Ben interviews Nancy Malcom and AJ Ramierez, two UMC lay people and academic researchers who are studying why people are staying in the UMC in spite of the struggles to include LGBT+ persons. They have spent the last year interviewing LGBT+ persons and allys trying to flesh out why people want to remain in the UMC despite our impending denominational split. They give voice to voices who have been largely left out of most UMC discussions about denominational divisions. You will definitely want to hear more about their work and their passion for making the UMC a more inclusive space for all people.
- This was the first article (based on the survey responses) that RMN published, and then UM Insight picked it up (same article – published in both venues):
Nancy Malcom and A.J. Ramirez. July 12, 2022. “‘Worth Fighting For’: Research Findings on Affirming United Methodists’ Decision to Stay or Leave.” United Methodist Insight.
https://um-insight.net/perspectives/%E2%80%9Cworth-fighting-for%E2%80%9D-research-findings-on-affirming-united-m/
Nancy Malcom and A.J. Ramirez. June 27, 2022. “‘Worth Fighting For’: Research Findings on Affirming United Methodists’ Decision to Stay or Leave.” Reconciling Ministries Network. https://rmnetwork.org/worth-fighting-for-research-findings-on-affirming-united-methodists-decision-to-stay-or-leave/
- This was the second (and most recent) article based on interviews, focusing on queer voices. It was published as a 3-part series in UM Insight.
Nancy L. Malcom and A.J. Ramirez. March 9, 2023. “Why Do They Stay? Queer Voices Share Their UMC Experiences.” 3-part feature story; Part 1 “Those Who Leave,” Part 2 “Those Who Stay but Disconnect,” Part 3 “Those Who Continue to Struggle with Staying.” United Methodist Insight https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/umc-future/why-do-they-stay-queer-voices-part1/
- In the meantime, Cynthia Astle asked to interview the two of us so she could write a companion story about the research. It was published in UM Insight simultaneously with the “Why Do They Stay? Queer Voices Share Their UMC Experiences” series, but was a separate piece. It was then picked up by Baptist Global News.
Cynthia B. Astle (interview with Nancy Malcom and A.J. Ramirez). March 9, 2023. “Sociologists Find LGBTQ United Methodists, Allies Stay in UMC Out of Hope.” United Methodist Insight. https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/umc-future/sociologists-find-lgbtq-united-methodists-allies-stay-in-umc/
This article was also published in Baptist News Global, March 22, 2023. https://baptistnews.com/article/sociologists-find-lgbtq-united-methodists-allies-stay-in-umc-out-of-hope/