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Hinson said the fundamental division within Methodism goes deeper than the church's policies regarding homosexual practice. "For them," he said, regarding to pro-gay constituencies, "keeping pace with the culture is very important. They say the church is behind the culture."

"We don't give a fig about keeping up with culture," Hinson said. "Many times we're over against culture. Our concern is being faithful to the biblical message. So, we don't even speak the same language."

Though Hinson said he does not presume to speak on behalf of the conservative movement, he believes most Confessing Movement members are in "harmony" with the move to split the denomination.

Heidinger and Mark Tooley, director of the conservative UMAction, said they too believe it may now be time to consider a new course for the denomination.

After what Heidinger describes as ad-hoc, informal dialogue with "folks from the other side," which included some homosexuals, he said, "There was little excitement for continuing dialogue. They know where we are coming from, we know where they're coming from."

"I think if both sides are honest, we know that we're not going to sit down after another decade of dialogue and come to a mutually acceptable understanding. We are poles apart," Heidinger said.

"So we feel like, perhaps it's time that the church at least consider, is a better way amicable, loving division—where each side has the opportunity to minister with integrity, according to their own convictions."

"Idealistically," Tooley said, "we would like to see the whole denomination renewed and transformed, not divided. But realistically, especially given the recent example of the Episcopal Church, an amicable separation might be worth discussing. Many on both sides of the spectrum are simply exhausted from decades of battle."

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

More Christianity Today coverage of homosexuality and the United Methodist Church includes:

Lesbian Is Eligible for Reappointment, Bishop Says | Differing interpretations of Methodist court ruling prolong denomination's fight. (May 06, 2004)

Methodists Strengthen Stand Against Homosexual Practice | Lesbian pastor may not be reappointed. (May 05, 2004)

Weblog: Methodist Council Says Homosexuality Is 'Incompatible' with Christian Teaching (May 03, 2004)

Flouting Church Law | Two gay controversies likely to dominate United Methodist General Conference this week. (May 2004)

A Methodist Mob Mugging | There are real victims in the farce that was the Methodist church trial of a lesbian minister. (March 25, 2004)

Weblog: Methodist Court Acquits Homosexual Minister (March 22, 2004)

Weblog: Methodist Trial Opens With Arrests, Comparison to Crucifixion (March 18, 2004)

Weblog: In the United Methodist Church, a Trial Comes After the Court's Decision (Dec. 18, 2001)

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May (Web-only) 2004, Vol. 48