New Opportunities in the Wake of Disaffiliation

Various churches across the Louisiana Conference have taken the necessary steps to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. Disaffiliation has become a path forward for some conservative congregations that have bristled at a more inclusive stance toward LGBTQ rights in the United Methodist Church. 

Ten churches had previously met the qualifications set forth by the Book of Discipline and, in turn, were approved by the Annual Conference. 

Soon after the 2022 annual conference, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey called a special session of the Louisiana Annual Conference to be held on November 12th, online via ZOOM for the sole purpose of "voting on the Louisiana Conference Board of Trustees recommendations for the  churches disaffiliating per paragraph 2553."

Since that time, 58 more churches have completed the process and are set to disaffiliate. This brings the total number of disaffiliating churches to 68. There are over 400 United Methodist churches in Louisiana.

The full list of churches will soon be made available in a report for the Special Session. 

"We are a connected body of more than 400 churches, and the connectional nature of the United Methodist Church has helped thousands of Louisianians over the years. Over the last few months, a small number of churches across Louisiana have chosen to leave, and it pains the entire Conference to see that happen," Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey said. "We remain in prayer for each person and every future generation affected by these votes. I give thanks for the myriad ways our departing churches have shown us Jesus and have seen Jesus in our communities. We bless them and wish them well as they continue to provide the hands and feet of Christ to those in Louisiana and beyond."

"As grace-filled Jesus-loving people, we are striving to be a church in which diversity is celebrated," said Rev. Dr. Van Stinson, assistant to the bishop in the Louisiana Conference. "While we are saddened with the loss of any church, we are excited by the new opportunities this moment affords us to establish new United Methodist communities where everyone can know they are loved and always welcomed."

For those seeking a new faith home in the United Methodist Church, the Conference office continues to help. If you find yourself seeking a new home, please reach out via email, and someone will help.