Contending for the Faith with Mt. Bethel UMC

For those of us committed to defending the Faith and the authority of Scripture, Mt. Bethel UMC in Marietta, Georgia, needs our help! The day after Easter, April 5, 2021, without consultation and with no forewarning, Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson abruptly notified senior pastor Dr. Jody Ray of his reappointment and removal from the pulpit. This notification was done without the normal policy of consulting with the church leadership.

Then in another unprecedented move, Bishop Haupert-Johnson declared “exigent circumstances” and announced she was seizing Mt. Bethel’s property and assets. This has escalated the crisis, which will result in substantial legal expenses and have other economic impacts on Mt. Bethel.

Regardless of our theological differences, everyone around the UMC world recognizes all of this to be an unprecedented act that, instead of bringing God’s church together, is tearing it apart. Mt. Bethel is on the tip of the spear defending the Faith in a conservative North Georgia Annual Conference.

As a former, long-time member of Mt. Bethel and member of its lay leadership and Chair of its Administrative Council, I’m calling for individuals and churches around the world to rally behind Mt. Bethel and its leadership to defend the Faith and confront moves to divide the church and assault biblical teaching. Funds raised are tax deductible and will be used to pay for legal/professional fees, other direct and indirect costs, and expenses impacted by the present crisis at Mt Bethel.

Fred Godbee

Vidalia, Georgia