Speak Up: Several local congregations disaffiliate from United Methodist Church

Divergent views on homosexuality and its relationship to the United Methodist Church prompted 11 local congregations to recently separate from their regional organization, Bishop Peggy Johnson said. At the annual meeting of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church, held virtually June 10-11, the departing member churches’ quest for disaffiliation was accepted. The Sussex County and Eastern Shore of Maryland churches that disaffiliated included Long Neck, Rockawalkin, Gumboro, St. Martin’s, Carey’s, Line, Bethel, Providence, St. John’s, Grace and Hickory Hill.

• They throw gay people off buildings in Muslim countries, but you never hear liberals talking about that. But they’ll go after Christianity in a heartbeat because of its high amount of White members. Democrats win elections by villainizing White people. If a church has a problem with homosexuality, then it’s their prerogative. There’s no reason to cry about it. Just don’t go to that church. — Kelly Lord

• Any church not welcoming anyone because of their sexual orientation is not a church. Four walls are not needed to pray. — Denise Ginger Ginger