““But although a difference in opinions or modes of worship may prevent an entire external union, yet need it prevent our union in affection? Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences. These remaining as they are, they may forward one another in love and in good works.” ”
Disaffiliation…
…is the process by which the membership of a United Methodist Church can vote to leave the denomination.
The First United Methodist Church of Stigler (FUMCS) is in the process of disaffiliation. We will have an informational Special Church Conference on Saturday, February 11 from 10 am to noon. At that time, leaders from the Oklahoma Annual Conference and the Lake Country District will present information to those present. The meeting at Stigler will be recorded and posted on our YouTube channel on Monday morning. This is an informational meeting only. There will be no debate and no vote will be taken.
Another Special Church Conference will be held soon. At that meeting, professing members of the church will vote on the issue of disaffiliation. A letter will be produced that will give all the details about voting. We will mail it out to all members, as well as send it by email and posting it on this site.
The links to the left and the facts below are to provide answers to important questions that people have asked. This is intended to provide information only, not to advocate for one position or the other.
Facts About FUMCS Disaffiliation Process
What: What is disaffiliation? A process found in Paragraph 2553 of the Book of Discipline adopted by the Special General Conference of 2019. It allows churches to leave the denomination while keeping all property and resources. The paragraph is found on the “Documents” page and is labeled “2553 Disaffiliation”.
Who: The Stigler Church Council began the process on October 17. They established the Holy Conversations Team, as recommended by the Annual Conference. The HCT met six times to discuss the issues involved. At their meeting on January 6th, the majority recommended to the Church Council that they call for a vote to disaffiliate. The Council voted on January 22nd to call a Special Church Conference to vote on the issue.
When: The plan is for us to vote early in March. If the members vote to disaffiliate, there will be deadlines that must be met. While some people would like to wait to see what happens in the 2024 General Conference, the provisions that allow disaffiliation will expire on December 31, 2023.
Why: This is the issue that is strictly opinions. See the resource pages for links to videos, website and copies of documents. Please watch all or some of the videos to see what issues are involved. Also, read the documents provided and visit the websites provided to gather information. The more you read and the better informed you are, the better the decision you will make.
How: For disaffiliation to pass, 2/3rds of the professing members of the church who are present must vote to disaffiliate. Anyone who is on the church roll, whether they are active or not, is eligible to vote. Members must be present and provide ID. Anyone who is homebound or in a nursing home must come to the church. They can stay in the car and we can bring the ballot to them. But you must be on the premises. There is no proxy voting or absentee voting allowed.
How Much: The cost for disaffiliation has been set by the Oklahoma Annual Conference Board of Trustees and will be discussed in person at the meeting on Saturday, February 11, 2023.