaffiliation of a Local Church Over Issues Related to Human Sexuality. Because of the current deep conflict within the UMC around issues of human sexuality, a local church shall have a limited right, under the provisions of this paragraph, to disaffiliate from the denomination for reasons of conscience regarding a change in the requirements and provisions of the Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality or the ordination or marriage of self-avowed practicing homosexuals as resolved and adopted by the 2019 General Conference, or the actions or inactions of its annual conference related to these issues which follow.
Is there a time frame for disaffiliation?
Yes. The choice by a local church to disaffiliate with the UMC under ¶2553 shall be made in enough time for the process of exiting the denomination to be complete before December 31, 2023.
How does the process of disaffiliation work?
Paragraph ¶2553 stipulates a process with terms and conditions established by the General Council on Finance and Administration and the Board of Trustees of each annual conference. This resulted in the NCC Disaffiliation Agreement above. The process is summarized in the NCC Disaffiliation Agreement Process Steps above.
Will the disaffiliation process change? What happens if/when we receive a new Bishop?
The Conference Board of Trustees has released the following statement regarding the NC Conference’s disaffiliation plan:
“The Conference Board of Trustees retains the authority under The Book of Discipline to establish, and change when appropriate, the terms and conditions for churches within the Conference to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church. The Board of Trustees hereby confirms, however, that it adopted the Disaffiliation Agreement, in the form in which it was published in May 2022, with the expectation and understanding that this will be the final version of the Disaffiliation Agreement that will remain the path for churches to disaffiliate for reasons described in paragraph 2553 of The Book of Discipline until December 31, 2023, the time limit provided in paragraph 2553.2 for this process. The Board does not anticipate or expect any changes to the Disaffiliation Agreement prior to the expiration of paragraph 2553 as outlined in The Book of Discipline, and the Board does not anticipate or expect that a potential change in bishop for the Conference in 2023 will provide a reason or occasion to revisit the terms and conditions of the Disaffiliation Agreement.“
How do we request specific payment amounts for our church?
Your Church Council or Trustees Chairperson may submit a Disaffiliation Inquiry Form which serves in part to request specific payment amounts for your church.
How much will it cost my church to disaffiliate?
The NCC Disaffiliation Agreement and Process Steps above address how to determine costs and list the required payments. Your Church Council or Trustees Chairperson may submit a Disaffiliation Inquiry Form to request specific payment amounts.
The Conference worked hard to find ways consistent with the Discipline to make the terms/costs as favorable as possible for a Local Church that wants to depart while still honoring the Conference and all who remain. More favorable terms include no payment to the NCC to retain church property and release the Trust Clause of ¶2501. The pension liability payment is calculated in the most beneficial way for the Local Church. See separate Q&A related to unfunded pension obligations.
What are “unfunded pension obligations?”
A pension plan for past/current UMC pastors that is fully funded today could become underfunded due to economic downturns that produce lower-than-expected earnings or increased longevity that results in longer periods of benefit payments. Such underfunding could result in significant additional contributions to the required plan (it has happened before). These additional contributions to the plan are the responsibility of the annual conference and, in turn, the local churches of that conference. UMC clergy served congregations who may leave the UMC in past decades who are receiving pension benefits or are due benefits in the future. Unless a departing church pays to the conference to cover future pension funding needs, it leaves the pension obligations for conference clergy to fall on the remaining churches in the conference.
What will happen to the extra money that comes in from disaffiliating churches?
There is no extra money coming in from disaffiliating churches. The disaffiliation agreement requires disaffiliating churches to pay their portion of the unfunded pension obligation as calculated by Wespath, the previous 12 months of apportionments, and 12 more months. Other financial obligations would be to make sure any loans, benefit arrearage, and legal expenses are paid.
The pension obligation funding is to be used strictly for pension obligations that arise in the future related to United Methodist pension plans. This funding is only for future pension obligations and is not available for other uses.
