Open Letter to the BSUMC Congregation

Reflect with us, if you will, on the journey we've been on since April, when a group from our church, backed by the Wesleyan Covenant Association and the nascent Global Methodist Church, gathered signatures in support of exploring disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church. This "petition" became the grounds for the church conference on October 30 when our congregation will vote to either remain in The United Methodist Church or to pursue separation.

Since then, this group, called "The Friends of Buncombe Street," has sent some 16 email messages to our church and has posted prolific content on its website. In a nutshell, their message is that our "traditional values" and our Christian beliefs are at risk -- from The United Methodist Church! They've framed it as a battle between "traditionalists" and "progressives." They've compared their current endeavor to the biblical journeys of God's chosen people, the Israelites, and the exodus from Egypt. They've told you to "Be Aware of False Teachings."

Another group, Save Buncombe Street's Legacy, has presented another perspective. This group recognizes the value of our United Methodist heritage and its role in our faith development, and is confident in our denomination's future. We don't see ourselves as "traditional" or "progressive", but we are all people of God. We believe that the UMC, from its inception, has been the very personification of God's hand at work in the world - welcoming all, caring for all, loving all.  Since September, through 7 emails and a website, the Legacy group has refuted claims that our UMC doctrine and theology has changed, or likely will. It defended The UMC's "big tent" model of inclusion and welcome for all believers and seekers. 

Quite frankly, the Friends of Buncombe Street have waged a campaign of fear to convince members that the new Global Methodist Church is a better choice. But is it wise to leave a tried-and-true, beloved, major denomination on a promise of a new church in which the structure, governance and rules are still under construction? Is it fair to conclude, based on a few extreme examples, that The United Methodist Church will change its fundamentals? No!

Recently there was a mean-spirited attempt to embarrass one of our clergy. We deplore such tactics, and we can say unequivocally that no one from Save Our Legacy instigated it. Here's what we want you to know:

• The Articles of Religion of The UMC have NOT changed, and are not likely to. Accusations that the UMC will abandon the authority of Scripture, Divinity of Christ, the Virgin Birth and the Resurrection are blatantly false. These statements are being used to shore up a case for dividing The UMC over sexuality. Please don't let disinformation and doubt infect your hearts.  
• We respect and hope to build on Buncombe Street UMC's heritage of missional outreach and meeting needs in our community and throughout the world. We will follow where God leads us.      
• We believe being "in connection" in The UMC enriches our ministry, and answers God's call to live in community and peace with others.
• We believe The United Methodist Church, a huge denomination with 12 million members and churches in 55 countries around the world, can encompass a spectrum of beliefs and practices. Our local church will remain connected to our values as it has since 1834.
• To date, since 2019, out of more than 30,500 United Methodist      congregations only about 700 have chosen to disaffiliate from the denomination. This represents about 2.3 percent of U.S. congregations.
• With a vote to remain affiliated with the United Methodist Church, our Buncombe Street legacy will continue into the future in our historic present location. However, if our congregation votes to disaffiliate (requiring 66% of those present), there is no guarantee that church property (which is held in trust by the SC Annual Conference) will transfer to or be sold to the new denomination.

Steve Harper,  "a retired United Methodist minister, prolific author, and former leader in the conservative Confessing Movement who now chooses to remain in the United Methodist Church, sums up the reasons this way: "My parting word to GMC folks is to judge the new denomination 'by its fruit' -- the heart of which is love, and see how it defines and practices love in actuality. Pay attention to who is affirmed and not affirmed, who is welcomed and who is turned away... My witness to those who will remain in the UMC is this: if you want to be in a denomination where biblical authority, a credible theology of human sexuality, and a commitment to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and you neighbor as yourself is in full force, you need not leave."

Your fellow church members who want to Save Buncombe Street's Legacy ask you to continue to inform yourself and to prayerfully consider your options. We encourage you to attend the October 30 church meeting and to vote to remain in The United Methodist Church.. 

Save Buncombe Street's Legacy

Jesus said "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. Love God above all else. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

Matthew 22:35-40