George Orwell's novel "Animal Farm"

 is supposed to be a fictional story, but it could be a true story in UMC congregations if UMC members are not cautious.

The George Orwell novel Animal Farm ends with the animals becoming what they are opposed to at the beginning of the novel.

During the brief time that I have been a member of the UMC, I have witnessed United Methodists becoming what they were opposed to, also.

For example, I have heard people say that they joined the UMC because their political beliefs made them unwelcome in another church.

That is another reason why I joined the UMC. My previous church was openly slanted toward certain political beliefs.

Thus, I cringe when I hear politics being talked about while I attend UMC events.

United Methodists might claim that their congregations are welcoming, but is that true if the congregations become enclaves for people with one particular set of political beliefs?

If a non-UMC congregation is unwelcoming because it is a "political red" congregation, then a UMC congregation is equally unwelcoming if it is a "political blue" congregation.

UMC congregations should be safe for people of all political beliefs. I am waiting to see if that will ever be the case.