To keep the faith and the peace amid gay-rights debate, largest Methodist church in Arkansas splits three ways

Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas 
(Photo by J.T. Wampler, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)

To follow their faith and avoid further disaffiliation efforts, Fayetteville Central United Methodist Church members approved a compromise that split the church into three churches, reports Frank E. Lockwood of the Arkansas Democrat- Gazette. "The two new congregations both favor traditional church teachings on gay marriage and ordination." The United Methodist Church has internal tensions over homosexuality. "Some members feel strongly that the church should uphold its current stances regarding gay clergy and marriage," its website notes. "Others strongly advocate for inclusion of LGBTQ Christians in all aspects of life in the church." Under a provision in the United Methodist Church's Book of Discipline that was added in 2019, U.S. congregations can disaffiliate 'over issues related to human sexuality.'"

Before the split, Fayetteville Central was Arkansas' largest United Methodist congregation and one the nation's largest. The "Amicable Reconciliation and Separation Agreement" spells out the terms of the division: Fayetteville's Central United Methodist Church will remain part of the United Methodist denomination. Genesis Church, the congregation's South Fayetteville satellite campus, will spin off, becoming independent. . . A third congregation will also be formed in the coming months. Carness Vaughan, the current senior pastor, said that he and other members will be leaving to launch what they're calling Christ Church."

Vaughan told Lockwood, "God has been at work throughout this process. There's no way we could have done it without that. I really do believe that God is going to bless what's happened here." Lockwood notes, "By finding a compromise, Central members avoided the need for a lengthy discernment process and a divisive congregation-wide vote on whether to 'disaffiliate.'"

Bill Kincaid, a leader of United for Central, told Lockwood, "There is sadness around those who may depart, but we will keep them in prayer as we all seek to serve our community. Bruce Johanson, a leader of Central Wesleyans, which had favored disaffiliation, also welcomed the outcome. He told Lockwood, "We are also thankful that Genesis Church is now an independent south Fayetteville church."