Asbury Theological Seminary has been removed from the United Methodist Church's list of approved educational institutions for candidates seeking ordination, marking the end of a relationship that spanned more than eight decades and underscoring the growing theological divide within global Methodism.
The decision, made by the United Methodist Church's University Senate, follows changes to the denomination's Social Principles adopted in 2024, including its affirmation of same-sex marriage. Asbury, which has long maintained a historic Christian understanding of marriage as the lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, said it could not compromise its theological convictions.
"We understand the Senate's governing role within the United Methodist Church and acknowledge its decision," said Dr. David F. Watson, president of Asbury Theological Seminary. "However, this outcome reflects a determination made by the UMC rather than a shared resolution."
Watson emphasized that the seminary fully participated in the review process and was transparent about its doctrinal commitments throughout.
"We were honest and clear about our doctrinal and ethical standards, even when those differed from the recently amended Social Principles of the UMC," he said. "Their final decision to delist us was unilateral."
The seminary reaffirmed that its mission and theological identity remain unchanged.
"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," Watson said. "Our theological commitments, including our commitment to Scripture, remain unchanged. Our mission and values are the same today as they have been for more than a century."
Founded in 1923 by evangelist Henry Clay Morrison, Asbury Theological Seminary has historically maintained close ties with the Wesleyan movement and first became an approved institution for Methodist ordination candidates in 1946. It received full approval from the United Methodist Church in 1981.
Although no longer recognized by the UMC for ordination preparation, the seminary serves students from more than 75 Christian denominations worldwide and remains an approved seminary of the Global Methodist Church, the traditionalist denomination formed in 2022 following years of conflict over biblical authority, marriage, and human sexuality within the United Methodist Church.
The development comes after thousands of congregations departed the UMC during its recent disaffiliation process, highlighting the continuing realignment taking place across the Methodist movement.
Asbury also expressed gratitude for its longstanding partnership with United Methodist students, faculty, and alumni.
"We love and respect our United Methodist students, alumni and faculty, whose presence has enriched our community for generations," Watson said. "We pray for God's continued blessing on them as they minister faithfully across denominational lines."
While Asbury Theological Seminary and Asbury University are separate institutions, both gained worldwide attention during the spontaneous 2023 revival that drew tens of thousands of visitors from around the globe to the university's campus in Wilmore, Kentucky.
Despite the loss of UMC approval, seminary leaders stressed that their commitment to biblical orthodoxy, Wesleyan theology, and preparing men and women for Christian ministry remains unwavering.
As churches and denominations continue to wrestle with questions of biblical authority and human sexuality, Asbury's decision reflects a growing conviction among many evangelical institutions that faithfulness to Scripture must remain their highest priority. Seminary leaders expressed confidence that God will continue to use the institution to equip pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders for faithful service around the world.
