Horizon Texas Conference Sues Highland Park UMC Over Governance Changes

The Horizon Texas Annual Conference, the regional governing body of The United Methodist Church, filed a lawsuit against the Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas County on August 10. The legal action challenges constitutional and internal regulatory modifications adopted by the church in 2022. The conference alleges that these changes represent an attempt to sever the connection between the local congregation, the annual conference, and the denomination as a whole. The conference stated that its objective is to realign the church’s governing documents with the Book of Discipline, the standard normative document for United Methodist congregations.

The litigation followed months of closed-door discussions between the conference and church leaders that failed to resolve the dispute. Rev. Matt Tuggle, the current chief pastor of Highland Park, addressed the lawsuit during Sunday services, noting that the church remains an integral part of the United Methodist Church. Tuggle expressed surprise at the legal action, describing the situation as a source of grief for members of the congregation and the broader church community. He stated that as a lifelong United Methodist, he had never anticipated seeing the denomination and its local church in such a confrontation.

Rev. Paul Rasmussen, Tuggle’s predecessor who retired in February and currently serves as a resident pastor, issued a statement regarding the lawsuit on August 19. Rasmussen described the legal conflict as a significant source of distress for the church community. Both Tuggle and Rasmussen have provided public responses to the ongoing legal proceedings, emphasizing their commitment to the denomination despite the dispute.

The Horizon Texas Annual Conference, presided over by Bishop Rubén Saenz Jr., has published a video message and a section of frequently asked questions to address the case. Saenz also serves as the presiding bishop of the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church. The Highland Park United Methodist Church has similarly published a section of frequently asked questions, along with messages from Rev. Rasmussen and Rev. Tuggle, to inform the congregation about the status of the litigation.

Due to the ongoing legal proceedings, the church has decided not to mention the case during Sunday morning worship services. The dispute highlights tensions between local governance and denominational standards, raising questions about institutional accountability and the integrity of church governance. The situation underscores the importance of transparent processes in resolving conflicts within religious organizations, where legal and ecclesiastical boundaries intersect.

In matters of institutional integrity, the pursuit of justice and accountability is essential to maintaining public trust. As Proverbs 11:1 suggests, righteousness and integrity are foundational to a community’s stability. The legal dispute between the conference and the local church serves as a reminder that adherence to established norms and open dialogue are necessary to preserve unity and resolve conflicts within religious bodies.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)