NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A group of United Methodist Church leaders from around the world and across ideological divides is proposing an amicable separation.
The proposal is to create a new conservative denomination. Members of the 13-million-person denomination have been at odds for years over issues of gay marriage and gay clergy.
The proposal, called "A Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation," envisions a separation in which conservative churches forming a new denomination would retain their assets. The new denomination also would receive $25 million.
The mediation panel was formed after it became clear the impasse over LGBTQ issues was irreconcilable.
