Approximately 70 South Carolina congregations seeking to separate from the United Methodist Church are nearing a legal breakthrough in a dispute over who owns their church properties. Circuit Court Judge Brian M. Gibbons intends to dismiss lawsuits brought by the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church against the departing congregations, according to an update issued by the conference last week.

The dispute centers on the denomination’s position that local church properties are held in trust for the broader United Methodist Church rather than owned outright by individual congregations. The departing churches are challenging that arrangement as they seek to leave the denomination while retaining their buildings and other property.

In its Oct. 13 update, the South Carolina Conference said the judge intends to issue an order dismissing the cases. However, the final orders have not yet been written or entered. Attorneys for the departing congregations have been asked to prepare proposed orders for the judge to review and sign.

The conflict stems in part from the United Methodist Church’s growing divide over homosexuality and same-sex marriage. At its 2024 General Conference, the denomination removed language from its rules stating that “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” It also lifted restrictions on the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy and same-sex marriage ceremonies.

The changes prompted opposition from congregations that maintain more traditional Christian teachings on sexuality and marriage. South Carolina churches seeking to leave are among those unwilling to remain under the denomination’s revised policies.

The conference has indicated that a dismissal would not end the dispute. An appeal is likely, leaving the ultimate outcome of the property battle unresolved.

“We recognize that this news may bring disappointment, concern and questions for many across our Connection,” the conference said in its statement, adding that its trust rests in God rather than any single court decision.

Bishop Leonard Fairley said the conference would continue pursuing legal options while maintaining its religious mission. “So, we will continue to seek justice faithfully, pursue the appropriate legal avenues available to us, and trust God with what lies ahead,” Fairley said.

The legal fight follows a major wave of departures in South Carolina. In 2023, 113 congregations left the denomination, followed by another 112 in 2024. The United Methodist Church subsequently said disaffiliation under the policy used by those churches was no longer permissible.

The South Carolina dispute is part of a broader struggle over church governance and property rights within the denomination. Highland Park Methodist Church in Dallas is also weighing whether to leave the United Methodist Church amid a separate legal dispute with the Horizon Texas Conference over changes to the congregation’s bylaws and control of its governance.