Over 6,000 United Methodist congregations, accounting for one-fifth of the US total, have received permission to leave the denomination due to a schism over Lgbtq Rights. The departures began in 2019 and have reached their highest level this year. Many of the departing congregations are joining the Global Methodist Church, while others are going independent or joining different denominations. The exit of these churches, particularly in the South and Midwest, will result in significant budget cuts for the United Methodist Church in 2024. The split reflects controversies seen in other mainline Protestant denominations.

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