In a dramatic move reflecting growing global discontent with progressive shifts in the United Methodist Church (UMC), the Côte d’Ivoire Conference, representing over one million members, has officially severed ties with the denomination. This exodus marks one of the largest departures in the UMC’s history, as African Christians reject what they see as a betrayal of biblical principles.
At the heart of the conflict is the UMC’s decision to embrace LGBT leadership and bless same-sex marriages, choices that critics say prioritize Western sociocultural values over the authority of Scripture. The Côte d’Ivoire Conference made its position clear, stating that the UMC had “distanced itself from the Holy Scriptures” and could no longer provide spiritual leadership in line with biblical and disciplinary values.
The UMC has faced increasing criticism for its progressive stance. During its postponed 2020 General Conference, held in Charlotte, North Carolina, in April-May 2024, the UMC voted overwhelmingly—692 to 51—to repeal a decades-long ban on LGBT clergy and same-sex marriage. While celebrated by liberal factions, this decision has alienated conservative congregations worldwide, leading to a cascade of departures.
In a statement accompanying its decision, the Côte d’Ivoire Conference declared, “The new United Methodist Church has preferred to sacrifice its honorability and integrity to honor the LGBT… distancing itself from the Holy Scriptures.” The conference’s leadership concluded, “For reasons of conscience, before God and before His word, supreme authority in matters of faith and life, [we] decide to leave the United Methodist Church denomination.”
Côte d’Ivoire is not alone in rejecting the UMC’s progressive trajectory. The Korean Methodist Church, with 1.5 million members, is also considering an exit. Korean church leaders have strongly reaffirmed their commitment to biblical teachings, declaring, “Homosexuality cannot be accepted until the Lord returns. This is not an emotional issue but a matter of unchangeable truth. Homosexuality is clearly a sin.”
The Korean church further emphasized its duty to teach the “sanctity of life” uncompromisingly, urging other believers to hold firm to biblical doctrine amidst cultural pressures.
UMC leaders, including President of the Council of Bishops Tracy Malone, have sought to downplay the schism, framing it as a difference of opinion within a shared faith. “While we grieve Côte d’Ivoire Conference’s decision… the strength of our connection is love, respect, compassion, and a shared commitment to faith in Jesus Christ,” Malone said.
Critics argue, however, that the UMC’s alignment with progressive movements like the “Rainbow Movement” reflects a broader abandonment of traditional Christian values. As the denomination veers further from its biblical roots, global congregations are left questioning whether unity is worth sacrificing doctrinal integrity.
For the Côte d’Ivoire Conference and others considering departure, the path forward lies in autonomy and a renewed commitment to biblical faithfulness. Their decision underscores a powerful message: the church must remain anchored in Scripture, even if it means breaking from established institutions.
As more congregations worldwide confront similar choices, this exodus serves as a wake-up call to denominations attempting to reconcile progressive ideologies with timeless biblical truths. For the faithful, the choice is clear: allegiance to God’s word comes before cultural accommodation.
