United Methodists vote to close 27 churches, some in our area
Logo of the United Methodist Church (AP)
Changes are coming to several United Methodist churches in our area.
The Alabama-West Florida Conference held its annual meeting this week, voting to close 27 churches in its district.
That vote affects two United Methodist churches in Montgomery. The conference voted to close Aldersgate United Methodist Church on Vaughn Road. It also voted to close Whitfield Memorial United Methodist Church on Fisk Road.
Here are the other churches in our area on the list:
- Williams Chapel United Methodist Church in Brundidge
- Memorial United Methodist Church Church in Covington County
- Morris Chapel United Methodist Church in Opelika
- Trinity Weoka United Methodist Church in Equality
- Fitzpatrick United Methodist Church in Fitzpatrick
- Loachapoka United Methodist Church in Loachapoka
First United Methodist Church in Greenville is also on the list, but Action 8 News talked with its pastor, Rev. Dr. Robert “Bob” Yawn, who told us the church is definitely not closing.
Some churches may continue operations, just not within the United Methodist denomination, but would join a different Methodist group.
The conference says this action is happening for a variety of reasons, some because of falling membership or finances. Others involve legal disputes.
Recently, some United Methodist congregations have left the denomination over other issues, such as gay marriage and LGBT clergy.
Despite the closings, the Alabama-West Florida Conference says its started 10 new congregations in recent years.
READ: Complete detailed list of church closings
