Methodist leaders say 'rebellion and dysfunction' over LGBT issues splitting denomination

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Several Methodist leaders said the third-largest Protestant denomination in the United States is facing a growing divide as conservative clergy push back against liberals they claim are being disobedient to the church.

"[Liberal clergy] are the ones who are not abiding by the pronouncements of our General Conference, which speaks for the entire church," Rev. Keith Boyette told Fox News Digital. "So they're acting in violation of the provisions of our Book of Discipline, which undermines the effectiveness of the church."

Boyette, who serves as a top staff person at the newly established Global Methodist Church, calls it a "rebellion" by some liberal clergy who refuse to abide by the church's rules, resulting in an inevitable split.

The North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) voted last Thursday to allow 70 churches in the state to disaffiliate largely over LGBTQ issues, and more are expected to depart as 35 congregations in Arkansas and over 100 in Florida are in the midst of a discernment process to consider following suit.

DOZENS OF GEORGIA CHURCHES SPLIT FROM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OVER LGBTQ ISSUES

Protesters chant during the United Methodist Church's special session of the General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, on Feb. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Sid Hastings)

Some are slated to join the Global Methodist Church, which is a conservative international Methodist denomination that formally began May 1.

At a special session of the General Conference in 2019, the UMC voted 438-384 to uphold the church’s ban on ordaining LGBTQ clergy and officiating at or hosting same-sex marriages.

The UMC also adopted a disaffiliation