Church Tensions: United Methodist Exodus | Right Bias

U.S. Media

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14 days

Summary

sources
18
Narrative Items
25
Bottom Line Up Front

18 sources in U.S. Media are amplifying 25 narrative items relating to the narrative of a property dispute between the United Methodist Church and the Global Methodist Church. This conflict highlights broader themes of religious division over LGBT issues, illustrating how theological disagreements can lead to significant institutional and financial ramifications.

Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that the Christian Post portrays the mediation between the United Methodist Church (UMC) and the Global Methodist Church (GMC) in a positive light, emphasizing the constructive nature of the discussions aimed at resolving the property dispute. The language used tends to be supportive, referencing the mediation as a "hopeful attempt to restore unity" while acknowledging the complexities introduced by the UMC's recent stances on LGBT issues. However, the article also reflects a certain bias by portraying the GMC's stance as morally grounded, often using emotionally charged words like "faithful" and "traditional" to describe its congregations. This choice of language contrasts the more progressive UMC, which is described in more neutral terms, suggesting a subtle inclination towards the GMC. Overall, while the Christian Post recognizes the importance of mediation, it also highlights underlying tensions, reflecting a broader accountability to its audience's values and beliefs.

About This Module

The U.S. Media module tracks a broad range of American media sources, including major television, cable, print, and online organizations.

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Sources

Sources by Type
Sources of these types represent most of the amplification activity around this narrative
sources by Volume
These sources are amplifying the most items involved in this narrative. Click to see details of each source's narrative activity.
Top sources
Day-by-day volumetric activity of sources amplifying the most items around this narrative
Christian Post
16% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Chicago Tribune
8% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Boston Herald
8% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
ArcaMax
8% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Oregonian
8% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Washington Times
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Dallas Morning News
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Los Angeles Daily News
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Orange County Register
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
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Top Items

These narrative items are the most relevant and/or the most amplified. Click to see details and suggested messages.
Amplifiers:
Christian Post
christianpost.com
Liberian lawmakers overseeing mediation between UMC, Global Methodist churches amid dispute   
Liberian lawmakers mediate a property dispute between the United Methodist Church (UMC) and the Global Methodist Church (GMC). The conflict stems from the UMC's recent changes regarding LGBT issues, causing many conservative congregations, including some in Liberia, to join the GMC. Mediation aims to de-escalate tensions and determine asset ownership.
Amplifiers:
Christian Post
christianpost.com
UMC bishop, other Methodists attacked in Nigeria while doing ministry work
In Nigeria, United Methodist Bishop Ande Emmanuel and his entourage were attacked during ministry work. This violence follows ongoing conflict between the UMC and the Global Methodist Church over property and affiliation, exacerbated by Nigeria's existing issues with religious extremism and violence. The UMC condemns the attack and calls for peace.
Amplifiers:
Salem Radio Network News
srnnews.com
RELIGION HEADLINES - SRN News
Hungary is likely to ban gay pride parades, citing child protection laws. An Ohio court ruled against the state's ban on sex-change operations for minors, while a lawsuit challenges a school district's transgender pronoun policy. The United Methodist Church reports a significant drop in donations following internal divisions over LGBTQ+ issues.
Amplifiers:
Christian Post
christianpost.com
How Christian universities crash and burn
Seattle Pacific University, once an Evangelical institution, lost its Christian identity due to a gradual shift in faculty and governance. A decline in theologically conservative board members, failing to uphold the school's mission, allowed the hiring of increasingly liberal faculty. This resulted in a faculty vote of no confidence and ultimately, the school's current crisis, including enrollment decline and staff cuts. The author argues that the board's inaction, not the liberal faculty, is primarily responsible for the university's downfall.
Amplifiers:
Free Republic
freerepublic.com
How Christian universities crash and burn
Historically Christian universities, like Seattle Pacific University, are losing their religious identities. A key factor is the failure of conservative boards of trustees to actively uphold their institutions' founding principles, allowing gradual secularization despite their personal beliefs. This inaction, coupled with faculty dissent and shifting governance, leads to declining enrollment and ultimately, the loss of the university's Christian mission.
Amplifiers:
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
star-telegram.com
Texas’ biggest health insurer may drop these Tarrant County hospitals from some plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and Southwestern Health Resources must agree on a new contract by April 1st. Failure to do so will remove over two dozen North Texas hospitals, including major facilities, from seven Blue Cross plans, potentially impacting many Obamacare users. While negotiations continue, concerns exist about the hospitals' removal from online provider databases.
Amplifiers:
Dallas Morning News
dallasnews.com
Five questions with Sanderia Faye, Dallas’ literary connector
Sanderia Faye, head of the Dallas Literary Festival, discusses Dallas's low literacy rates and lack of investment in literature despite its generous people. She highlights the festival's growth and wishes for increased city support, suggesting a novel about John Wiley Price and Emma Rodgers, influential Dallas figures.
Amplifiers:
First Things Magazine
firstthings.com
Lessons from the Decline of Protestant Churches - First Things
American Protestant churches face declining membership and financial struggles, affecting even conservative denominations like the Southern Baptist Convention. This decline stems from theological shifts, prioritizing administrative agencies over local ministries, and a cultural preference for spirituality detached from institutional Christianity. The article suggests that focusing on grassroots ministry and addressing financial mismanagement are crucial for survival.
Amplifiers:
Christian Post
christianpost.com
The collapse of Protestant churches can teach us something
Declining membership in Protestant churches, even conservative ones like the Southern Baptist Convention, highlights a crisis stemming from prioritizing administrative agencies over local ministry and a loss of theological conviction. The embrace of progressive ideologies, neglecting core beliefs, contributes to irrelevance. This necessitates a return to foundational truths and a re-evaluation of institutional priorities.
Amplifiers:
The Jewish Press
jewishpress.com
The Antisemitism Of William T. Sherman – And His Great Admiration For A Jewish Actress
Despite his antisemitism, General William Tecumseh Sherman admired actress Rose Eytinge. Sherman's harsh Civil War tactics contrasted with his personal appreciation for Eytinge, a popular Jewish-American actress whose career spanned several decades. His antisemitic views were shared by General Grant, culminating in the infamous General Order No. 11, later revoked by Lincoln.
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Entities

