Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton Grace United Methodist Church on Pennsylvania Ave. E. in Warren has been named a ‘Lighthouse Congregation’ in the wake of the UMC’s disaffiliation crisis.

It will still be a month before the Western PA Conference of the United Methodist Church will formally act on requests for churches seeking to disaffiliate.

But the regional UMC conference is taking steps to welcome United Methodists impacted by this process.

While issues including lack of accountability, abuse of power, and lack of local control will be cited as reasons driving the split in the denomination, the issue at the heart of the divide is human sexuality.

That’s evidenced by the very title of the language that churches are using to disaffiliate: “Disaffiliation of Local Churches Over Issues Related to Human Sexuality,” also known as paragraph 2553 in the denomination’s Book of Discipline.

According to the regional conference, the Annual Conference is set for next month in Erie.

“A special session has been called for June 14 for the purpose of voting on disaffiliations,” according to the conference.

“The sole purpose of the called Special Session of the Annual Conference will be to affirm or not affirm the current qualified requests for disaffiliation under 2553 of The Book of Discipline.”

The conference has also taken steps to identify “Lighthouse Congregations” — Grace UMC on Warren’s east side has been selected as one — that will “welcome United Methodist families from nearby churches that choose to disaffiliate from the denomination.”

“Grace Church has been a welcoming and open congregation the entire time I’ve been pastoring here, and we are excited to offer ministry opportunities that will engage and nurture newcomers,” Pastor BIll Beatty of Grace UMC said.

“We are blessed to continue working with the United Methodist Church as a Lighthouse Congregation, to serve Christ as we serve those in need, and we are grateful for the opportunity to shine a light of grace in the Warren community.”

According to a statement from the conference, Grace UMC provides “all forms of pastoral and laity-driven care, including physical space for groups to gather as they consider what it looks like to stay together. Grace UMC recognizes that this is a difficult and emotional time for many people and is committed to offering a listening ear, a caring heart, and unconditional love.”

Grace is one of 17 Lighthouse Congregations named in an inaugural group.

“Our Lighthouse Congregations shine a light and offer a safe harbor for those navigating changes within the United Methodist Church,” said Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi.

“These churches are committed to welcoming anyone, including those whose churches have closed or disaffiliated. They provide a space for individuals and groups to find healing, support, and belonging. We are grateful for the presence of these beacons of hope within our conference, and we are committed to supporting them as they fulfill their vital mission.”