Baldwin Wallace University ends 174-year Methodist affiliation

BEREA, Ohio -- After 174 years, Baldwin Wallace University is no longer affiliated with the Methodist Church.

Trustees voted April 26 to sever ties, in reaction to a February church vote against allowing same-sex marriage and LGBTQ clergy. The “Traditional Plan” angered Methodist churches and schools nationwide, with many debating whether or not to leave the church.

“BW’s Methodist founders were committed to inclusion 174 years ago,” Charles Rotuno, the chair of BW’s board of trustees, said in a press release.

“While we value the relationship that we have had with the United Methodist Church, we’ve concluded that becoming an independent university will allow the BW community to continue to fully embrace and embody the values of diversity and inclusion today and always.”

Read more: https://www.cleveland.com/news/2019/04/baldwin-wallace-university-ends-174-year-methodist-affiliation.html