By Julie Zauzmer
Jan. 3, 2020 at 11:02 a.m. EST
The United Methodist Church is expected to split into more than one denomination in an attempt to bring to a close a years-long and contentious fight over same-sex marriage.
The historic schism would divide the third-largest religious denomination in the United States.
The historic schism would divide the third-largest religious denomination in the United States.
Civics, because it seems more political than religious. YMMV.
So the non-LGBT affirming splitters will be the Trads, while the dividers will still be called United. "Splitters," because congregations will have to vote to split, else become affirming by default. At 3.6 percent, (compare to the SBC's 5.3 percent), pre-split, they're the largest mainline denomination, and will become the last of the mainliners to support same-sex marriage.
Previously, adding leverage to the split, draconian sanctions were set to go into effect for clergy performing these post-Obergefell-now-legal marriages, starting with a one-year-without-pay suspension for a first offense, and dismemberment for additional rites.
And with that, the floor is open for cheers and jeers.
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