Joint Statement from the SCJ College of Bishops and the SCJ Mission Council
Southern Methodist University (SMU), located in Dallas, is the home to Perkins School of Theology, one of the thirteen United Methodist seminaries approved by the denomination, which receives Ministerial Education Funds from apportionments paid by local churches throughout the SCJ.
(Please direct media inquiries to Dr. Derrek Belase – dbelase@okumc.org; 405-714-1554).
This morning, the Texas State Supreme Court rendered their decision in case 23-0703 between Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church (SCJ).
At issue are SMU’s attempted amendments to its articles of incorporation in 2019 that were made without the required approval of the SCJ. SMU requested review by the Texas Supreme Court following an unfavorable opinion by the Dallas Court of Appeals.
Today’s favorable opinion from the Court supports our original position that SMU must seek the approval of the SCJ when making changes to its amendments.
Our desire is to see this matter brought to a peaceful resolution so that our historic connection to the university can be fruitfully maintained for future generations.
SMU, located in Dallas, is the home to Perkins School of Theology, one of the thirteen United Methodist seminaries approved by the denomination, which receives Ministerial Education Funds from apportionments paid by local churches throughout the SCJ.
In addition, the Bridwell Library at SMU now houses the entire collection of the World Methodist Museum, formerly located at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina.
Bishop Laura Merrill, President, SCJ College of Bishops
Rev. Dr. Derrek Belase, Chairperson, SCJ Mission Council