In the first in-person annual gathering of the Association of Korean Churches in The United Methodist Church, several panelists questioned whether the church’s membership decline could be attributed to a lack of spiritual renewal and its long-standing conflict over homosexuality.
Korean American churches are caught in the middle of the church divide over human sexuality, as many of them are theologically traditionalist congregations located in progressive conferences.
As theological conservatives prepare to break away from The United Methodist Church in May, some denomination members cry foul on the third postponement of General Conference. Still others see the delay as regrettable but necessary. For everyone, questions remain.
United Methodists are gearing up to go in different directions. At the same time, disputes over church rules and the status of LGBTQ people continue to flare.
