PRESS RELEASE: August 25, 2022
Vero Beach FL: The Wesleyan Covenant Association-Florida regional chapter (“WCA-Florida”) Mid-week, the Judicial council of the United Methodist church ruled that: “the process in paragraph 2548.2 may not be used as a pathway for local churches to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.” WCA Florida President Jeremy Rebman was disappointed by this ruling and expressed frustration with the Judicial council. He said: “this ruling is puzzling to me to say the least. I remember that the special called General Conference of the United Methodist church back in 2019 specifically referenced the use of paragraph 2548.2 as a means for churches to exit the denomination. This is the last and most recent general conference of the UMC. The UMC seemed to think it was a viable option for churches to use as an exit in 2019. What has changed? My guess is the large number of churches that wish to consider leaving the UM denomination has changed their way of thinking.”
Rebman went on to say that he was angered at the Judicial council suggesting that the Council of Bishops could determine what is or is not a legitimate denomination. "I can’t seem to find that authority anywhere,” Rebman said. “As far as I know, a denomination that consists of a leadership structure, has clergy, polity, doctrines, and 100’s of churches, that operates under one tradition and one guidebook, in this case The Bible, and who’s members believe all the words of the Bible, not just some words, is a denomination. That describes the newly formed Global Methodist church. So, to my way of thinking, the Global Methodist Church is a denomination!”
Rebman was pleased however that at least the ruling was issued this week. He qualified his statement by saying: “I disagree with two main points in the Judicial Council’s ruling this week; their restrictive ruling on paragraph 2548.2 and their newfound authority to deputize the UMC’s Council of Bishop’s to unilaterally declare what is or is not a denomination. However, in communications with the Florida annual conference, they have said they wanted to wait for the ruling from the Judicial Counsel before making decisions re: paragraph 2548.2. The Judicial Council’s ruling has been issued. So, we at the FL WCA take our Bishop and annual conference leaders at their word.”
Rebman went on to say: “The Bishop and Florida conference leadership has full discretion now to negotiate with churches that wish to leave the denomination and contend for their faith. We look forward to beginning to negotiate a fair and amicable exit for that ever-growing number of traditional churches.” Rebman concluded by stating that he prays daily for all involved in the United Methodist turmoil. He closed by stating Hebrews 12:14 “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”