03/07/2025
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ฉ๐ฌ ๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ณ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ก ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ
The College of Bishops of the Philippines Central Conference issues this statement in response to increasing incidents involving groups and individuals who, though they have separated from The United Methodist Church (UMC), continue to occupy or claim ownership of properties held in trust for the denomination. These actions violate both civil law and church polity.
There is no provision in the 2020/2024 Book of Discipline, allowing local churches or members to disaffiliate from the UMC while retaining property. The United Methodist trust clause clearly states that all propertiesโchurch buildings, parsonages, bank accounts, equipment, and assetsโare held in trust for the benefit of the whole Church. This covenant is not symbolic; it reflects our connectional nature as United Methodists.
In the Philippines Central Conference, this clause ensures that local assets remain dedicated to the Churchโs mission. No individual, pastor, council, or congregation has the authority to unilaterally claim ownership or control of church property after separation. Such actions breach legal trust and violate our shared covenant.
While we respect the right of individuals and groups to follow their convictions, leaving the United Methodist Church does not entitle anyone to take property that belongs to the Church. We have witnessed cases where disaffiliating groups spread misinformation, suggesting that properties belong solely to local leaders or congregations. This is false. Our churches are part of a greater wholeโspiritually and structurally.
These unauthorized claims have caused division and confusion, leaving many faithful United Methodists distressed. As bishops, we are charged with offering clarity and protection, and we will use appropriate canonical and legal means to safeguard church properties, uphold accountability, and maintain the unity and order of the UMC.
We appeal to those who have chosen to separate: do so with honesty, humility, and respect for what belongs to the Church. If your convictions have prompted your departure, we encourage you to do so in peace, without further fracturing the church or breaching the trust established within the connection. There is no justification for taking what rightfully belongs to others.
We also reaffirm our traditional stance on human sexuality. We believe that marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, and we do not support the ordination of self-avowed, practicing homosexuals in our Central Conference. This affirmation is offered in love, not condemnation, and reflects our faithfulness to Scripture and our pastoral responsibility.
To all faithful United Methodists who continue to uphold our covenant life, we express our deep gratitude. Your courage and grace amid conflict reveal the strength of your faith and the presence of Christ among us. Let us respond not with fear or division, but with truth, patience, and grace.
The Church is not defined by buildings but by peopleโalive in Christ and sent into the world to share His love. With hope, we move forward in our mission to rebuild, replant, and renew the United Methodist witness in the Philippines for the glory of God.
In Christโs Love and Peace,
The College of Bishops of the Philippines Central Conference
For PDF download: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZeQBtLCYGekoDJkB9B6mwOsQBqgwWyyT?usp=drive_link
