Asbury Theological Seminary Removed From UMC Ordination List After Affirming Historic Christian View of Marriage

WILMORE, Ky. - Asbury Theological Seminary has been removed from the United Methodist Church's approved list of ordination schools after the institution reaffirmed its long‑held belief that marriage is between one man and one woman, a position now at odds with the UMC's newly revised stance affirming same‑sex marriage.

The decision marks another significant development in the widening theological divide within Methodism, as churches, clergy, and seminaries continue to navigate the denomination's shifting doctrinal landscape.

UMC Decision Follows Doctrinal Review

According to seminary leaders, the UMC's action came after a formal review process in which Asbury was asked to clarify its doctrinal commitments in light of the denomination's updated policies on marriage and human sexuality.

Asbury officials said they participated fully and transparently in the evaluation but made clear they would not alter their theological convictions to remain on the list.

The UMC did not immediately release a detailed public explanation for the removal, but Asbury leaders said the decision was directly tied to the seminary's refusal to align with the denomination's new position.

Asbury: "We Will Not Compromise Biblical Convictions"

Asbury Seminary President David Watson emphasized that the school respects the UMC's authority to determine its own standards for ordination but will not abandon its understanding of Scripture or the historic Christian witness.

Watson said Asbury's commitment to biblical teaching remains unchanged, even if that commitment carries institutional consequences.

"Our mission is to train men and women for ministry with fidelity to God's Word," Watson said. "We participated honestly in the process, but we cannot compromise our convictions in order to remain on an approved list."

The seminary stressed that it continues to welcome students from a wide range of Wesleyan and evangelical traditions and will maintain its theological identity regardless of denominational pressure.

A Sign of a Larger Divide

For many believers across the Methodist world, the move is seen as another sign of the deepening rift between traditionalist and progressive expressions of the faith.

The UMC's recent policy changes - including the removal of prohibitions on same‑sex marriage and LGBTQ clergy - have accelerated realignments among churches, clergy, and affiliated institutions. Thousands of congregations have already disaffiliated in recent years, and several new Methodist bodies have formed in response.

Asbury, one of the most influential Wesleyan seminaries in the world, has long been associated with the conservative, holiness‑movement tradition within Methodism.

Seminary Says Its Mission Remains Steadfast

Despite the UMC's decision, Asbury leaders say the seminary's mission remains unchanged: to prepare pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders grounded in Scripture and historic Christian orthodoxy.

"Asbury has always stood on the authority of the Bible," the seminary said in a statement. "That commitment will continue, regardless of denominational shifts."

The seminary will continue to train UMC students, though those seeking ordination may now need to pursue additional pathways or approvals through their annual conferences.