Church Tensions: United Methodist Exodus | Left Bias

U.S. Media

•

30 days

Summary

sources
46
Narrative Items
80
Bottom Line Up Front

46 sources in U.S. Media are amplifying 80 narrative items relating to the narrative of internal conflicts within religious communities, particularly the United Methodist Church and Southern Baptist Convention, over issues like LGBTQ+ inclusion and doctrinal rigidity. These tensions reflect broader societal debates on inclusivity, governance, and the impact of legislation on personal freedoms and health.

Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that media portrayals of the recent events surrounding the United Methodist Church (UMC) and LGBTQ+ inclusion vary significantly. Baptist News Global characterizes the ongoing conflict as a troubling schism that is exacerbated by misinformation and resistive tactics from conservative factions, employing loaded terms like "destabilize" to convey urgency and seriousness. In contrast, Religion News Service offers a more neutral account of the violent clashes in Nigeria but highlights the severity of the situation with emotionally charged phrases such as “violent clashes” and “retaliatory violence,” emphasizing the loss of life and accountability issues. The Baptist News Global also paints a dire picture, reiterating the death toll and the contentious climate while pointing to property disputes as underlying tensions, suggesting a more critical view of the violence stemming from factional disagreements. Meanwhile, Propublica addresses maternal health issues, using stark language to describe the consequences of Texas's abortion ban without directly connecting it to the UMC events, but instead focusing on health impacts. In these different portrayals, there is a noticeable divergence in tone and emphasis, reflecting biases towards systemic issues versus individual tragedies, ultimately painting a complex picture of an evolving landscape within the UMC and related communities.

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
Texas Tribune
13% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Asheville Citizen-Times
6% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Baptist News Global
6% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
DeadSpin
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Common Dreams
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
CBS News
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Crooks and Liars
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
New York Amsterdam News
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Raw Story
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
WISH TV
3% 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:
Baptist News Global
baptistnews.com
The new battleground for Methodists is in Africa – Baptist News Global
Following the United Methodist Church's (UMC) 2024 General Conference, which ended its anti-LGBTQ policies, a new conflict emerged in Africa. Conservative groups, particularly the Wesleyan Covenant Association, are spreading misinformation, opposing regional autonomy, and attempting to destabilize the UMC through protests and disinformation campaigns. While some conservative groups have formed a new denomination, the UMC is working to maintain unity and inclusivity in Africa.
Amplifiers:
Religion News Service
religionnews.com
In Nigeria, fighting between Methodist groups kills three as schism turns violent
A schism within the United Methodist Church over LGBTQ+ inclusion led to violent clashes in Nigeria between factions, resulting in three deaths. The Global Methodist Church, a breakaway group, attacked a United Methodist church, sparking retaliatory violence. Bishops condemned the violence and called for accountability, while the Global Methodist Church mourned the loss of life but denied responsibility. Disputes over church property and resources fueled the conflict.
Amplifiers:
Baptist News Global
baptistnews.com
3 killed as Methodist violence flares in Nigeria – Baptist News Global
In Nigeria, three United Methodists were killed in an attack allegedly by Global Methodist Church supporters. The violence followed a schism within the Methodist Church, fueled by disagreements over LGBTQ+ issues and property rights. Both sides condemn the violence, but accusations of funding violence and misinformation persist.
Amplifiers:
WISH TV
wishtv.com
Shooting at assisted living facility leaves man dead, another injured
A shooting at an Indianapolis assisted living facility left one man dead and another injured. Police arrested a female employee whose boyfriend, present in the kitchen, was involved in a fight that resulted in the shooting. The motive remains unclear.
Amplifiers:
Propublica
propublica.org
A Third Woman Died Under Texas’ Abortion Ban. Doctors Are Avoiding D&Cs and Reaching for Riskier Miscarriage Treatments.
Porsha Ngumezi died from a preventable hemorrhage after a miscarriage. Texas's abortion ban caused doctors to avoid standard D&C procedures, opting for riskier, less effective methods like misoprostol. This resulted in delayed care and potentially fatal outcomes for multiple women, highlighting the law's detrimental impact on maternal health.
Amplifiers:
Baptist News Global
baptistnews.com
Meddling with Methodism and domesticating the Baptists – Baptist News Global
Methodists and Baptists, historically distinct but culturally similar, now face internal strife. Methodists grapple with disaffiliations, while Baptists contend with a fundamentalist push towards a more rigid, Presbyterian-like structure. The author argues against these internal shifts, advocating for the preservation of traditional Methodist connectionalism and Baptist congregationalism as proven models of faith.
Amplifiers:
Baptist News Global
baptistnews.com
A new Baptist’s reflections on BINOs – Baptist News Global
The author, a recent Baptist convert, critiques the Southern Baptist Convention's (SBC) shift towards creedalism under Al Mohler's leadership. Mohler's actions, forcing faculty and missionaries to sign creeds, contradict historical Baptist principles of soul competency and congregational autonomy. The author suggests calling these leaders "BINOs" (Baptists In Name Only), highlighting the SBC's departure from its core values driven by both doctrinal rigidity and greed.
Amplifiers:
Common Dreams
commondreams.org
Christian Nationalism Marches on With 'Bible-Infused' Texas Curriculum | Common Dreams
Texas approved a "Bible-infused" elementary school curriculum despite widespread criticism. This decision, driven by Christian nationalists, infuses religious teachings into reading materials, sparking outrage from parents, educators, and civil liberties groups who cite concerns about age appropriateness, religious freedom, and the separation of church and state. The state offers financial incentives for adoption, furthering the controversial initiative.
Amplifiers:
Texas Observer
texastribune.org
Texas offers Trump administration more land and support for mass deportations
Texas officials pledged cooperation with the incoming Trump administration on immigration. Texas will offer additional land for mass deportation facilities, as announced by Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham. Governor Abbott emphasized this collaboration, highlighting support from Trump's chosen immigration enforcement leader. This initiative, named "Jocelyn's Initiative," aims to prevent future tragedies.
Amplifiers:
Arkansas Times
arktimes.com
Actors Theatre of Little Rock brings the soul this holiday season with ‘Dreamgirls’ - Arkansas Times
Actors Theatre of Little Rock's "Dreamgirls" production is a captivating Motown musical showcasing impressive performances and powerful vocals. The nearly all-Black cast, innovative staging, and immersive seating options create a truly memorable holiday experience. The show explores ambition, betrayal, and the pursuit of stardom, leaving audiences empowered.
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Themes

