Answer #1 (Stay UMC)
Social media has been replete with comments regarding the value of the property vs the amount that would have to be paid to disaffiliate. It would be inappropriate for us to speculate on the motives of those wanting to leave the UMC in order to acquire the property. However, acquisition of the property does not qualify under Paragraph 2553 of the Book of Discipline as a reason for disaffiliation.
Answer #2 (Pro-Disaffiliation)
Owning our buildings and property is part of the process of disaffiliation. Members of the AUMC Moving Forward group in favor of Disaffiliation feel that owning our buildings is a benefit of disaffiliation.