Two Congregations, One Address
A 90% vote for independence in Highland Park has triggered a legal dispute that will see two groups holding separate services at different locations this Sunday.
By Riya Ross ·
4,775 votes were cast when the congregation of Highland Park United Methodist Church voted to leave the United Methodist Church earlier this week. The motion to separate passed with more than 90% approval, a result that senior denomination leaders now argue was procedurally invalid.
The split follows a legal dispute between the local church and the denomination. Church leaders described a broken bond of trust as the primary driver for the vote. Following the separation, the group rebranded as Highland Park Methodist Church and set a target date of December 1 for a complete break from the UMC.
Bishop Ruben Saenz of the Texas Horizon League declared the vote invalid because it did not follow UMC policies. Under his authority, the original church remains part of the denomination. Saenz removed senior officials from their posts and appointed Reverend Andy Lewis to lead the group, which retains the name Highland Park United Methodist Church.
The Dallas Morning News faith reporter Isabella Volmert noted that Saenz created a congregation officially sanctioned by removing the existing leadership. She reported that members who voted for independence trust their current pastors, despite the denomination's intervention. Volmert observed that while the decision was difficult for many members, they remain confident in their local clergy.
This Sunday, the two groups will hold simultaneous services. Highland Park Methodist Church will conduct its service at its regular location on Hillcrest Road and Mockingbird Lane with its existing clergy. Reverend Lewis will lead the service for the UMC-aligned group at the University Park United Methodist Church.
Bishop Saenz expressed optimism about the future in a recent video. 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." He added that a non-jury trial is scheduled for October 2027.
Leaders of Highland Park Methodist Church said they are confident in their legal position. The non-jury trial will determine the final status of the congregation and the ownership of the property.
Source: KDFW
