Adam Hamilton Faces Scrutiny in Kansas Senate Race

The Kansas Senate candidate is under review for his influence on major United Methodist Church departures.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Christianity

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a single empty church pew, evoking the institutional tension surrounding church departures. — Senate candidate Adam Hamilton faces scrutiny over his influence during the recent mass departure of United Methodist congregations across Kansas. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should religious institutions prioritize traditional doctrine over social changes when setting internal policy?

As pastor of the 24,000-member Church of the Resurrection, Adam Hamilton faces renewed focus regarding his role in the departure of 7,600 congregations from the United Methodist Church since 2019. This mass exit followed internal organizational shifts toward a more liberal stance on LGBTQ issues.

Why it matters

The departure of one-quarter of UMC congregations highlights deep theological divisions over biblical interpretation, the ordination of LGBTQ clergy, and the performance of gay marriages. These institutional tensions are now surfacing as Hamilton campaigns for a seat in the U.S. Senate.

A total of 7,600 congregations, representing one-quarter of all U.S. United Methodist Church bodies, have left the organization. Separately, pastor Adam Hamilton received nearly $500,000 in compensation for his book publications.

The players

Adam Hamilton

He is the pastor of the Church of the Resurrection and a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Kansas.

Roger Marshall

He is the incumbent U.S. Senator representing Kansas who currently holds the seat contested in this race.

The details

Many congregations chose to leave after UMC leadership adopted pro-LGBTQ stances in 2019, an shift that some pastors opposed on scriptural grounds. Hamilton, who was named United Methodist Person of the Year in 2012, previously advocated for changing biblical interpretations regarding the Apostle Paul in 2015.

2012: Adam Hamilton named United Methodist Person of the Year.
2015: Hamilton questioned biblical interpretations regarding the Apostle Paul.
2019: UMC leadership sided with pro-LGBTQ faction leading to exits.
2024: The UMC organization transitioned toward a more liberal stance.
October 2026: Senate campaign rallies held across Kansas.

Culture Shift

The mass departure of congregations follows a pattern set by the 2019 UMC pro-LGBTQ policy decision which created a formal schism within the organization. This shift reflects a broader societal tension where established religious institutions face internal fracturing due to evolving social values.

Residents may see an increase in political discourse as the Kansas Senate campaign rallies continue through October 2026. These events serve as a primary venue for voters to evaluate how Hamilton's past leadership roles influence his current platform.

The takeaway

The split within the UMC reflects broader ongoing debates regarding how traditional religious organizations adapt to modern social standards. Voters in Kansas are currently weighing these institutional histories as part of the broader considerations for the upcoming Senate election.