Thus, in retrospect, the splintering of Methodism over biblical interpretation was predictable. However, as the broader culture drifted further left on issues such as marriage and human sexuality, the strain between conservatives and liberals over these issues became too much. Eventually, this meant that heterodox views could coexist with orthodoxy without causing too much of a stir. As Mark Tooley, President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy and Methodist leader, recently explained, United Methodism "was from the start an experiment in theological pluralism." This meant that over the years an increasingly wide range of theological views was tolerated within the denomination. But, and to their credit, the leaders of the LMX - who proudly list their preferred pronouns on their website - admit, "LMX theology is not written in stone." But while their theology isn't written in stone (or anywhere that I can find), the purpose behind the group is clear: providing ecclesiastical cover for unorthodox views on marriage and sexuality.Įven though the LMX is clearly out of the mainstream of Methodism, its emergence before the expected denominational split is noteworthy. While liberals within Methodism have been pushing for the inclusion of more LGBT affirming stances in recent years, the LMX represents a dramatic break from historic Methodist doctrine.
These include a litany of isms including colonialism, sexism, clericalism, ableism, ageism, transphobia, and "heteronormativity." Instead, leaders of the new group promise to journey toward a "new way of being followers of Christ" which include refuting the "powers, principalities, and privileges" they believe have defined Methodism.
"The timeline of the Holy Spirit is driving our decision to launch the LMX at this moment, and we are following her call," explained Spencer-Mill, while using female pronouns to refer to God.Ī cursory overview of the LMX website reveals that the denomination will resemble nothing like the movement started by John and Charles Wesley in the 18 th century where the importance of the new birth, works of piety, and missions were emphasized. However, as evidenced by this weekend's developments, the extended wait time proved too long for some theologically liberal Methodists who see the new denomination as a better fit for their progressive beliefs. These concessions were possible because conservatives maintain a governing majority within United Methodism despite the fact that American Methodist leadership is liberal. Moreover, conservative clergy may retain their pensions. Local churches that choose to affiliate with the traditionalist denomination may retain their assets including church buildings and properties. In terms of the details of the proposal, progressives within the United Methodist Church will give a newly formed traditionalist Methodist denomination $25 million. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the vote has been delayed until fall of 2021. The anticipated vote to split the denomination was set to take place at the 2020 General Conference in May.
In recent years, the denomination had reached an impasse on questions related to the morality of homosexuality, same-sex marriage, and the ordination of clergy who identify as gay. At the beginning of the year, representatives of the United Methodist Church tentatively agreed to a proposal to split the nation's second largest Protestant denomination over "fundamental differences" regarding doctrinal differences. The creation of the new Methodist denomination is not surprising. Althea Spencer-Miller, another LMX leader. We seek correct actions, correct praxis, where God sustains us during the unanswerable questions," argued Rev. "We seek not answers that lead to correct doctrines as to why we suffer. In fact, as one leader explained, "There are no doctrinal litmus tests" for joining the movement. But even a cursory review of the new denomination reveals nothing close to orthodox Christianity.Īccording to LMX leaders, fidelity to Scripture or Christian theology is not a priority for the new denomination. According to organizers, the Liberation Methodist Connexion (LMX), as the group will be called, is a socially progressive denomination that will reimage what it means to follow Jesus. Over the weekend, the formation of a new Methodist denomination was announced during an online worship service hosted by former and current Methodist church leaders.
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