Apportionment funding consists of payments in full for the previous 12 months and 12 more months at that rate. This funding is remitted to support apportioned budgets, so it will be applied to those budget years. For example, apportionments for churches that disaffiliated on December 31, 2022, consisted of the previous 12 months (total 2022 apportionments) and 12 more months at that rate. The amount for the 12 previous months was applied to the 2022 apportionment year that funds the 2023 operating budget (because we raise funds a year in advance for Conference ministries in NC). The next 12 months will be applied to the amount raised for 2023, which will fund the 2024 operating budget. These budgets have already been set by the Annual Conference, so the amounts paid from disaffiliating churches will be applied to those budget years.
All funding collected from disaffiliating churches was provided in the agreement for the purpose of providing sustainability through the transition period in the NC Conference. The NC disaffiliation agreement did not require extra payments that are held by the Conference with no stated purpose or designation. Thus, there is no extra money coming in from disaffiliating churches.
What if our church leans towards disaffiliation, but we cannot afford it?
The next General Conference may approve a new disaffiliation agreement with more favorable terms. In the meantime, please check out #BeUMC and prayerfully consider remaining in the UMC family.
What is the reason for not using ¶2548.2 for a type of separation from the UMC?
Paragraph ¶2548.2 requires, among other things, “consent of the presiding bishop.” In compliance with the UMC Council of Bishops (COB) recommendation, our presiding bishop has determined that 2553 rather than 2548.2 is appropriate for this purpose.
We understand the COB recommendation to be informed by the following concerns: 1) There was a consensus at the General Conference in 2019 that a new means was needed to allow churches to disaffiliate for reasons of conscience due to longstanding disagreements over issues involving human sexuality, and that is why 2553 was adopted. If 2548.2 were available at that time, then there would have been no reason to request the adoption of 2553. Nothing has changed in the Discipline since General Conference 2019. 2) The history of 2548.2 suggests that it was developed in 1948 for a very different reason than the reason some churches now want to depart – to enable conferences to convey churches with serious viability problems to alternative denominations that might have a better chance of serving the local community. 3) The COB is concerned that widespread use of 2548.2 for this purpose would lead to wide discrepancies amongst conferences in how churches might disaffiliate given the lack of standard required terms for disaffiliation, and therefore believes that it is appropriate to apply the more uniform standards in 2553, at least until such time as a new set of uniform standards is adopted by a GC. 4) Unless and until there is a Judicial Council ruling confirming that 2548.2 is an appropriate vehicle for this type of disaffiliation, the Conference is concerned that any disaffiliation under that section will be subject to legal challenge, which would create serious practical problems for the local church and the conference.
I heard that there is a “comity agreement” for local churches to transfer to another denomination and accomplish the same things as the Protocol – is that right?
No, that is not correct. There is not a denominational comity agreement. Annual conferences might create comity agreements that suit their local context, but even then, the terms of the Protocol cannot be accomplished without General Conference.
There are draft versions of comity agreements that reflect attempts by some parties to come to common understandings, but these are not final agreements. Agreements of this sort will not work in all circumstances. They would need legal review and be configured to local context and circumstances, which can vary significantly from conference to conference.
Is the agreement under ¶2553 the same if our church becomes independent or if we want to join another denomination?
Yes. Either way, the conference will work with you in an amicable, fair, and gracious process.
What if my church seeks disaffiliation, but I want to stay in the continuing UMC?
Everyone may find a home in the UMC. The NCC Disaffiliation Agreement includes a section on the “Remnant Congregation” for any members who do not wish to disaffiliate. Visit Continuing in The United Methodist Church to explore options for how you can continue in the UMC!
Ready to Inquire about Disaffiliation?
If you are ready to inquire about disaffiliation, please use the form below. If you have additional questions about disaffiliation not addressed in the FAQ above, please email disaffiliation@nccumc.org.
Please note that inquiries received after February 1, 2023, will be processed in the Fall 2023 disaffiliation process cycle, which will begin in Summer 2023 (specific dates will be announced after the June 2023 Annual Conference Session).