A yearslong legal dispute between SMU and the South Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church over governance of the university is over.
SMU changed its governance documents and bylaws in 2019 seeking to assert its independence from the South Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church and asserting at the time that the university is solely controlled by its board. The move came in response to the United Methodist Church voting to endorse the ‘traditional plan,’ which excludes the ordination of LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage within the church, in a special session of the general conference in February.
The changes prompted a lawsuit from The United Methodist Church’s South Central Jurisdictional Conference, which argued that the changes required the conference’s approval.
The fight continued, making its way to the Texas Supreme Court last year before the parties announced Wednesday that they’d reached an agreement on their relationship going forward. As part of the agreement, both sides agreed to dismiss the litigation and SMU filed Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.
“Both institutions recognize the long and meaningful connection between Southern Methodist University and South Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church. Southern Methodist University remains home to Perkins School of Theology, a leading seminary for the denomination committed to excellence in theological education, including in preparing leaders who serve churches and communities across the region and beyond,” a joint statement from SMU and the South Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church read.
SMU President Jay Hartzell said in a statement that he’s pleased with the reconciliation.
“The Board of Trustees, the University, and I are pleased we have reconciled with the SCJC, and we very much look forward to a collaborative and enhanced relationship into the future. At SMU, we have an unwavering commitment to excellence and the cultivation of principled leadership — a commitment strengthened by our renewed relationship with the SCJC,” Hartzell said in a statement.
Rev. Dr. Derrek Belase, Chairperson of the South Central Jurisdiction Mission Council, said in a statement that the agreement strengthened the relationship between the two parties.
“I am grateful for the spirit of collaboration shown throughout this process, and especially for the thoughtful engagement of President (Jay) Hartzell and Provost Rachel Davis Mersey as we worked toward this agreement. These conversations have not only helped us address important matters but have allowed us to begin imagining what the future of this relationship can look like,” Belase said. “Both Southern Methodist University and the United Methodist Church have been shaped and strengthened by this long relationship. Our shared commitments to faith, service, and community engagement continue to guide us in the work we do together.”
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