DALLAS, TEXAS — One of the most prominent congregations in the United Methodist Church (UMC) is preparing for a potentially historic decision that could end its longstanding relationship with the denomination.
Church Leaders Recommend Separation
Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas has scheduled a congregational vote for October 25–26, 2026, following a unanimous decision by its Church Council to recommend severing denominational ties.
The congregation, with more than a century of Methodist history, faces a dispute involving church governance, denominational authority, and control of church property.
What Sparked the Conflict?
The controversy intensified after the UMC’s Horizon Texas Conference filed a lawsuit in August challenging changes to the congregation’s governing documents.
Those changes included removing references to the denomination from certain corporate documents and revising provisions concerning church leadership and governance.
Church leaders maintain that their actions were intended to protect the congregation’s interests. Conference officials argue that the changes undermine established United Methodist governing requirements and members’ rights.
Could the Church Remain Methodist?
Senior Minister Matt Tuggle has indicated that Highland Park would maintain its Methodist identity, theology, and ministry commitments even if members approve separation.
However, leaving the denomination could present significant legal challenges because United Methodist property rules generally require congregational property to be held in trust for the denomination.
A Decision With Wider Implications
The upcoming vote highlights continuing questions about local church independence, denominational accountability, and religious property rights.
Whether Highland Park ultimately separates remains uncertain, particularly while litigation continues.
For American Methodists, the outcome could become another important chapter in the denomination’s evolving history.
CNIR Fact-Check and Sources
People Newspapers — October 16, 2026
United Methodist News — October 12, 2026
D Magazine — October 16, 2026
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any decisions. Source: Christian News & Investigative Reports (CNIR) — cnirbc.com Reporting the headline. Investigating the facts
