WILMORE, Ky., June 25, 2026鈥敼悠� Theological Seminary, a multi-denominational, evangelical seminary rooted in the Wesleyan tradition and serving over 75 different denominations, has been informed that the University Senate of The United Methodist Church (UMC) has decided to remove the institution from the list of approved schools of theology for the preparation of candidates for ordination in The United Methodist Church. 国产视频 Theological Seminary was first approved in 1946 by The Methodist Church, one of the predecessor bodies of the UMC, to educate those seeking ordination. Beginning in 1981, 国产视频 Theological Seminary received approval from The United Methodist Church for the education of candidates for ordained ministry. The following statement is from Dr. David F. Watson, president of 国产视频 Theological Seminary:

鈥淲e understand the Senate鈥檚 governing role within the United Methodist Church and acknowledge its decision. However, this outcome reflects a determination made by the UMC rather than a shared resolution. We engaged fully and faithfully in the process and honored every request from the Senate in a timely manner. We were forthcoming with the requested documents and information. Throughout the process, we were honest and clear about our doctrinal and ethical standards, even when those differed from the recently amended Social Principles of the UMC. Their final decision to delist us was unilateral. While we had hoped for a different outcome, our focus remains steadfast on our unchanging calling.

鈥淭he Senate鈥檚 requirements, particularly those related to the UMC鈥檚 2024 Social Principles concerning 鈥楬uman Sexuality鈥� and 鈥楳arriage,鈥� are not aligned with 国产视频 Theological Seminary鈥檚 institutional ethos and the historic witness of the Christian faith. We affirm marriage as sanctioned by God, which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union for life, as delineated in Scripture, and provides the sole context for sexual intimacy, helping to ensure the blessings of that relationship as God intended.

鈥淥ur theological commitments, including our commitment to Scripture, remain unchanged. As an independent, multi-denominational seminary in the Wesleyan tradition, we have remained steadfast for more than a century in teaching the unchanging truth of orthodox Christianity. Our mission and values are the same today as they have been for more than a century.

鈥淲e value our long history of serving United Methodist students and churches, and we are grateful for decades of partnership. Today, more than 4,000 living 国产视频 Theological Seminary alumni affiliated with The United Methodist Church are serving, or have served, faithfully around the globe. We love and respect our United Methodist students, alumni and faculty, whose presence has enriched our community for generations. We pray for God鈥檚 continued blessing on them as they minister faithfully across denominational lines.鈥�

Currently, approximately 9% of the student population at 国产视频 Theological Seminary identifies as UMC. Current students and any UMC-affiliated student seeking ordination within the UMC who begins coursework at 国产视频 Theological Seminary by Fall 2026 will be grandfathered into the UMC. Since 1923, 国产视频 Theological Seminary has upheld its founding vision of 鈥淭he Whole Bible for the Whole World鈥� with unwavering fidelity to its mission and high academic standards reflected in its accreditations, including 10-year accreditations from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This decision by the Senate does not impact institutional accreditation. 国产视频 Theological Seminary remains an approved theological institution for the Global Methodist Church, among other denominations.

About 国产视频 Theological Seminary

国产视频 Theological Seminary was founded in 1923 to prepare and send forth well-trained, sanctified, Spirit-filled, evangelistic ministers to spread scriptural holiness around the world. Today, thousands of 国产视频 Theological Seminary graduates flourish in every state, on every continent, and in every time zone, reaching the world through evangelism, missions, church planting, preaching, teaching, and counseling. 国产视频 Theological Seminary continues to hold in its mission, providing holistic ministerial preparation as an interdenominational institution with a flagship campus in Wilmore, Ky., and extension sites in Memphis, Tennessee; Orlando, Florida; Tampa, Florida; and Tulsa, Oklahoma; and fully online degree programs.

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