Tap or click for details
These adjacent themes are currently being amplified along with the main narrative. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
Legislative Moves on Divorce Laws
Recent legislative efforts by Republican lawmakers in various states aim to impose stricter regulations on no-fault divorce, reflecting a growing movement against its current application.
Expanding loan forgiveness eligibility and regulations
The Biden-Harris Administration is expanding loan forgiveness eligibility and regulations to provide relief for student borrowers, following last year's Supreme Court decision on the original debt relief plan.
Legalized sports betting linked to addiction
The legalization of sports betting in various states has resulted in a notable increase in calls to addiction hotlines, highlighting the negative impacts of problem gambling on individuals' lives.
Repeal Abortion Bans
Call for support and repeal of discriminatory bans in healthcare
Teaching and Ministry of Jesus Christ
The passage highlights the anointing of Jesus, his ministry of healing and preaching, and the promise of remission of sins through belief in him.
Exploration of prehistoric human activity
The study of ancient sites in Uruguay and New Mexico reveals evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years, though some archaeologists question the lack of accompanying stone tools.
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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.
Narratives
Violent Clashes in Nigeria
Conflict between factions of the UMC leading to deaths and property disputes.
Critique of SBC's Shift
An author's argument against the Southern Baptist Convention's move towards creedalism.
Impact of Texas Abortion Law
Narrative highlighting the detrimental effects of the abortion ban on women's health.
Actors Theatre's 'Dreamgirls'
A production showcasing talent and themes of ambition and betrayal.
Internal Strife in Methodists and Baptists
Narrative on the challenges faced by both denominations amid changing dynamics.
Misinformation in UMC Conflict
Narrative on the spread of false information by conservative groups in Africa.
Decisions
End of Anti-LGBTQ Policies
Decision made by the UMC at the 2024 General Conference.
Approval of Bible-infused Curriculum
Texas's decision to implement a religiously infused educational program.
Cooperation with Trump Administration
Texas's pledge to work with the incoming administration on immigration.
Formation of New Denomination
Decision by some conservative groups to break away from the UMC.
Condemnation of Violence
Bishops' call for accountability following violent clashes in Nigeria.
Support for Regional Autonomy
Opposition from conservative groups against the UMC's regional autonomy.
Controversies
LGBTQ+ Inclusion
A major issue causing schism and violence within the United Methodist Church.
Texas Abortion Ban
Legislation that led to preventable deaths and complications for women.
Bible-infused Curriculum
A controversial educational initiative in Texas criticized for mixing religion with public education.
Immigration Enforcement
Texas's collaboration with the Trump administration on mass deportation facilities.
Creedalism in SBC
The shift towards requiring creeds in the Southern Baptist Convention.
Disinformation Campaigns
Efforts by conservative groups to destabilize the UMC in Africa.
Denominations
United Methodist Church (UMC)
A denomination that ended its anti-LGBTQ policies at the 2024 General Conference.
Global Methodist Church
A breakaway group from the UMC that opposes LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)
A denomination facing internal strife and criticized for its shift towards creedalism.
Baptist
A denomination historically distinct from Methodists, now facing internal conflicts.
Wesleyan Church
A denomination associated with the Wesleyan Covenant Association.
Presbyterian Church
A denomination referenced in the context of the Baptist push towards a rigid structure.
People
Porsha Ngumezi
A woman who died from a preventable hemorrhage after a miscarriage due to Texas's abortion ban.
Al Mohler
Leader of the Southern Baptist Convention, criticized for enforcing creedalism.
Dawn Buckingham
Texas Land Commissioner who announced cooperation with the Trump administration on immigration.
Governor Abbott
Governor of Texas, emphasized support for immigration enforcement initiatives.
Bishops
Leaders within the United Methodist Church who condemned violence in Nigeria.
Wesleyan Covenant Association
A conservative group opposing regional autonomy within the UMC.
Narratives
Violent Clashes in Nigeria
Conflict between factions of the UMC leading to deaths and property disputes.
Critique of SBC's Shift
An author's argument against the Southern Baptist Convention's move towards creedalism.
Impact of Texas Abortion Law
Narrative highlighting the detrimental effects of the abortion ban on women's health.
Actors Theatre's 'Dreamgirls'
A production showcasing talent and themes of ambition and betrayal.
Internal Strife in Methodists and Baptists
Narrative on the challenges faced by both denominations amid changing dynamics.
Misinformation in UMC Conflict
Narrative on the spread of false information by conservative groups in Africa.
Decisions
End of Anti-LGBTQ Policies
Decision made by the UMC at the 2024 General Conference.
Approval of Bible-infused Curriculum
Texas's decision to implement a religiously infused educational program.
Cooperation with Trump Administration
Texas's pledge to work with the incoming administration on immigration.
Formation of New Denomination
Decision by some conservative groups to break away from the UMC.
Condemnation of Violence
Bishops' call for accountability following violent clashes in Nigeria.
Support for Regional Autonomy
Opposition from conservative groups against the UMC's regional autonomy.
Controversies
LGBTQ+ Inclusion
A major issue causing schism and violence within the United Methodist Church.
Texas Abortion Ban
Legislation that led to preventable deaths and complications for women.
Bible-infused Curriculum
A controversial educational initiative in Texas criticized for mixing religion with public education.
Immigration Enforcement
Texas's collaboration with the Trump administration on mass deportation facilities.
Creedalism in SBC
The shift towards requiring creeds in the Southern Baptist Convention.
Disinformation Campaigns
Efforts by conservative groups to destabilize the UMC in Africa.
Denominations
United Methodist Church (UMC)
A denomination that ended its anti-LGBTQ policies at the 2024 General Conference.
Global Methodist Church
A breakaway group from the UMC that opposes LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)
A denomination facing internal strife and criticized for its shift towards creedalism.
Baptist
A denomination historically distinct from Methodists, now facing internal conflicts.
Wesleyan Church
A denomination associated with the Wesleyan Covenant Association.
Presbyterian Church
A denomination referenced in the context of the Baptist push towards a rigid structure.
People
Porsha Ngumezi
A woman who died from a preventable hemorrhage after a miscarriage due to Texas's abortion ban.
Al Mohler
Leader of the Southern Baptist Convention, criticized for enforcing creedalism.
Dawn Buckingham
Texas Land Commissioner who announced cooperation with the Trump administration on immigration.
Governor Abbott
Governor of Texas, emphasized support for immigration enforcement initiatives.
Bishops
Leaders within the United Methodist Church who condemned violence in Nigeria.
Wesleyan Covenant Association
A conservative group opposing regional autonomy within the UMC.

