GARNER, NC – Lay and clergy members from local United Methodist churches in eastern North Carolina met virtually on Saturday, October 7, for a Special Called Session of Annual Conference to ratify disaffiliation agreements of 18 churches. Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton, the episcopal leader, presided over the conference.
Dr. David Peele, North Carolina Conference Board of Trustees Chair, presented the motion:
“Therefore, in accordance with paragraphs 33 and 2529.1(b)(3) of The Book of Discipline and Judicial Council Decision 1379 which requires that ‘the disaffiliation agreement be ratified by a simple majority of the members of the annual conference present and voting,’ the Board of Trustees moves the ratification of the Disaffiliation Agreements of the churches named in the Addendum to the Board of Trustees report distributed online.”
The motion was approved by a majority vote of the members of the annual conference present and voting. Ratified disaffiliations are effective November 30, 2023, as long as the local church completes all parts of the disaffiliation agreement by that date.
“Let’s ever be reminded that disaffiliation does not remove churches from the ‘us’ where Christ will accomplish abundantly far more than we can ask or imagine,” said Bishop Shelton, reflecting on Ephesians 3.
Now 442 churches strong, the North Carolina Conference strives to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, focusing on healthy congregations, effective leaders, Congregations for Children, anti-racism, and unity.
Persons in churches that voted to disaffiliate who wish to remain United Methodist can move their membership to another United Methodist Church or to The United Methodist Collective of North Carolina, a hybrid missional faith community, until they find a new church home. Learn more about The United Methodist Collective and Lighthouse Congregations at nccumc.org/umcollective.
A complete list of churches ratified for disaffiliation in the October Special Session can be found in the Board of Trustees Report.
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About the North Carolina Conference
The North Carolina Conference is one of 53 conferences of The United Methodist Church in the United States. It encompasses 56 counties in eastern North Carolina, from Elon to the coast and from the South Carolina border to the Virginia border. The conference strives to create healthy congregations and effective leaders in every place, making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Learn more about the NC Conference at nccumc.org/about.
Media Contact:
Derek Leek
Director of Communications
dcleek@nccumc.org
919-275-2436