More than 7,600 of United Methodist’s approximately 30,000 congregations had voted to leave as of this week, and the number could grow as a Dec. 31 deadline for departures approaches. Controversies have been brewing within the church for several decades, particularly those dealing with LGBTQ issues, said Matthew Wilson, an associate professor of political science. Progressive factions within the church, he said, want to overhaul church teachings to, for instance, permit same-sex marriages and allow ordination of gay clergy. Read more at the link in our bio. 📸 : Getty Images