Georgia church splits from Methodists over LGBT dispute A Georgia congregation says it has split from the United Methodist Church after the denomination's divisive vote last year to strengthen bans on same-sex marriages and ordination of LGBTQ pastorsSAVANNAH, Ga. -- A Georgia congregation said Thursday that it has finalized its split from the United Methodist Church after the denomination's divisive vote last year to strengthen bans on same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQ pastors. Members of Asbury Memorial Church in Savannah overwhelmingly supported leaving the Methodist church after a February 2019 conference rejected more LGBTQ-inclusive practices. Billy Hester, said Asbury Memorial is now officially independent after the United Methodists' South Georgia Conference approved the separation Aug. 15. In Savannah, the church formerly known as Asbury United Methodist Church opted not to wait. Formed in 1968, the United Methodist Church claims about 12.6 million members worldwide, including nearly 7 million in the U.S.

Source: ABC News September 03, 2020 15:50 UTC