Highland Park votes to leave United Methodist Church

Key Points:

• Members of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas voted overwhelmingly (90.35%) on Oct. 25-26 to sever ties with The United Methodist Church, with about one-third of the 15,000-member congregation participating.
• The decision follows a legal dispute with the Horizon Texas Conference over changes made by the church council to Highland Park’s bylaws in 2022, which the conference claims removed denominational oversight improperly.
• The Horizon Texas Conference maintains that a congregational vote alone cannot sever the church’s relationship with the denomination and has filed a lawsuit seeking to restore the church’s governing documents in line with United Methodist governance.
• Highland Park’s church leadership plans to continue operating as Highland Park Methodist Church and aims to complete the separation process by December 1, 2026, while affirming their commitment to their mission and history.
• The legal battle is ongoing, with a non-jury trial scheduled for October 12, 2027, and both sides expressing hope for continued ministry and connection despite the division.