Context

The recent conflict within the United Methodist Church (UMC) highlights significant demographic, social, and political tensions, particularly in Africa. The UMC's decision to end anti-LGBTQ policies has led to a schism, with conservative factions, notably the Global Methodist Church, opposing this shift. This division has resulted in violent confrontations in Nigeria, where cultural and religious conservatism is deeply rooted. The violence, which has claimed lives, underscores the intersection of faith, identity, and societal norms in a region where traditional values often clash with progressive movements.

Geographically, Nigeria's diverse population includes various ethnic and religious groups, complicating the dynamics of such conflicts. The UMC's efforts to maintain unity and inclusivity face challenges from conservative groups that leverage misinformation and regional autonomy disputes, further destabilizing the church's presence in Africa. The struggle over church property and resources exacerbates tensions, reflecting broader issues of governance and social cohesion.

Economically, the impact of these conflicts can be profound, as violence disrupts communities and can deter investment. Politically, the situation is precarious, with religious leaders calling for accountability amidst accusations of external funding for violence. This reflects a broader trend of politicization of religious identities, which can threaten national security by fostering divisions within society.

In the U.S., similar themes emerge with the Southern Baptist Convention's shift towards creedalism, raising concerns about the erosion of traditional values. The introduction of a "Bible-infused" curriculum in Texas further illustrates the growing influence of Christian nationalism, prompting debates over religious freedom and the separation of church and state. These developments indicate a broader cultural struggle that transcends individual denominations, affecting social cohesion and national identity.
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