No entity of The United Methodist Church, including the West Ohio Conference, is asking any clergy person or congregation to disaffiliate. However, we understand that a few are considering or have decided by their own choice to leave. The following provides clear and accurate information about the West Ohio Conference’s process.

Summary/Overview/Flow of Disaffiliation Process

EXPLORE:

• Contact your DS
• Review information on the conference website: https://www.westohioumc.org/disaffiliation

DISCERN:

• Include the whole church
• This is not a leadership-only matter
• Contact your DS for support with structuring a productive discernment process
• Complete the First Activities form

INITIATE DISAFFILIATION PROCESS:

• By August 15^th, request in writing your desire to have a Church Conference
• Send the request to your DS, and to Bishop Palmer and Conference Treasurer, Bill Brownson

BEGIN THE DETAILED WORK:

• Request the Local Church Procedure and Checklist
• Work through each item
• Send requested information to this email address:  P2553@wocumc.org
•  Request the Guideline for determining an estimate of the cost of disaffiliation

DS CONVENES A CHURCH CONFERENCE:

• Scheduled by DS
• Minimum 10 days’ notice to all professing members provided in two ways
• 2/3 vote of professing members present and voting required to disaffiliate

IF DISAFFILIATION VOTE PREVAILS:

• Complete the detailed work following the checklist
• Title Searches are to be completed and submitted by September 1st
• This work is designed to complete a legal separation and assist the new church with matters it must consider

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OCTOBER 28^TH VOTE:

• All items must be completed and submitted in advance of Annual Conference session
• Church provides payment either by ACH or cleared check by October 13^th for the cost of disaffiliation
• Legal agreements (contracts) are signed by the disaffiliated church authorized signer and returned to the Conference no later than October 13th
• Trust clause is prepared for release by Conference
• Return of contract and completed payment by October 13 is required for consideration at the October, 2023 Special Annual Conference Session.
• An affirmative vote by the Annual Conference is necessary for disaffiliation
• Official date of disaffiliation will be October 31, 2023

PROCESS FOR CLERGY WHO INTEND TO WITHDRAW

• Complete the Clergy Withdrawal Form linked below.
  • Please note this will require a Google Account to complete. 
    Click here for instructions on how to set one up if you do not have one. 

• Send a Formal Letter with your credentials to Bishop Palmer stating your withdrawal. 
• Please complete and submit the online withdrawal request and direct any questions to Dr. Donnetta Peaks dpeaks@wocumc.org