Church facing historic, consequential vote

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - The First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro will vote next Sunday on breaking away from the main Protestant denomination over the ongoing homosexuality debate.

The church has been contemplating disaffiliation for 18 months, but some members want more time.

“We have not had an opportunity, especially on the stay UMC side to really get our message out, we have been denied use of many of the church resources and facilities,” said Dr. Holly Hall, a church member.

She and other members of “Stay UMC” oppose disaffiliation. They’re working to get the message out to other members at great expense.

“We are having to pay actually out of our own pockets,” Hall said. “While the church has had all the resources at their disposal to push disaffiliation messages.”

Another member said that the vote seems rushed and flawed.

So far, Stay UMC has collected more than 200 signatures on a petition to delay the vote until after Labor Day so everyone can be informed of the ramifications of disaffiliation.

The church leadership denied the request and said the vote will be held Sunday, July 31.

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