Faith
Maine Church Defends Property Against UMC Takeover
Faith Facts
- Broad Cove Church in Maine has filed suit against the United Methodist Church New England Annual Conference, alleging attempts at wrongful property takeover.
- The church contends it is non-denominational and never voted to officially join the UMC.
- Broad Cove seeks a court injunction to prevent the conference from acquiring its property.
A congregation in Cushing, Maine, is fighting to protect its property and independence amid growing tension with the regional United Methodist Conference. The church asserts its right to remain non-denominational and claims the UMC is trying to impose exclusive affiliation and new bylaws upon it.
The dispute intensified when Michael Leonard, the pastor assigned by UMC in 2023, allegedly urged changes that challenged the church’s identity and governance. After the church voted to terminate Leonard’s employment, the UMC sent a letter claiming the property was held in a denominational trust.
“UMC seeks to expand its shrinking holdings by fiat, declaring that Broad Cove is a Methodist-only community and forcing its non-Methodist members either to submit or find other churches,” reads the lawsuit.
“The UMC demands that Broad Cove knuckle under to the UMC’s ‘Book of Discipline’, with the ultimate goal of seizing Broad Cove’s real and personal property.”
While Broad Cove seeks legal intervention, the UMC continues to list the church as a member congregation. The outcome could set a precedent for church property rights and faith community autonomy within mainline denominations.
As believers, standing for truth, honoring church autonomy, and stewarding what God has entrusted is central. Pray for wisdom and righteousness to prevail as this church family defends its freedom to serve Christ as a community grounded in faith.