United Methodists throughout the world are bound together in a connectional covenant in which we support and hold each other accountable for faithful discipleship and the mission of Jesus Christ. UMC congregations are not an independent church. Local church congregations and property are connected for the benefit of the denomination, each church, and the ministry and mission of all in the AWFUMC Conference and throughout the world. Disaffiliation means separating from the Alabama-West Florida Conference and the entire UMC.
The 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of the UMC adopted paragraph ¶2553 in the Book of Discipline: "Disaffiliation of a Local Church Over Issues Related to Human Sexuality." Because of the current deep conflict within the UMC around issues of human sexuality, a local church shall have a limited right, under the provisions of this paragraph, to disaffiliate from the denomination for reasons of conscience regarding a change in the requirements and provisions of the Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality or the ordination or marriage of self-avowed practicing homosexuals as resolved and adopted by the 2019 General Conference, or the actions or inactions of its annual conference related to these issues.
Information about disaffiliation for local churches and withdrawal for clergy can be found below. As more information becomes available, we will keep this page updated with the most accurate and current information.
Updated Disaffiliation Policy
The Alabama-West Florida Conference Trustees updated their disaffiliation policy on June 5, 2023. It was revised on June 13.
Click here to view updated policy.
Click here to view supporting documents.
The Disaffiliation Agreement
The disaffiliation agreement is signed by two officers of the local church. It may be signed by a local church attorney if desired. The local church signs the agreement prior to the Annual Conference. If the Annual Conference approves the disaffiliation, the conference treasurer and chancellors will sign and provide copies to the local church.
Disaffiliation Agreement Pursuant to Paragraph 2553
Documents to be provided to the Alabama-West Florida Conference
Three documents are provided to the Annual Conference two weeks prior to the Annual Conference vote. They are the partially executed disaffiliation agreement, the certified minutes from the local church vote and the local church resolution to disaffiliate, signed by a church officer. Click to the below links to access the documents.
Partially Executed Disaffiliation Agreement Pursuant to Paragraph 2553 (for disaffiliations occurring in 2023)
Forms
The below forms are necessary for clergy to withdraw from the UMC. Please note there is one withdrawal form for local pastors and another for ordained clergy as they use two different disciplinary paragraphs. If you need information shared with another denomination, please fill out the permission to release information form and send it to Rev. Jenni Hendrix at jenni@awfumc.org. If you cannot find your ordination or membership certificate, please fill out the substitute form and return it to your DS and conference secretary. Click here to read a letter from Rev. Jenni Hendrix, director of ministerial services.
Please note that if you are leaving with your church and for some reason your church disaffiliation date changes, we will work with you to make sure that your withdrawal date coincides with the actual disaffiliation date of your church.
Notification of Intent to Withdraw from Ordained Ministerial Office
Notification of Intent to Discontinue as a United Methodist Local Pastor
Notification of Intent to Withdraw to Unite with Another Denomination
Permission to Release Information to Another Denomination
Substitute Annual Conference Membership Form
Substitute Ordination Certificate Form
Click here to learn more about changing your charge conference
Health Benefits
Pension & Benefits Information (including church disaffiliation related to pensions)
- For active clergy, health, vision and dental benefits terminate on the last day of the month of disaffiliation.
- For retired clergy who have previously met the requirements for the PostRetirement Medical plan (MedSupp) may remain on the plan.
- All health benefits are subject to change annually
Impact on benefits chart from Wespath
FAQs for Clergy Credentials when seeking to Withdraw or Discontinue