Dear Friends and Concerned Individuals,

In 2024, we witnessed dramatic changes within the United Methodist Church, resulting in doctrinal shifts that have left countless faithful believers feeling conflicted and even coerced. Conflicts over biblical authority and primary tenets of faith related to Christian belief, practice, and morality have led to significant divisions. As a minister, I have seen firsthand the pain and confusion that these changes have caused.

Given the significant changes in doctrine, it is troubling that there exists no fair and reasonable process for churches and individuals who, in good conscience, cannot support these changes to exit without fear of losing their property, assets, or place of worship. In many cases, church buildings and assets have been taken from those who disagree, even sold at auction rather than allowing faithful members to continue their ministry. This is not merely a matter of property—it is a matter of faith, integrity, and religious freedom. This crisis is not limited to the United States—it has caused division and suffering among faithful believers worldwide, including in Africa and other regions where the United Methodist Church has a presence.

This petition is an appeal for fairness for those churches and congregations who, in good conscience, cannot align with these doctrinal changes.

Please take a moment to read this petition. If this speaks to your heart, your sense of fairness, and your love for others, we invite you to add your name and stand with us.

Your time, your concern and YOUR VOICE MATTERS. Thank you!

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**PETITION OPPOSING THE COERCIVE USE OF CHURCH PROPERTY IN MATTERS OF FAITH AND CONSCIENCE**

We, the undersigned individuals — including members, former members, attendees, and supporters of the United Methodist Church, as well as concerned individuals who value religious freedom — stand united in expressing our profound concern regarding the use of church property and assets as a means of coercion in matters of faith and conscience.

We believe that:

• Faith is a Matter of Conscience: All believers have the God-given right to worship according to the dictates of their own conscience, free from coercion or intimidation.

• Spiritual Authority Must Align with Biblical Truth: When a religious body, according to the convictions of many, departs from historic and biblical doctrine, congregations must be free to align with teachings that reflect their convictions without suffering punitive actions.

• Material Assets Should Not Be Used as Spiritual Leverage: Using church buildings, property, or financial assets to force members or non-members to remain under doctrinal authority they fundamentally disagree with is an unjust practice that violates both biblical principles and moral integrity.

• Freedom of Association is Sacred: Just as the church has the right to establish its beliefs, so too do local congregations have the right to align with leadership and doctrine that they believe to be faithful to Scripture.

Therefore, we respectfully petition the leadership of the United Methodist Church to:

• Respect the right of local congregations to disaffiliate without punitive loss of property or assets.

• Engage in open, transparent dialogue with any congregation that seeks to depart, striving for peace and fairness.

• Reaffirm the commitment to biblical values, including the freedom of conscience.

We affirm that this petition is made not in a spirit of rebellion, but in a spirit of humility, seeking justice, integrity, and the preservation of our ability to worship in a joyful and uncompromised spirit.

Signed,

Reverend Paul Lawson Thompson

"Ethical behavior is doing the right thing when no one else is watching- even when doing the wrong thing is legal." - Aldo Leopold

"Ethics are nothing but reverence for life." — Albert Schweitzer

When a denomination uses material assets to force compliance with beliefs many congregations cannot accept, it doesn't preserve life—it diminishes it. True faith nurtures life. But when churches are threatened with losing their sacred spaces for holding to their convictions, it inflicts spiritual injury—a wound to life itself.

This petition is not about property—it’s about protecting the life of faith, the freedom of conscience, and the sacred trust between believers and their worship spaces.

If you believe in a church that values life and faith, we invite you to stand with us.