Adam Hamilton’s Leadership Linked to Departure of 7,600 United Methodist Churches

Adam Hamilton, a Democrat U.S. Senate candidate for Kansas, has been identified as a key figure in the division within the United Methodist Church (UMC). His leadership and advocacy for a pro-LGBTQ stance were instrumental in the departure of 7,600 congregations from the UMC. These congregations largely opposed Hamilton’s position, which aligned with broader efforts to allow the ordination of self-proclaimed LGBTQ clergy and the performance of gay marriages, actions that some within the church argued conflicted with scripture.

Hamilton is the founding and senior pastor of Church of the Resurrection, the largest Methodist church in the country, with over 24,000 members. He has held leadership roles within the UMC and has authored several books, earning nearly $500,000 in compensation, as disclosed in Senate financial records. In 2012, he was honored as United Methodist Person of the Year by the United Methodist Reporter for his contributions to the church.

The UMC faced significant internal conflict over the issue of LGBTQ inclusion. Pastors within the denomination fought for years to prevent the church from performing gay marriages and ordaining LGBTQ clergy, citing biblical teachings. In 2019, UMC leadership ultimately sided with the pro-LGBTQ position, which Hamilton supported. This decision led to the allowance of churches to leave the denomination, resulting in the departure of many black congregations and a quarter of UMC churches in the United States.

Hamilton has promoted the use of gender-neutral language in ministry, encouraging terms that make children feel welcome. He has also referred to a transgender singer as an “inspiration,” according to a Breitbart News report. Additionally, he has expressed views that challenge traditional interpretations of scripture, including questioning the Virgin Birth as a necessary belief for Christians and suggesting that Christians may have latitude to question biblical teachings, such as the authority of the Apostle Paul.

Hamilton is currently running against incumbent Kansas Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) in a closely contested race. Vice President JD Vance is set to appear in Kansas to support Marshall, while President Trump has also visited the state to bolster Republican efforts in the midterm elections.

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