One of the Largest UMC Churches Votes to Leave Denomination

The Highland Park United Methodist Church, one of the largest in the country, has voted to leave the United Methodist Church (UMC), marking a significant shift in its relationship with the denomination. Following a special vote over two days in early October, approximately 90% of the church’s 4,775 voting members chose to withdraw. The church, which has been a fixture in Dallas for 110 years, is located in the affluent University Park neighborhood near Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology.

The decision stems from a long-standing conflict with the Horizon Texas Conference, the regional governing body of the UMC. In August, the conference sued the church over changes to its governing documents. These changes sought to grant the church greater autonomy by removing “United Methodist” from its legal name and empowering its council to make decisions typically handled by the denomination. The dispute reflects a broader tension between congregational independence and denominational authority.

The church’s leadership, including its three senior ministers, had consistently advocated for disaffiliation. Their recommendation was echoed by many members, who expressed a desire to chart an independent course while honoring the church’s history. A statement from the church website affirmed the congregation’s decision to worship as the Highland Park Methodist Church, emphasizing its commitment to its mission and future.

However, the vote does not constitute an official step toward disaffiliation under UMC rules. The Horizon Texas Conference clarified that a congregational vote alone does not sever a church’s ties to the denomination. This legal ambiguity could lead to prolonged challenges, as the church seeks to formally leave the UMC.

The UMC previously allowed churches to leave with their property through a temporary exit clause from 2019 to 2023. During that period, over 7,800 churches, largely conservative ones with theological differences on human sexuality, left the denomination. That policy ended three years ago, leaving the Highland Park church in a legal gray area.

The move has drawn attention due to the church’s prominent membership, which includes former President George W. Bush and other Dallas business and civic leaders. The decision underscores growing tensions within the UMC over governance, autonomy, and theological direction. As the church prepares to worship independently, the outcome may serve as a case study in the challenges of denominational unity and congregational independence.

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