The Great Peach State Church Exodus: A Statistical Breakdown (with a Side of Laughter)
Let's face it, folks, sometimes church splits can get crazier than a toddler loose in a candy store. Well, buckle up your pew cushions, because Georgia's United Methodist churches are serving up a heaping helping of denominational drama.
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| How Many United Methodist Churches Have Disaffiliated In Georgia |
So, How Many Churches Decided to Peace Out?
Here's the juicy part: a whopping 261 congregations said "sayonara" to the United Methodist Church (UMC). That's like 38% of the churches in the North Georgia Conference packing their bibles and hymnals and heading for the exits.
But wait, there's more! Down in the South Georgia Conference, another 193 churches dipped their toes out of the UMC baptismal font. That's a total of 454 churches across Georgia giving the denomination the two-step.
Why the Mass Exodus?
Now, this ain't your grandma's disagreement over which shade of beige to paint the church basement. The big kahuna here is the LGBTQ+ issue. Seems some folks have strong feelings about the role of LGBTQ+ members in the church.
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
Translation: Should the church be welcoming with open arms, or hold onto more traditional views?
This theological dust-up has created a situation where some churches felt they just couldn't stay under the UMC umbrella any longer.
Hold Up, Are All Georgia Churches Leaving?
Nope! Don't go booking your vacation to the "Holy Land of Harmony" just yet. Plenty of Georgia UMC churches are choosing to stay put. There are still hundreds who find their spiritual home within the denomination.
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
This whole thing is a bit like a messy family reunion. There's gonna be some arguing, some folks might leave early, but hopefully, everyone can still find a slice of metaphorical pecan pie and agree that Aunt Mildred's potato salad is a national treasure.
FAQ: Your Guide to the Georgia Church Split Shenanigans
How to navigate a conversation about the UMC split with your grandma?
Tread lightly! Focus on the positive aspects of faith and community. Maybe bake some cookies and reminisce about good times at church.
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
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How to know if your local UMC church is staying or going?
The best bet is to reach out to your church directly. They'll have the latest updates.
How to deal with all this religious drama without getting stressed?
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
Take a deep breath, and remember, there's more to life than church politics. Go for a walk, pet a dog, binge-watch that show you've been putting off.
How to support the LGBTQ+ community during this time?
Let them know you see them, value them, and that they have a place in your life, regardless of church affiliation.
How to make your own delicious pecan pie (because, hey, why not?)
Google is your friend! Just be sure to use a recipe with a good flaky crust.
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