February 19, 2025

United Methodists called to oppose proposed repeal of trust clause

Last week, Bishop LaTrelle Easterling and BWC Chancellor Thomas Starnes testified before the Maryland Judicial Proceedings Committee, opposing Senate Bill 0586, which seeks to repeal the provisions on The United Methodist Trust Clause from state law.

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, United Methodists will testify before the House of Delegates Economics Matters Committee opposing HB 1182, which seeks to do the same.

The United Methodist Trust Clause has been part of church law since 1787. It states that every church building is held “in trust for the benefit of the entire denomination.” If a church leaves the denomination, its property reverts back to the annual conference. Current Maryland law codifies this clause in state statutes.

Conference leaders ask that United Methodists reach out to the members of the House Economic Matters committee and their state legislators to voice their opposition to HB 1182 and SB 0586 before Feb. 24.

Three sample letters are below. We encourage you to write using your own words and cut and paste text from the samples below as it is helpful.

Identify who your state representatives are.

Members of the House Economic Committee and links to their contact information include:

C.T. Wilson, chair,

Brian M. Crosby, vice chair

Christopher T. Adams

Marlon D. Amprey

Steven J. Arentz

Adrian A. Boafo

Lorig Charkoudian

Diana M. Fennell

Mark N. Fisher

Andrea Fletcher Harrison

David Fraser-Hidalgo

Seth A. Howard

Andre V. Johnson, Jr.

Jesse T. Pippy

Andrew C. Pruski

Lily Qi

Pamela E. Queen

Michael J. Rogers

April R. Rose

Veronica L. Turner

Kriselda Valderrama

William J. Wivell

Letter One Template Text

I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 1182/Senate Bill 586, which proposes to repeal the requirement that the assets of any Methodist church be held in trust for The United Methodist Church, as well as to remove certain provisions related to the trust clause in deeds or conveyances executed before June 1, 1953.

As a member of The United Methodist Church, I believe this bill undermines the core values of unity, accountability, and connectionalism that are central to our faith tradition. The trust clause has long been a foundational element in ensuring that local churches remain in relationship with the larger United Methodist Church. By ensuring that church assets are held in trust for the denomination, it reinforces the collective mission and ministry we share across the global church.

Repealing the trust clause and removing provisions that support our unity and the Church’s accountability would create a dangerous precedent that could erode the strength of our denomination. This action may lead to fragmentation, as local churches could potentially sever their ties to the larger connectional body, thereby jeopardizing the long-standing mission and unity we have worked hard to maintain. In particular, the repeal would disproportionately affect smaller congregations and churches with fewer resources that rely on the collective strength of the denomination for support and guidance.

I am deeply concerned that this bill would open the door to disunity within our church and place financial resources and assets in the hands of those who may prioritize personal or localized interests over the greater mission of The United Methodist Church. The trust clause has helped protect the integrity of the denomination for decades, and its removal could cause harm to the wider ministry and charitable works The United Methodist Church has carried out globally.

For these reasons, I strongly urge you to vote against HB1182/SB0586 and to stand in support of maintaining the trust clause and the provisions that keep our church united in purpose and ministry.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will consider the long-term implications of this bill and vote to preserve the unity and accountability of The United Methodist Church.

 Letter Two Template Text

Peace to you and I hope that you’re well. I am writing to express my opposition to House Bill 1182, which proposes the repeal of the trust clause for local Methodist churches in relation to The United Methodist Church. Specifically, the bill would repeal the requirement that the assets of any Methodist church be held in trust for The United Methodist Church and subject to the control of the church. I believe that this repeal would have negative consequences for both our local churches and the broader global connection that we cherish.

[Add here how the UMC connection has personally benefited the congregation and/or community in which you serve (i.e. grants, building services, general contracting support, equitable compensation, benefits, insurance, etc. and why this trust clause is personally important to you).]

The trust clause has long been a vital safeguard for local Methodist congregations, ensuring that their assets and property remain aligned with the mission and teachings of The United Methodist Church, no matter the challenges or changes that arise over time. This provision has helped to maintain the unity and strength of our denomination, ensuring that our local churches remain a part of something larger than themselves, connected to the broader movement of faith that spans the globe. By maintaining the trust clause, we affirm that no single congregation is isolated or removed from the larger body of believers and that every Methodist church remains committed to the principles and vision of The United Methodist Church as a whole.

Furthermore, the trust clause strengthens our global connection, ensuring that our shared mission and outreach continue to thrive despite geographic, cultural, and doctrinal differences. It enables The United Methodist Church to maintain cohesion and shared resources, allowing us to support international ministries, provide disaster relief, and work toward justice and peace. The unity brought about by the trust clause helps ensure that our churches are not fragmented and that our mission is global, cohesive, and focused on spreading the message of Christ’s love and compassion.

If House Bill 1182 were to pass, it could weaken this vital connection and diminish the ability of our denomination to function as a unified church. Local congregations would have the ability to act independently, without the oversight and accountability that the trust clause offers. This could lead to fragmentation, confusion, and a loss of shared resources, which would ultimately harm the mission of the church and undermine the global work we have undertaken for over a century.

I urge you to carefully consider the long-term impact this bill would have on our denomination’s unity, its mission, and the way our local churches are able to contribute to our collective ministry. The trust clause is a foundational aspect of our shared identity and mission, and repealing it would have far-reaching consequences that could diminish our ability to work together for the greater good.

Thank you for your time and for your service to our community. I appreciate your consideration of my concerns and respectfully request that you oppose HB 1182.

Letter Three Template Text

I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 1182, which seeks to repeal the trust clause that ensures the assets of local Methodist churches are held in trust for The United Methodist Church. As a member of [Local Church Name], I have seen firsthand the profound positive impact that the trust clause has had on our congregation and the broader ministry we serve. [Share some of those examples here.]

For our local church, the trust clause is not just a legal formality; it is an essential part of our identity and mission. It has allowed us to focus on what matters most — serving our community and advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ — without having to worry about the division of our property or assets, should challenges arise. The trust clause assures that our church’s resources are committed to the shared work of The United Methodist Church, creating a sense of security and unity within our congregation.

Beyond the practical benefits of security, the trust clause has allowed us to participate in the broader mission of The United Methodist Church, knowing that our resources are contributing to a greater good. Whether it is providing aid during times of natural disaster, supporting global ministries, or working toward social justice causes, our local church has always been able to rely on the larger structure of the Church. The trust clause has helped us to be more than just a local congregation; it has allowed us to be part of a global movement, working together with our Methodist brothers and sisters around the world.

If House Bill 1182 passes, local churches like ours could be at risk of losing this sense of security and connection. The trust clause ensures that we are not isolated, but rather, part of something much larger than ourselves. Without it, the unity of the Church and our ability to act as one body with shared resources and goals would be significantly weakened.

As someone who has witnessed the tangible benefits of the trust clause in our local ministry, I urge you to consider the real and immediate impact that the repeal of this provision could have on churches like ours. For us, it is not just about policy; it is about maintaining a stable foundation from which we can continue to serve our neighbors, support those in need, and carry out the work God has called us to do.

I respectfully ask that you oppose HB 1182 and stand in support of local churches like ours that benefit from the trust and unity the current provision provides.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and for your service to our community. I appreciate your consideration and your leadership.

We thank you for your witness to connectionalism and the trust clause of The United Methodist Church. If you have any questions, contact communications@bwcumc.org.