United Methodist delegates took a significant step on Tuesday by making historic changes to their policies on sexuality. In a groundbreaking move, they voted, without debate, to reverse a series of anti-LGBTQ policies.
The delegates made the decision to remove mandatory penalties for conducting same-sex marriages and to eliminate their denomination’s restrictions on considering LGBTQ candidates for ministry and funding for gay-friendly ministries.
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During their legislative General Conference, the United Methodist Church voted 667-54 to remove certain restrictions on LGBTQ-affirming policies concerning ordination, marriage, and funding. This decision marks a significant step towards dismantling the Church’s longstanding bans in these areas.
Later this week, there will be votes on the core of the bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage in church law and policy, which might generate further discussion. However, the resounding majority achieved from Tuesday’s votes indicates the overall sentiment of the General Conference. The consensus was so strong that these matters were included in the legislative “consent calendar,” typically reserved for uncontroversial proposals.
The third-largest denomination in the United States has experienced a significant divide, resulting in a series of actions being taken. Between 2019 and 2023, approximately one-quarter of U.S. congregations chose to leave the denomination due to their dissatisfaction with the lack of enforcement regarding long-standing LGBTQ bans. The departure of many conservative delegates, who had previously held the majority and consistently supported these bans over the years, has allowed progressive delegates to take swift action in reversing these policies.
These actions may also lead to the departure of certain international churches, especially in Africa, where more conservative sexual values are predominant and where same-sex activity is considered a crime in some nations.
The United Methodist Church still upholds a long-standing rule that prohibits the ordination of individuals who identify as “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” into ministry. This rule, which has been in place for decades, will be subject to a vote later this week.
On Tuesday, the General Conference made a significant decision to eliminate a ban that prevented church officials from considering individuals from the LGBTQ community for ordination. This also includes the removal of restrictions on bishops ordaining LGBTQ individuals as clergy or consecrating them as bishops.
The 2019 General Conference’s mandatory penalties on clergy who perform ceremonies celebrating same-sex weddings or unions have been removed.
The church imposed a moratorium on any disciplinary actions against clergy who violated LGBTQ-related rules.
Furthermore, the General Conference made significant strides in openly affirming the LGBTQ community.
The United Methodist Church has recently repealed a long-standing ban that prohibited the use of funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality. The previous ban also prohibited funding for any activities that rejected or condemned lesbian and gay members and friends, while explicitly supporting funding for responses to the anti-HIV epidemic. However, the wording of the old rule has now been replaced with a new ban that prohibits funding for any activities that reject LGBTQIA+ individuals or openly discriminate against them.
Rev. David Meredith, board chair for the Reconciling Ministries Network, a group that has long advocated for LGBTQ inclusion in the church, expressed his excitement for United Methodists who are actively involved with LGBTQ individuals. He described this as a liberating day for them.
According to Jan Lawrence, the executive director of the network, this general conference stands out from the previous ones in terms of its positive atmosphere. She highlights that while there will still be disagreements, the level of animosity seen in the 2019 conference is noticeably absent.
In an effort to promote diversity on various church boards and entities, other rule changes have been implemented. These changes now include considering LGBTQ individuals alongside other demographic categories for appointments.
The General Conference marks a significant milestone for the UMC, as it is the first legislative gathering since 2019. This gathering is notable for its progressive delegates, who represent a departure from the conservative congregations that left the United States due to the UMC’s decision to no longer enforce bans on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination. With over 7,600 congregations departing, the General Conference reflects the changing landscape of the UMC.
During a specific time frame from 2019 to 2023, several U.S. congregations made the decision to leave the denomination along with their properties. This departure was facilitated by more favorable terms than usual, allowing them to retain ownership of their assets. Now, conservatives are calling for a similar extension of these terms to be granted to both international and U.S. churches that disagree with the actions taken by the General Conference.
The Rev. Rob Renfroe, president of the conservative advocacy group Good News, acknowledges the United Methodist Church’s desire to move forward and embrace a new era. However, he raises a valid question – how can disaffiliation be considered complete when the majority of United Methodists have not even begun the process?
Later this week, there will be final votes on the removal of bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage. Additionally, there will be a decision on whether to replace a longstanding document that previously stated that the “practice of homosexuality … incompatible with Christian teaching.”
Last week, all of those proposals received an overwhelming amount of support in committee votes.
The denomination has been engaged in debates surrounding LGBTQ issues for over 50 years during its General Conferences, which are held every four years. If implemented, these changes would mark a significant turning point in its history.
Last week, the conference approved a regionalization plan that would grant the churches in the United States the same level of autonomy as other regions within the global church. This decision, however, still needs to be ratified locally. If implemented, it could result in a situation where LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriages are permitted in the United States, while being prohibited in other regions. On Tuesday, delegates also gave their approval to a related measure pertaining to regionalization.
The denomination was previously the third largest in the United States, with a presence in almost every county. However, its U.S. membership of 5.4 million in 2022 is expected to decrease 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 have been higher.
