Church agrees to pay over $1.4 million to disaffiliate from United Methodist Church

A significant settlement has been reached involving a church in Illinois that sought to separate from The United Methodist Church (UMC). The Naperville Korean United Methodist Church has agreed to a disaffiliation arrangement costing them over $1.4 million, amid ongoing disputes about property ownership and their status within the denomination.

Last month, a deal was struck between the congregation and the UMC Northern Illinois Conference following legal disputes. According to UMC’s trust clause, which stipulates that church properties are held in trust for the entire denomination, the former Naperville congregation will pay a sum of $1,429,457.98 while adhering to the procedures established for disaffiliation.

This decision marks the end of a tumultuous chapter for the church. K.P. Chung, a lay leader of the Woori Naperville UMC—formed by members who chose to stay with the UMC—expressed hope for reconciliation among all church members, including those who opted for separation. Chung remarked, “I pray that we continue reconciliation among all the members, including the breakaway group, for the sake of the church as Christians.” He emphasized the commitment to mission and ministry moving forward.

Bishop Dan Schwerin of the Northern Illinois Conference shared his gratitude towards the faithful members who remain with the UMC. He stated, “With the lawsuit behind us we can return to the work of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world in the greater Naperville area.” The church, now rebranded to Woori United Methodist Church, has resumed worship services since the lawsuit’s resolution.

The broader context of this split lies within contentious discussions that have divided the UMC for years, particularly around issues such as the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordination of LGBTQ+ individuals. As of this year, the UMC has made amendments to its rules concerning these matters. From 2019 to 2023, to manage these tensions, the church had provisions allowing congregations to disaffiliate, resulting in over 7,500 churches opting to part ways.

The Naperville Korean UMC was one of those congregations that began the disaffiliation process but later attempted to declare itself independent in May 2023. This led to court proceedings where a judge ruled in favor of the Northern Illinois Conference, affirming their control over the church’s assets. The Rev. Victoria Rebeck, a spokesperson for the conference, noted the organization’s commitment to reconciliation, emphasizing that remaining members have been actively worshiping in the building despite the transition.

Now, as they move on from the conflict, members of the Woori United Methodist Church are focusing on their mission, inviting both newcomers and long-time congregants to join them in this new chapter of their spiritual journey.

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