Dallas – The historic Highland Park United Methodist Church announced this week that it will leave the United Methodist denomination after a congregational vote in which 90.35% of the 4,775 ballots cast supported separation. The church council said the decision reflects a loss of trust with the Horizon Texas Annual Conference and its bishop, and the congregation plans to operate as Highland Park Methodist Church beginning in December.

Vote results and timeline

The vote, held on Sunday and Monday, was overseen by an independent third‑party election trust, which certified the results. The council expects to complete the operational steps required for the split by Dec. 1, 2026.

Reasons for the split

Church leaders said the conference and its bishop, Rev. Ruben Saenz Jr., “blindsided” them with litigation that they view as unjust. The council argued that the conference’s lawsuit over changes to the church’s governing documents broke the longstanding bond of trust between the local congregation and the denomination.

“We are confident in our legal position and believe our Methodist identity, rooted in our faith and Wesleyan tradition, will remain unchanged,” the council said in a statement. “Our mission in Christ will unite us, rather than divide us over differences.”

Conference response

The Horizon Texas Conference maintains that United Methodist governing rules do not permit a local church to unilaterally sever its connection. In a statement, the conference emphasized that while individuals are free to choose their religious affiliation, a congregational vote alone does not dissolve the legal relationship with the denomination. The conference also reminded that church property is held in trust for the United Methodist Church.

Member perspectives

Members expressed a range of views. James Pepper, a 26‑year member, said the lawsuit forced the church’s hand: “It’s time to cut ties. They’re not the United Methodist Church anymore.” Others, like Andrew Vanek, 23, voiced concern about losing the church’s centrist character and voted against the split, emphasizing the importance of general ecumenism.

Long‑time member Henry Varma, who has attended for a decade, also voted to stay, hoping for a negotiated resolution. In contrast, Windy Koehler, who joined for Rev. Matt Tuggle’s teaching, supported the departure, citing trust in the church’s pastors and lay leaders.

Legal and practical next steps

The conference has indicated that any property owned by Highland Park United Methodist remains subject to United Methodist trust provisions. The church council, however, asserts that it will retain its facilities and continue worship as an independent Methodist congregation.

Both sides have exchanged legal arguments about the proper process for amending governing documents. The conference’s chancellor, Rev. Sam Hamann, noted that prior negotiations on revised documents were rejected by the church council, leading to the current lawsuit.

Community impact

Highland Park United Methodist is one of the largest and wealthiest congregations in the Dallas area, with over 15,000 members and an average weekly attendance of more than 5,000. The split could set a precedent for other affluent congregations navigating similar disputes over local autonomy and denominational governance.

For now, the congregation plans to worship under the new name Highland Park Methodist Church, emphasizing continuity of worship, fellowship, and service to the community while operating independently of the United Methodist hierarchy.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.