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BY MELISSA LAUBER
UMCONNECTION STAFF

Leaders of the Baltimore-Washington Conference continue to work with members of White Rock UMC in Sykesville, but the 35-member congregation and its pastor, the Rev. Douglas Sands, have written to the bishop and indicated they no longer want to be a part of The United Methodist Church.

Members of the White Rock congregation sent out a letter to churches of the Baltimore-Washington Conference Nov. 15 asking for money for the White Rock Legal Defense Fund to assist in retaining the property, which, according to church law that has been supported in civil courts, belongs to The United Methodist Church.

In an article in the Baltimore Sun, the members expressed concerns that the conference would close their church because of its small size and aging membership. Sands said the church felt neglected.

Bishop John Schol and the Rev. Terri Rae Chattin, superintendent of the Frederick District, said “there were never any plans to close the church” and both deeply regret the congregation’s decision to abandon their more than 143-year connection with the Methodist Church.

Bishop Schol has called on members of the Baltimore-Washington Conference to “pray that God will work through everyone to bring reconciliation and unity within the church.”

He remains hopeful that the church members will be able to work through issues and that White Rock will return as a valued part of the Baltimore-Washington Conference.

If the congregation does not respond by Jan. 1, coming back to the denomination or with a request for additional conversation, conference officials will proceed with carrying out Para. 2501 in the Book of Discipline, which addresses church property.

According to the Trust Clause, a church law which has been in effect since 1797, the title to a United Methodist local church property is held by the local church, but held in trust for the entire United Methodist Church.

White Rock UMC is part of a two-point charge with Johnsville UMC in Sykesville. In meetings with conference leaders, Chattin said, Johnsville members have expressed their desire to remain a part of The United Methodist Church.