With all the talk of division in the UMC, I really don’t think this is what most people want. I think it is the will of the most vocal among us. Nevertheless, I would like to know what readers of this blog think. Therefore I’ve decided to conduct an entirely unscientific poll asking readers to opine on this matter. I’d appreciate your sharing this post with others because more participants will hopefully mean a better cross section of perspectives. Yes, I know the answers you give may be contingent on a number of factors, but just give it your best shot.
71 thoughts on “Reader’s Poll: Do We Really Want Division?”
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David F. Watson 
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I find it interesting that even with all of the people who say that the question is poorly worded because no one “wants” division, the option to divide still gets 38% of the (unscientific) response.
I think you’re leaving out “I don’t want it, but I think its necessary/inevitable”
If the UMC accepts homosexual practice, ordination, and marriage, my church will leave the denomination. Do we want schism? Absolutely not! But would we leave the denomination if the denomination approved that which is “incompatible with Christian teaching”? Absolutely, without a doubt.
Mike, “Your” church. There’s a theological problem right there. Of course you also know that the only way a UM church can leave the denomination is for everyone to walk out of the building and go down the street. The building and its assets remain with the district.
Holly, you know he just meant the church he serves. I don’t think any of us really believe we possess our church. But, your statement that the only way to leave is for everyone to walk out presents a problem that will at some point happen if there is not a separation. If the conservative evangelical pastors/churches leave before there is a true separation (or the progressive pastors/churches leave), then the remaining group will be saddled with property and buildings that will be very difficult to maintain unless there are settlements on property ownership. I would rather see a process that allows for churches and pastors to decide which denomination they want to belong to (either a denomination that accepts the BoD without change or a denomination that will change the BoD), and the property and assets will remain with the church belonging to the denomination they chose. Then, pastors will be appointed to serve based on what denomination they align with. Then, maybe both sides can focus on making disciples and not fighting over the BoD every year.
I also know the process won’t be that simple. There are too many details to mention that must be worked out, but I think it will come down to a process that is essential what I mentioned.
A problem with your pole. It allows people to vote more than once. As such, instead of finding out how the majority feels, you may find out who is more fervent, or who has more time on their hands.
Kevin, that shouldn’t be happening. The poll is supposed to allow each voter only one vote. Regardless, I know there are ways around this.
Every time I reload the page, I have to vote in order to see the results.
It doesn’t allow another vote Kevin. When you hit vote, it should tell you your vote has already been counted and show you the results. You can just click on the link at the bottom to see results without hitting the vote button.