News Summary
The St. John Methodist Church in Graniteville faces a property dispute after voting to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. This situation is part of a larger trend as many UMC congregations nationwide have opted to leave due to doctrinal disagreements, particularly regarding LGBTQ inclusion. The South Carolina Conference plans numerous lawsuits concerning property ownership, potentially influencing the future governance of the UMC in the region.
Graniteville Faces Property Dispute Over St. John Methodist Church
The St. John Methodist Church of Graniteville, located at 18 Gregg St., is embroiled in a complex property dispute due to the church’s decision to separate from the United Methodist Church (UMC). The South Carolina Conference of United Methodist Churches filed a lis pendens—which signals a legal dispute over property—on April 23, 2025. The controversy stems from long-standing doctrinal disagreements within the UMC, particularly regarding the inclusion of LGBTQ clergy and the sanctioning of same-sex unions.
The UMC traditionally prohibited same-sex unions and LGBTQ clergy but took a significant step in 2018 when the UMC Council of Bishops recommended that regional conferences should determine their own policies on these matters. However, this recommendation was met with resistance at the 2019 General Conference, where 53% of delegates opted to maintain the traditional stance, while 47% supported the recommendation for change.
In the wake of these events, several regional conferences announced plans to defy the traditional positions, which ultimately led the UMC to allow congregations seeking to disaffiliate to keep their properties. Since this decision, approximately 7,000 former UMC churches across the United States have chosen to leave the denomination. The exit option, initially available until December 31, 2023, has been extended in South Carolina to accommodate local churches.
As of February 2024, St. John Methodist Church voted to disaffiliate, although it may have missed the required deadlines necessary to secure its property during the separation process. This situation places the church at the center of potential litigation, as the South Carolina Conference is planning to file up to 42 lawsuits statewide regarding property ownership linked to congregations that have departed.
Background of the Church and Legal Proceedings
Founded in 1845, St. John Methodist Church is one of the oldest churches in Aiken County. The recent property dispute reflects a broader trend affecting many former UMC congregations, with legal battles being documented in at least 15 states, including Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Hawaii, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, New York, North Carolina, and South Carolina. These property conflicts have advanced to appellate courts in at least eight states.
Attorneys for the Spartanburg church and other congregations argue that they have legally detached from the UMC and should retain ownership of their respective properties. Conversely, the South Carolina Conference’s legal team contends that the departing churches did not adhere to the outlined procedures for disaffiliation and, therefore, claims ownership over the disputed properties.
Legal and Community Implications
The implications of these disputes may extend beyond property rights, raising questions about the future governance and theological landscape of the UMC in South Carolina and possibly across the nation. The ongoing legal battles could impact community relations and the operational viability of the churches involved.
As the legal proceedings unfold, members of St. John Methodist Church and others within the community are left anticipating the outcome of this contentious situation. All eyes are on the South Carolina Supreme Court as it prepares to hear various cases concerning property ownership issues amongst former UMC congregations.
In the meantime, the weather in Graniteville is expected to be favorable, with mainly sunny skies and temperatures reaching around 85°F during the day, dropping to a low of 62°F at night. Winds are anticipated to be light, coming from the south-southwest at 10 to 15 mph.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Aiken County Church Legal Battle
- Wikipedia: United Methodist Church
- SI Live: Graniteville’s Christ United Methodist
- Legacy: Johnny Guyton Obituary
- Google Search: Property Dispute Methodist Church South Carolina
