United Methodist delegates defeat bid to ease LGBT bans

[left-of-center2012]

The United Methodist Church, America’s second-largest Protestant denomination, faces a likely surge in defections and acts of defiance after delegates at a crucial conference Tuesday rejected a move to ease the faith’s ban on same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBT clergy.

Some supporters of greater LGBT inclusion were in tears, while others vented their anger after delegates, on a 449-374 vote, defeated a proposal that would have let regional and local church bodies decide for themselves on gay-friendly policies.

Formed in a merger in 1968, the United Methodist Church claims about 12.6 million members worldwide, including nearly 7 million in the United States.

While other mainline Protestant denominations, such as the Episcopal and Presbyterian (U.S.A.) churches, have embraced gay-friendly practices, the Methodist church still bans them, though acts of defiance by pro-LGBT clergy have multiplied.

https://www.apnews.com/15f5b291512e4a39a6c93ad9eb1a3ee9

[Docreed2003]

1. Maybe it's time for some of those Methodist churches

Last edited Tue Feb 26, 2019, 07:19 PM - Edit history (1)

To either return to their Episcopalian roots or leave and form something completely new.

[safeinOhio]

2. How about

OT Methodist and NT Christian Methodist?

[Docreed2003]

5. That works too

[GatoGordo]

8. Or congregants to leave

And find a fellowship that more closely embraces their views?

I have left the Catholic faith. It was easier for us to find a new fellowship than to change centuries of religious dogma.

Also, your time talent and treasure goes to who deserves it most.

[Ilsa]

3. Rats. I was hoping individual churches could

follow their consciences on this.

Why does sex have to be an issue, anyway?

[Freddie]

6. That's what the ELCA did

Unfortunately the vote is from the worldwide UMC, not just the USA. This includes a large African contingent, and they tend to be less enlightened about this issue.

[badhair77]

7. So I left the Lutheran Church because my local pastor spoke out

against having gay clergy. Now I attend but did not join a United Methodist church. Love the pastor, love the congregation, love their focus on community outreach and helping those in need, both financially and emotionally. So a decision must be made.

Edited to add: I believe these delegates have let me down.

[edhopper]

9. imagine

no religion