Capitol & Scott: The Methodist divide in Arkansas

Factions within the United Methodist Church have been at odds for years over the issue of homosexuality. Traditionalists are opposed to gay marriage and gay clergy while progressive factions are for acceptance.

The theological conservatives who are against the ordination of gay ministers have been pushing to leave the United Methodists for another evangelical body. Last week, the United Methodist Church in Arkansas held its annual convention in Hot Springs where leaders discussed the possibility of an amicable separation with churches wanting to split.

No decision has been made yet but Arkansas Democrat Gazette religion editor Frank Lockwood says the disagreements within the church are not going away anytime soon, and that each side stands to face negative impacts from the doctrinal schism.

Lockwood, who attended the Hot Springs conference earlier in June, joins Capitol & Scott host Lara Farrar to share what’s next with the United Methodists in Arkansas.

Email Frank Lockwood: flockwood@adgnewsroom.com

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