Controversy Erupts as UMC Proposes Funding Cuts in Côte d’Ivoire
The United Methodist Church faces criticism over its recent proposal to slash funding for the Côte d’Ivoire Conference, which boasts a 1-million-member base. The conference opted to leave the UMC earlier this year, prompting the denomination’s leaders to reconsider financial support.
Recently, the UMC Council of Bishops requested the General Council on Finance and Administration to halt funding to the Ivorian church and explore options to assume control over denominational properties in the region. This move stems from allegations that the Côte d’Ivoire Conference did not properly follow exit procedures, which would have ensured financial backing till 2028, according to UM News.
The desire to secure property control is anchored in the denomination’s trust clause, a policy that asserts ownership of church properties. However, Mark Tooley from the Institute on Religion & Democracy views these actions as “very punitive and vindictive.”
“They can successfully cut off funding from the United Methodist Church based in the U.S.,” Tooley noted. “I don’t know how successful they will be in seizing property based in Ivory Coast. I would guess Ivory Coast will not be very sympathetic to United Methodist officials in the U.S.”
Tooley further suggested that these measures might either discourage other churches from leaving or encourage them to expedite their disaffiliation. He also questioned what the property claims entail, highlighting that local church buildings are managed by regional conferences, now independent in the Ivory Coast.
The Christian Post sought comments from the UMC Council of Bishops, but responses were unavailable at the time of publication.
The Côte d’Ivoire Conference, which linked with the UMC in 2004, was one of its most substantial regional groups. This year, the UMC lifted bans on same-sex union blessings, ordination of LGBT clergy, and LGBT advocacy funding. In response, the conference voted to part ways, asserting that the UMC “has preferred to sacrifice its honorability and integrity to honor the LGBT”.
UMC Council of Bishops President Tracy Malone expressed a willingness to cooperate with the conference’s transition. “While we grieve Cote d’Ivoire Conference’s decision to separate from The United Methodist Church, we commit to work with them through the process of becoming an Autonomous Methodist Church,” Malone stated in June.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