Tap or click for details
These entities are mentioned most frequently in the narratives highlighted in this brief. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
People
Liberian Lawmakers
Members of the legislative body in Liberia involved in mediating the dispute.
United Methodist Church (UMC)
A mainline Protestant denomination that has faced internal conflict over LGBT issues.
Global Methodist Church (GMC)
A new denomination formed by conservative congregations leaving the UMC.
Narratives
Conservative Congregations Leaving UMC
The narrative of conservative congregations, including those in Liberia, joining the GMC due to UMC's changes.
Tensions Between UMC and GMC
The ongoing tensions resulting from differing views on LGBT issues and property rights.
Decisions
Mediation by Liberian Lawmakers
The decision to involve lawmakers in resolving the property dispute.
Asset Ownership Determination
The goal of the mediation to clarify ownership of church properties.
Controversies
LGBT Issues in UMC
The internal conflict within the UMC regarding the acceptance and rights of LGBT individuals.
Property Dispute
The conflict over church properties between UMC and GMC.
Denominations
United Methodist Church (UMC)
A Christian denomination that has been involved in controversies regarding LGBT rights.
Global Methodist Church (GMC)
A denomination established by congregations that oppose the UMC's stance on LGBT issues.
People
Liberian Lawmakers
Members of the legislative body in Liberia involved in mediating the dispute.
United Methodist Church (UMC)
A mainline Protestant denomination that has faced internal conflict over LGBT issues.
Global Methodist Church (GMC)
A new denomination formed by conservative congregations leaving the UMC.
Narratives
Conservative Congregations Leaving UMC
The narrative of conservative congregations, including those in Liberia, joining the GMC due to UMC's changes.
Tensions Between UMC and GMC
The ongoing tensions resulting from differing views on LGBT issues and property rights.
Decisions
Mediation by Liberian Lawmakers
The decision to involve lawmakers in resolving the property dispute.
Asset Ownership Determination
The goal of the mediation to clarify ownership of church properties.
Controversies
LGBT Issues in UMC
The internal conflict within the UMC regarding the acceptance and rights of LGBT individuals.
Property Dispute
The conflict over church properties between UMC and GMC.
Denominations
United Methodist Church (UMC)
A Christian denomination that has been involved in controversies regarding LGBT rights.
Global Methodist Church (GMC)
A denomination established by congregations that oppose the UMC's stance on LGBT issues.

Context

Liberia, a country with a population of approximately 5 million, has a complex demographic landscape shaped by its history and cultural diversity. The nation is predominantly Christian, with a significant portion of the population adhering to the United Methodist Church (UMC). The recent schism within the UMC over LGBT issues reflects broader social tensions in Liberia, where conservative values often dominate public discourse. This conflict has led to the emergence of the Global Methodist Church (GMC), attracting congregations that oppose the UMC's progressive stance.

Economically, Liberia faces challenges, including high unemployment and reliance on agriculture and natural resources. The country is still recovering from a devastating civil war that ended in 2003, which has left lasting impacts on its infrastructure and governance. Political stability remains fragile, and issues like property disputes can exacerbate existing tensions, particularly when they involve influential organizations like the UMC and GMC.

Geographically, Liberia is located on the West African coast, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, which provides both opportunities for trade and vulnerabilities to external influences. The mediation between the UMC and GMC is crucial not only for resolving the immediate property dispute but also for maintaining social cohesion in a country where religious affiliations can significantly influence political and social dynamics.

National security considerations are also relevant, as internal conflicts can lead to broader instability. The government’s ability to mediate such disputes effectively is essential for fostering a peaceful society and preventing the resurgence of violence. Overall, the resolution of this conflict will have implications for Liberia's social fabric, economic development, and political landscape.
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