“Asbury 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. … The following statement is from Dr. David F. Watson, president of Asbury Theological Seminary:
’We understand the Senate’s 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.
’The Senate’s requirements, particularly those related to the UMC’s 2024 Social Principles concerning “Human Sexuality” and “Marriage,” are not aligned with Asbury Theological Seminary’s 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.
’Our 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.
’We 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 Asbury 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’s continued blessing on them as they minister across denominational lines.’
Currently, approximately 9% of the student population of Asbury Theological Seminary identifies as UMC. Current students and any UMC-affiliated student seeking ordination within the UMC who begins course work at Asbury Theological Seminary by Fall 2026 will be grandfathered into the UMC. Since 1923, Asbury Theological Seminary has upheld its founding vision of ‘The Whole Bible for the Whole World’ with unwavering fidelity to its mission and high academic standards reflected in its accreditations, including ten-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. Asbury Theological Seminary remains an approved theological institution for the Global Methodist Church, among other denominations. …”
asburyseminary.edu
’We understand the Senate’s 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.
’The Senate’s requirements, particularly those related to the UMC’s 2024 Social Principles concerning “Human Sexuality” and “Marriage,” are not aligned with Asbury Theological Seminary’s 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.
’Our 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.
’We 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 Asbury 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’s continued blessing on them as they minister across denominational lines.’
Currently, approximately 9% of the student population of Asbury Theological Seminary identifies as UMC. Current students and any UMC-affiliated student seeking ordination within the UMC who begins course work at Asbury Theological Seminary by Fall 2026 will be grandfathered into the UMC. Since 1923, Asbury Theological Seminary has upheld its founding vision of ‘The Whole Bible for the Whole World’ with unwavering fidelity to its mission and high academic standards reflected in its accreditations, including ten-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. Asbury Theological Seminary remains an approved theological institution for the Global Methodist Church, among other denominations. …”
Asbury Theological Seminary Addresses Recent United Methodist Church Decision - Asbury Theological Seminary
WILMORE, Ky., June 25, 2026—Asbury 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...
