Reasons given for remaining members of and/or loyal to the UMC are as many and as diverse as the respondents themselves. For some it is the focus on social justice issues.
For the most part I feel good about my identification as a United Methodist. The denomination has a fine tradition of faithfulness through social activism and of willingness to accept varying points of view. These characteristics were the first ideas I learned about the denomination, and I believe they still exist, despite the written policies.
This congregation's commitment to social justice is inspiring.
Even though the [denomination] has a backward stance on sexual orientation, it has a long history of socially progressive, outward-focused, compassionate ministry with the poor and marginalized. I remain loyal to the UMC church because I feel passionately about that same commitment, and I stay in order to advocate for a repudiation of our condemning stance on sexual orientation in a similar way to our recent repudiation of the denomination’s part in the institution of slavery and ongoing racism.
I have always been proud to be a member of a church which took its social witness of the Gospel so seriously. That is exactly the reason that I find this issue so painful. Instead of being a social witness of the Gospel's inclusiveness, the UMC is maintaining the status quo.
My local congregation... is a beacon of light in the UMC. We are a thriving congregation that is living out the UMC commitment to social justice and diversity, and that gives me hope for the denomination to someday follow in our footsteps.
I am satisfied that the UMC has the potential to be a leader in providing ministry to all members that will lead them into a closer relationship with Christ and one another. I am frustrated that others -- particularly conservatives -- in the UMC seem fearful of dialogue regarding the nature of sexuality and the relationship of the biblical witness to the realities of living out one's sexuality in a Christian life. I am hopeful that the small minority of folks in the UMC who are working on the progressive side of these issues will discover a way to address the issues successfully within the UMC so that the stalemate and increasingly legalistic stance in the denomination will be transformed into a healthy mutuality of support and accountability regarding all matters of sexuality in the lives of UM believers, though I see achieving this taking a very long time.
I love the church, but I wish that it would love me.
You get out of something what you put into it. I am highly satisfied with the peace and justice ministries in which I am very active, but considerably less than enthusiastic about many of the church settings in which I am required to operate, such as Annual Conference.
I like the UMC because of its relative progressiveness, and I also like the spirit of community that tends to be less judgmental than other denominations.
The diverse and global nature of the church... the balance between spirituality and social justice... the possibility of becoming a more inclusive, more life and spirit affirming church.
I love the history of the church, specifically around social justice issues (except GLBT). I have hope that things will change. I really believe in our ability to come out of this struggle for the better, but I am beginning to lose some of this hope and belief. I'm not sure how much longer I will stay loyal or affiliated.
I agree with the basic doctrines -- especially regarding social justice issues -- but disagree with the official stand on LGBT persons and the narrow interpretations of scripture by some people.
Although I joined a UM congregation unaware of its history and positions (Social Principles, Resolutions, operations), I now realize my beliefs fit well with the UMC, even though I work to change positions I find inconsistent.
I am proud to be a United Methodist, despite its stance on sexual orientation. It best represents, for me, a way of expressing my concerns for social justice within a Christian context.
Social Justice Focus