The Michigan Conference has a clear process and pathway for churches that wish to leave the Conference and The United Methodist Church.  This pathway has been developed from paragraph 2553 of The Book of Discipline.  It is currently the only pathway for departure.

Bishop Bard is committed to working with other conference and denominational leaders in the coming months to consider developing additional pathways for separation. Bishop Bard is also working with conference and denominational leaders to develop processes for clergy who wish to leave the Michigan Conference and The United Methodist Church.

He is committed to developing processes that are care-filled and provide the least disruption possible for churches and clergy.  To that end, he remains committed to ongoing conversations with persons who intend to leave the UMC as these processes and pathways are considered and developed.

Based on legislation passed at the 2019 General Conference, the Judicial Council designated each annual conference board of trustees with the responsibility to establish the “terms and conditions” for disaffiliation that will be incorporated into a final document to be acted upon by the Annual Conference for any church voting to leave the United Methodist denomination.

The formal Disaffiliation Agreement and a list of FAQs are being provided with a context of solemnity. Solemn, because there is a fracture in the theological foundation of our denomination. Solemn, because congregations, as a matter of conscience, may perceive a need to leave the connectional structure that is the United Methodist Church. Solemn, because the ministries of those staying and of those leaving will undoubtedly be significantly impacted.