Many of the research respondents say they remain members of and/or loyal to the UMC because of its Wesleyan heritage and theology.

[I stay because of the] Wesleyan heritage and the liberalism regarding social action which don't occur in this combination in other denominations that I know about.

I stay because I'm hopelessly, unutterably Wesleyan.

Even though I disagree with the current Discipline concerning GLBT Christians, I feel that leaving the United Methodist Church would do nothing to foster change and spiritual growth in the denomination. I also am more comfortable with the Methodist way of "doing theology" than in any other faith group. I am a firm believer in John Wesley's "think and let think" and "though we may not think alike, may we not love alike." As long as the United Methodist Church remembers Wesley's wisdom, we have a chance to be a great innovator, mover and shaker in the world.

I love the principles of the Wesleyan tradition. I love that my church does so much mission and outreach work.

I truly believe in the ideas of prevenient grace and the four-point quadrilateral ideas of Wesleyan theology.... I have found many supportive clergy who have guided me in my spiritual journey and encourage me in living a life of active faith.

I value so much of our history and general statements: i.e., the Quadrilateral, "unity in essentials", diversity, warm-hearted personal relationship with Christ, understandings of grace, our worship and hymnody...

I feel that the Wesleyan theology does not exclude GLBT individuals, the people that have interpreted the laws have excluded the GLBT community. Unfortunately, many GBLT are not "activists" and there is not a high percentage of GLBT in the organization on a whole.

I am proud of the progressive Wesleyan tradition that included anti-slavery activism in the past and continues in the present day on other progressive social issues.

My affiliation with/loyalty to/membership in the UMC stems mainly from my strong belief in John Wesley's teachings. Primarily his teachings on grace (prevenient grace, etc). I also very strongly believe in his teaching that communion is a means of grace and that one does not have to baptized to receive it.

I believe in the Weslyan theology.

I am employed by the UMC. I would consider another denomination, but I have invested so much of myself in the UMC and I know that my belief system is still very UMC grounded.

I was raised in the UMC and have always been proud of its emphasis on social responsibility and personal wholeness (or holiness, in the words of John Wesley). Though I heard a lot of fire and brimstone revival sermons as a child, my experience with youth groups, Wesley Foundation, and liberal urban churches has proven very important and healing in my life.

I love the theology of John Wesley. I love the connectionalism of the [UMC].

I was raised Presbyterian with strong UM influence. The UMC appeals to me through its relatively open-minded views to worship and discernment. The foundation of scripture as influenced by our traditions, experience and reason, allows a UM to comfortably fit into the church structure as the relationship with God deepens.

What keeps me loyal to the Church... are two factors. I was born, baptised, raised, confirmed and ordained into a Church which was a centrist voice, perhaps the centrist voice, in the face of extremes. I still believe in the words of Father Wesley who advocated that we believe and let believe, that we think and let think. Unfortunately the UMC of today has strayed far to the right from the centrist position of our history and seems bent on straying yet farther as the issues of the human rights of lesbian and gay clergy and members are increasingly trampled at General Conference every four years. I mourn for the Church of my birth and the essentials of fairness on which it was established. I believe that the Church is capable of returning to its former centrist position of leadership in the Protestant community and continue to pray and, wherever possible, to work toward that end.

A strong Weslyan theology.

I believe that [the UMC] is the most open to freedom of theological thought -- with the exception of the issue of homosexuality.

United Methodism is unique in being able to combine the aspects of God's grace and forgiveness with the need for human responsiveness and compassion. I appreciate the theological heritage of the church..... Methodism [is] a theologically compelling "middle ground" in the faith and works controversy. Consequently, I remain loyal to the United Methodist Church primarily for theological reasons. But, also, this theological stance buttresses a social stance and a set of social principles that are compassionate and thoughtful. I believe that, because of this history, United Methodism has the best chance of favorably including gay and lesbian people as full members of the church, with the same rights, duties and privileges as all other members. While there are other churches that have moved more progressively in this direction, I believe United Methodism is the best "mainstream" church to move forward.

Next: Local Church: People, Community, Worship, Spiritual Growth