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Related: About this forumUnited Methodist Church Makes Small Step Toward Accepting Same Sex Marriage
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/14/united-methodist-church-gay-marriage_n_6680290.htmlBy Carol Kuruvilla
Posted: 02/14/2015 10:12 am EST Updated: 02/14/2015 10:59 am EST
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The United Methodist Church is taking a small step towards becoming a more welcoming place for LGBT people.
The Connectional Table, a global church body tasked with articulating a vision for the UMC, has supported a proposal that would make sure clergy members arent defrocked for officiating same-sex weddings or coming out as gay.
According to United Methodist News, the affirmation taken on Tuesday wasnt a formal vote. The legislation will be need to be finalized when the Connectional Table meets in May and then approved by the 2016 meeting of the General Conference, the highest lawmaking assembly in the church.
While on the one hand removing punishments for clergy who are supportive of LGBT rights, the proposal also reaffirmed the UMCs doctrine on homosexuality. The text notes that the church historically has not condoned the practice of homosexuality and has considered the practice incompatible with Christian teaching. It also says that the UMC should still be banned from using church funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality.
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United Methodist Church Makes Small Step Toward Accepting Same Sex Marriage (Original Post)
cbayer
Feb 2015
OP
LiberalAndProud
(12,799 posts)1. What a fine example
of straddling the fence.
I'm neither surprised nor impressed.
cbayer
(146,218 posts)2. Well, it's better than their previous policy...
I guess.
LiberalAndProud
(12,799 posts)3. Only by an almost measurable amount.
Rev. Schaefer was defrocked and then reinstated on appeal. This policy merely codifies established precedent. I'll also note that it's possible to deactivate clergy without defrocking simply be failing to provide appointments. This "new" policy will see to it that the church doesn't publicly embarrass itself once again.
This is a milquetoast attempt to maintain church unity while continuing policies that actively condemn homosexual members. It's fence sitting at it's finest, not a sign of progress or change of heart.
cbayer
(146,218 posts)4. I agree that this is direct response to the Schaefer affair.
I agree that it's not nearly enough and doesn't really address the problem.