Highland Park church split triggers dual worship services and legal standoff
A 90% vote to leave the denomination is contested by the bishop, leading to two competing services in Dallas.
By Joao Menon ·
Two groups claiming the same congregation in Highland Park, Texas, will hold separate worship services this Sunday after a disputed vote to leave the United Methodist Church. The division has created a legal and spiritual conflict where the denomination claims the church remains under its control, while the congregation asserts it has legally separated.
Members of Highland Park United Methodist Church voted earlier this week to depart from the denomination. The measure passed with more than 90% approval based on 4,775 votes cast. Following the result, the group rebranded itself as Highland Park Methodist Church. It plans to complete its separation from the UMC by December 1.
Bishop Ruben Saenz of the Texas Horizon League rejects the validity of that vote. He argues the process did not follow UMC policies. Consequently, he maintains that Highland Park United Methodist Church remains part of the denomination. Saenz appointed Reverend Andy Lewis to lead the entity and removed the church's previous senior officials.
The two groups will now worship in different locations this Sunday. The Highland Park Methodist Church will hold services at its regular facility on Hillcrest Road and Mockingbird Lane. It will use the same clergy who were removed by the bishop. The Highland Park United Methodist Church, led by Reverend Lewis, will conduct its service at the University Park United Methodist Church.
The dispute stems from a prior legal battle between the church and the denomination. Church leaders cite a broken bond of trust as the reason for the separation vote. Saenz expressed optimism in a recent video that the legal issues would be resolved. He stated, "I believe there is a faithful path forward. And it begins with honoring the covenant we have made together and restoring the governing documents."
Isabella Volmert, a faith reporter for the Dallas Morning News, noted that Saenz created an officially sanctioned congregation by removing the church's leaders. She reported that members who voted to leave are concerned about the future but trust their current pastors. A non-jury trial between the two parties is scheduled for October 2027. Leaders of the Highland Park Methodist Church stated they are confident in their legal position.
Source: KDFW
