In recent years, the United Methodist pastor, Nathan Malone, has encouraged his church to model what it looks like for different people to sit at the same table. He believes division creates weakness.
United Methodist General Conference drops anti-LGBTQ wording in new Social Principles al.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from al.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
United Methodist Church leaders from across the world are convening this week near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to discuss the future of a denomination shrunken by schism and preparing for its first global assembly in years.
After a large initial swell amid a historic schism, a final wave of congregations in the region around Chattanooga are leaving the United Methodist Church as a key end-of-year deadline approaches.
Another 18 churches disaffiliate from United Methodists in North Alabama al.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from al.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.