Southern Methodist University Wants to Sever Ties to Its Church. Can the Church Stop It?
The dispute, which some critics say tests the church’s autonomy, reached the Texas Supreme Court on Wednesday for arguments.
Southern Methodist University wants to cut church ties, but keep denomination name
The Texas Supreme Court is hearing a case over church control of Southern Methodist University (SMU) regarding a dispute with the institution on social issues such as strengthened restrictive policies toward LGBTQ people,
Southern Methodist University urges Texas Supreme Court to let it split from church
Southern Methodist University urged the Texas Supreme Court on Wednesday to throw out a lawsuit by the Methodist Church seeking to regain control of the school. SMU's boa
Texas Supreme Court hears arguments in case likely to determine control of SMU
The Texas Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case that could determine whether the United Methodist Church controls Southern Methodist University. SMU changed its governing language in 2019 to declare itself independent from the denomination’s control about nine months after the United Methodist Church voted to strengthen bans on gay weddings and pastors in gay relationships.
Methodist Church and Southern Methodist University clash over control reaches Texas Supreme Court
The crux of the issue is who controls the university—its Board of Trustees or the church—following the university’s 2019 attempt to distance itself. This move occurred as the church adopted stricter policies on LGBTQ+ ordinations and marriages.
'They shut the door on us': Texas Supreme Court hears arguments in SMU split from church
The Texas Supreme Court heard arguments on if SMU can split from the United Methodist Church after the board of trustees voted to leave the church in 2019 following the church's refusal to recognize same-sex marriages and ordain clergy who are members of the LGBTQ+ community.
SMU challenges authority of Methodist Church in Texas Supreme Court hearing
Southern Methodist University told Texas Supreme Court justices Wednesday it's controlled solely by its board of trustees, not the United Methodist Church.
SMU moves to sever ties with United Methodist Church as dispute heads to Texas Supreme Court
The Texas Supreme Court will hear a case on Thursday regarding the rift that dates back to 2019, when the church adopted a strict stance against LGBTQ+ rights related to marriage and clergy ordinations.
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