In a historic move, United Methodist delegates in Charlotte, North Carolina, voted to repeal the church’s long-standing ban on LGBTQ clergy. The delegates made this decision without engaging in any formal debate. This significant change means that the previous rule prohibiting the ordination or appointment of “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” as ministers has now been removed.
At the General Conference, delegates made a decisive vote of 692-51, marking a significant shift from the controversy that has surrounded the issue for decades. Unlike previous conferences where the ban and associated penalties were reinforced, this gathering has taken a solidly progressive stance. This shift can be attributed to the departure of many conservatives who had previously supported the ban, leaving room for a more progressive direction to be pursued.
Applause erupted in various sections of the convention hall on Wednesday following the vote. A jubilant group of observers from LGBTQ advocacy groups embraced each other, some shedding tears of joy. “Thanks be to God,” exclaimed one of them.
The recent change in the United Methodist Church does not require or explicitly endorse LGBTQ clergy, but it does remove the previous prohibition against them. It is important to note that this change may primarily impact churches in the United States, as United Methodist bodies in other countries, like those in Africa, can still uphold their own rules for their respective regions. This measure will be implemented immediately after the conclusion of the General Conference, which is scheduled to take place on Friday.
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AP AUDIO: United Methodists lift long-standing ban on LGBTQ clergy.
The United Methodist Church has made a historic decision by repealing its longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy. This monumental move signals a significant shift in the church’s stance on LGBTQ inclusion. The decision comes after years of heated debate and reflects the evolving attitudes within the church towards LGBTQ rights and equality.
Previously, the United Methodist Church prohibited LGBTQ individuals from serving as clergy, and clergy members were forbidden from officiating same-sex marriages. This policy had caused deep divisions within the church, with some advocating for more inclusive policies and others holding firm to traditional teachings.
The repeal of the ban is seen as a major victory for LGBTQ Methodists and their allies, who have long fought for greater acceptance within the church. The decision also aligns with the growing trend among many religious denominations to embrace LGBTQ inclusion and affirm the dignity and worth of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Rev. Thomas Lambrecht, vice president of the conservative Methodist organization, Good News, expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that it goes against the biblical teachings on human sexuality. However, proponents of the repeal argue that it is a step towards a more inclusive and compassionate church that embraces the diversity of its members.
The United Methodist Church is one of the largest Protestant denominations in the United States, with millions of members worldwide. This decision could have far-reaching implications not only within the church itself but also within the broader religious landscape. It serves as a reminder that attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals are evolving, and religious institutions are being called upon to reassess their teachings and practices to better reflect the values of acceptance and equality.
The consensus was so strong that it was combined into a “consent calendar,” a collection of typically uncontroversial measures.
“It appeared to be a seemingly straightforward vote, but its significance was immense, as it marked the lifting of 50 years of limitations on the Holy Spirit’s calling in people’s lives,” expressed Bishop Karen Oliveto, who holds the distinction of being the United Methodist Church’s first openly lesbian bishop.
Oliveto, from the Mountain Sky Episcopal Area covering Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming, expressed that individuals can embrace their calling without any apprehension. She emphasized that the church they hold dear has provided them with a sense of belonging.
The approved measure prohibits district superintendents or regional administrators from penalizing clergy for conducting or not conducting same-sex weddings. It also prohibits superintendents from enforcing or prohibiting a church from hosting a same-sex wedding.
Delegates took steps on Tuesday to remove the scaffolding surrounding the various LGBTQ bans that have been ingrained in official church law and policy. This measure represents another significant move in dismantling these bans.
Delegates are preparing to vote on a crucial decision regarding the replacement of the current official Social Principles. The proposed new document seeks to remove the statement that considers the “practice of homosexuality incompatible with Christian teaching.” Additionally, the definition of marriage is being revised to include “two people of faith” rather than being limited to a union between a man and a woman.
The General Conference of the denomination has made historic changes regarding LGBTQ issues, marking a significant moment in their ongoing debates that have spanned over half a century. During the recent conference, delegates made two significant decisions. Firstly, they voted to eliminate mandatory penalties for conducting same-sex marriages. Secondly, they removed the denomination’s bans on considering LGBTQ candidates for ministry and on funding for ministries that are supportive of the LGBTQ community.
Around 100 LGBTQ individuals and their allies congregated outside the Charlotte Convention Center following the decision. Adorned with vibrant rainbow-colored scarves and umbrellas, they came together to rejoice, offer prayers, and sing songs of praise, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of a drum.
During the meeting, Angie Cox, an attendee from Ohio, shared her experience of facing rejection from her conference’s board of ordained ministry multiple times solely based on the prohibition on LGBTQ clergy. She expressed her optimism about the outcome of Wednesday’s vote, stating that it could potentially enable her to embrace her calling without any limitations.
Tracy Merrick, a delegate from Pittsburgh, spoke passionately about the vote, expressing her belief that it allows the church to finally become the denomination that many of them had been dreaming of for years.
Between 2019 and 2023, over 7,600 American congregations, which accounts for a quarter of all UMC congregations in the U.S., decided to leave. This significant exodus was a result of conservative dissatisfaction with the denomination’s failure to enforce its prohibitions on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination. During this period, a temporary window allowed these congregations to retain their properties under favorable conditions.
The conference officially voted to close the window on Wednesday, despite the pleas from conservatives who wanted it extended. This decision was especially significant since the original window only applied to U.S. churches and not international ones.
Rev. Jerry Kulah, a delegate from Liberia, expressed his concern about limiting the function of the United Methodist Church to only the United States. According to him, this would be a form of disfavor for the church in Africa.
Dixie Brewster, a delegate from the Great Plains Conference that represents Kansas and Nebraska, expressed her desire for a peaceful and amicable process for conservatives to disaffiliate. She emphasized that their intention is not to cause any disruption and that she has deep affection for her homosexual friends. However, she holds a different interpretation of the Scriptures.
Some individuals expressed their concerns about how the disaffiliation process in recent years has caused divisions within congregations and families.
Delegate Lonnie Chafin from Northern Illinois emphasized the need to shift our focus away from distrustful voices.
There are alternative methods for congregations and entire conferences to disaffiliate, as seen with the recent approval by the General Conference for the departure of some churches in the former Soviet Union. However, some argue that this process can be burdensome.
This week’s votes may lead to the departure of certain international churches, especially in Africa. This region tends to uphold more conservative sexual values and has criminalized same-sex activity in some countries.
Last week, the conference approved a regionalization plan that would grant the churches in the United States equal independence as other regions within the global church. This significant shift, which still needs to be ratified locally, has the potential to result in a situation where LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage are permitted in the United States but not in other regions.
During the 1972 General Conference, the church approved a statement in its non-binding Social Principles, stating that homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian teaching.” However, this phrase has been omitted in a revision to the Social Principles, which will also be voted on during the conference this week.
The ban on clergy who identify as “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” was first implemented in 1984, alongside the conference’s decision to mandate “fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness.” This ban has since been repealed.
The denomination was once the third largest in the United States, with a presence in almost every county. However, its U.S. membership is projected to decline from 5.4 million in 2022 once the departures in 2023 are taken into account.
The denomination has a membership of 4.6 million in other countries, primarily in Africa, although previous estimates were higher.
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