Highland Park United Methodist Church Considers Denominational Departure

Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, held a town hall meeting on October 11, 2026, to discuss a potential exit from the United Methodist Church. The discussion follows an ongoing legal dispute initiated in August by the UMC’s Horizon Texas Conference, which alleges the congregation is attempting to unilaterally alter its governing documents.

During the meeting, which drew approximately 800 attendees, church council members highlighted concerns regarding the congregation's autonomy in selecting clergy and its right to leave the denomination. Council chair Caroline Nowlin emphasized that no final decision has been made, stating that any move to sever ties would require a formal vote by the congregation.

Founded in 1916, Highland Park is the largest congregation within the Horizon Texas Conference, reporting over 15,000 members and an average weekly attendance exceeding 4,000. Church leadership stated that they intend to involve the membership in all future decisions regarding the church's denominational status.