DES MOINES, Iowa [KCCI] – Nearly five dozen more Iowa United Methodist Churches are leaving the denomination. Fifty-nine Iowa churches disagreed and will no longer be a part of the UMC. Earlier this year, 83 other Iowa churches disaffiliated themselves. The change comes amid a disagreement over the role of LGBTQ members in the church. The United Methodist Church continues to ban the marriage or ordination of “self-avowed, practicing homosexuals.” However, according to the United Methodist Church, it will discuss the issue when its next General Conference convenes next year. It’s not clear what comes next for the disaffiliating Iowa churches.

Among the Churches in this area that leaving the denomination this month, is:

*Blanchard United Methodist Church
*Braddyville United Methodist Church
*Carbon United Methodist Church
*Clearfield United Methodist Church
*Macedonia United Methodist Church
*Maple Grove Church — Villisca
*Stratton United Methodist Church of Red Oak

Area churches that left the denomination last May, include:

*Clarinda First United Methodist Church
*Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church — Council Bluffs
*Elliott United Methodist Church
*Hillsdale United Methodist Church
*Harlan First United Methodist Church
*Lenox United Methodist Church
*Monroe Chapel — Harlan
* Silver City United Methodist Church