April 28, 2022

The denominational division suffered by the United Methodist Church is moving as slowly as ever. While the official channels of the UMC have yet to make any decision (and in fact postponed further decisions until a General Conference meets in 2024), that doesn’t mean the issue is at a stand-still.

Bishop Sharma Lewis last week issued a letter responding to news that a breakaway denomination, the Global Methodist Church, is to be officially established on May 1. This body will be made up of congregations who reject gay marriage and the ordination of practicing homosexuals as incompatible with a Biblical worldview.

Bishop Lewis’s letter described what this split means for the UMC and the process available for churches who want to follow this path.

Bishop Lewis’s letter can be read here.

At this time, Galilee has no plan to leave the UMC denomination. We are watching developments at the Virginia Conference and denominational level and appreciate Bishop Lewis’s efforts to keep us informed. While the issues dividing our denomination are important, nothing prevents Galilee from fulfilling our core mission of knowing Christ, making Christ known to our neighbors, and welcoming and serving all in our community.

If you have questions or strong feelings about this development, Pastor Jason would like to have a conversation with you. You can reach him by email or by calling the church office at (703) 430-2203. There will be church-wide discussion of this and other issues in forthcoming workshops and town halls.