United Methodist delegates in Charlotte, N.C. made a significant decision on Wednesday by repealing their church’s longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy. With no debate, they removed a rule that prevented the ordination or appointment of ministers who were “self-avowed practicing homosexuals.”
During their General Conference, delegates voted in favor of the ban by an overwhelming margin of 692-51. This marks a significant shift from the past, where the United Methodist Church had consistently reinforced the ban and its associated penalties amidst ongoing debate and protests. However, in recent years, many conservatives who supported the ban have left the denomination, leading to a more progressive direction for this General Conference.
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The convention hall erupted in applause on Wednesday following the vote. Emotions ran high as a group of observers from LGBTQ advocacy groups embraced each other, some shedding tears of joy. One person, overcome with gratitude, exclaimed, “Thanks be to God.”
The recent change does not require or explicitly endorse LGBTQ clergy, but it does remove the previous prohibition. It is likely that the impact of this change will be felt primarily in U.S. churches, as United Methodist bodies in other countries, like Africa, have the authority to enforce their own regulations. The measure will take immediate effect at the conclusion of the General Conference, set to conclude on Friday.
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United Methodists have made a historic decision by repealing a long-standing ban on LGBTQ clergy. This momentous event marks a significant step forward in the church’s journey towards inclusivity and acceptance. The decision reflects a growing recognition of the rights and dignity of LGBTQ individuals within the United Methodist Church. It sends a powerful message that all members of the LGBTQ community are welcome and valued in the church’s leadership and ministry. This move is a testament to the evolving attitudes and values within the denomination and serves as a beacon of hope for other religious organizations grappling with similar issues of inclusivity.
AP correspondent Haya Panjwani provides further insights.
The overwhelming consensus led to its inclusion in a “consent calendar,” which consists of typically uncontroversial measures.
Bishop Karen Oliveto, the first openly lesbian bishop in the United Methodist Church, expressed her sentiments about a momentous vote that held significant weight and power. She acknowledged that while it appeared to be a simple decision, it carried immense significance as it lifted the 50-year-long restrictions on the Holy Spirit’s calling in people’s lives.
Oliveto, from the Mountain Sky Episcopal Area covering Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming, expressed her belief that individuals can embrace their calling without any apprehension. She emphasized that the church she holds dear has provided a safe haven for their community.
The approved measure now prevents district superintendents, or regional administrators, from punishing clergy members for either conducting same-sex weddings or choosing not to do so. It also prohibits superintendents from mandating or prohibiting churches from hosting same-sex weddings.
Delegates took steps on Tuesday to further remove scaffolding around the various LGBTQ bans that have been embedded in official church law and policy.
Delegates will soon vote on whether to replace the current official Social Principles with a new document. The new document no longer states that the “practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” Moreover, the revised document defines marriage as a union between “two people of faith,” instead of exclusively between a man and a woman.
The recent changes in the denomination’s stance on LGBTQ issues mark a historic moment. For over fifty years, these matters have been debated at their General Conferences, held every four years. However, on Tuesday, delegates made a significant decision. They voted to eliminate mandatory penalties for performing same-sex marriages and to lift the bans on LGBTQ candidates for ministry and funding for gay-friendly ministries within their denomination.
Approximately 100 LGBTQ individuals and their allies congregated outside the Charlotte Convention Center following the vote. Adorned with vibrant rainbow-colored scarves and umbrellas, they came together to commemorate, offer prayers, and sing uplifting hymns accompanied by the rhythmic beat of a drum.
Angie Cox, a participant from Ohio, shared her experience at the meeting, stating that she had approached her conference’s board of ordained ministry on six occasions. However, she was consistently denied due to the prohibition on LGBTQ clergy. Cox expressed her optimism following the vote, stating that it could potentially allow her to fully embrace her calling.
Tracy Merrick, a delegate from Pittsburgh, expressed with great emotion that the vote empowers the church to become the denomination that many of them had envisioned for years.
Between 2019 and 2023, over 7,600 American congregations, which accounted for one-quarter of all UMC congregations in the U.S., made the decision to depart. This significant wave of departures was a response to the denomination’s failure to enforce its bans on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination, which deeply troubled conservative members. To facilitate this exodus, a temporary window was opened, allowing congregations to retain their properties under favorable conditions.
The conference officially decided to close the window on Wednesday, despite the pleas of conservatives who wanted it extended. This decision was made despite the fact that the original window only applied to U.S. churches and not international ones.
Rev. Jerry Kulah, a delegate from Liberia, expressed his concern that limiting the function of the United Methodist Church to only the United States would be detrimental to the church in Africa.
Dixie Brewster, a delegate from the Great Plains Conference that encompasses Kansas and Nebraska, emphasized the need for a peaceful disaffiliation option for fellow conservatives. She expressed her desire for a harmonious transition, stating, “We want a place to go peacefully. We have no intention of causing disruption. I genuinely care for everyone, including my homosexual friends. However, I interpret the Scriptures differently.”
However, some individuals expressed their concerns about the disaffiliation process that has taken place in recent years. They argued that this process has caused divisions within congregations and even within 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 highlighted by some. They mention that the General Conference recently approved the departure of certain churches in the former Soviet Union. However, there are those who argue that this process can be excessively demanding.
The ban on clergy who identified as “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” was initially put into effect in 1984. During that time, the conference also made it mandatory for clergy to adhere to the principles of fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness. However, 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 expected 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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