A Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation is the newest proposal for the reorganization of The United Methodist Church. It will be offered to delegates to General Conference 2020. Authors of most of the other plans below were part of the group developing the compromise proposal.
Use the links to read each of the major proposals as well as a downloadable comparison chart. Plans shown here – other than the Protocol – are listed in alphabetical order and do not include proposals from individuals. All proposals will be open for amendments during the May 5-15 General Conference and may be subject to Judicial Council review.
Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation
Representatives of advocacy groups with contrasting views and bishops from around the world collaborated on and unanimously support a compromise proposal for the separation of The United Methodist Church.
"New Denominations"(Indianapolis Plan)
This plan envisions the creation of new expressions — traditionalist, centrist/progressive and progressive — that will share a common heritage from the roots of Methodism.
"New Expressions Worldwide (N.E.W)"
Proposed by UMForward, this legislation would dissolve The United Methodist Church and form four new global denominations instead — traditionalist, moderate, progressive and liberationist.
"Next Generation UMC" (UMCNext)
This plan would eliminate the Church’s restrictions against LGBTQ ordination and same-sex weddings, while allowing local churches that disagree to depart and organize into new forms of Methodism.
“U.S. Regional Conference” (Connectional Table)
The Connectional Table plan would create a new decision-making body for U.S. matters — a place for United Methodists to vote on clergy pensions, retirement plans, property matters, resolutions and other initiatives that solely affect the United States
This handy chart compares the main proposals for restructuring of the denomination that will be considered by the General Conference.
Download chart