SMU and the United Methodist Church End Seven Year Legal Battle in Historic Settlement

SMU and United Methodist Church Settle Lawsuit and Agree to Preserve Their Historic Relationship

Southern Methodist University and the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church have officially ended their years long legal battle, announcing a settlement on March 18, 2026, that preserves the historic bond between the denomination and the Texas university.

The joint statement confirmed that both parties "reached an agreement that provides a clear framework for their relationship moving forward." As part of the deal, SMU has filed Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to maintain its connection with the jurisdictional conference.

SMU President Jay Z. Hartzell welcomed the resolution.

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.

Rev. Derrek Belase, chair of the South Central Jurisdiction Mission Council, echoed the sentiment.

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.

The conflict erupted in 2019 after the UMC General Conference passed "The Traditional Plan," which reaffirmed the denomination's restrictions on same sex blessings and LGBTQ+ clergy ordination. In response, SMU's Board of Trustees voted to declare itself "the ultimate authority for the university," revising its founding documents to remove oversight ties to the jurisdictional conference.

The South Central Jurisdiction then sued, alleging breach of contract. SMU initially won at the district court level in 2021, but a Texas appellate court reversed that ruling in 2023. The case eventually reached the Texas Supreme Court, which ruled in June 2024 that the church's lawsuit could proceed.

In 2024, the UMC lifted the ban on LGBTQ+ clergy and same sex marriage, but the legal fight over university governance continued until this month's settlement.

Southern Methodist University Ends Legal Fight With Methodist Church in Landmark Settlement

Founded in 1911, SMU is home to Perkins School of Theology, one of 13 UMC seminaries that receive denominational support. The university holds a $2.3 billion endowment and serves approximately 12,000 students. Its iconic Dallas Hall remains a symbol of the school's deep Methodist roots.

The Crusader's Opinion

This settlement tells you everything about the state of mainline Protestantism right now. The United Methodist Church tore itself apart over theology, drove thousands of faithful congregations out the door through disaffiliation, and then fought a university in court for seven years over governance documents. Meanwhile, the real enemies of the faith celebrate every fracture.

I am glad SMU and the SCJC found peace. But let this be a lesson: when churches abandon biblical authority, the lawsuits and splits are just the beginning. Unity built on anything other than Scripture is sand. Christians need to stop suing each other and start standing together against a world that wants every last cross torn down.

Take Action

• Pray for genuine reconciliation between SMU and the United Methodist Church, and for Methodist leadership to hold firm to biblical teaching.
• Learn about the ongoing Methodist disaffiliation crisis and support faithful congregations navigating separation. Visit the Wesleyan Covenant Association for resources.
• Contact your local United Methodist pastor and ask how your congregation can champion theological integrity within the denomination.
• Support Christian education and seminary training by donating to The Shepherd's Shield, which strengthens Christian communities worldwide.
• Share this story with fellow believers to raise awareness about the challenges facing mainline Protestant institutions in America.