United Methodists start to overturn long-held anti-LGBTQ policies | Lifestyle

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United Methodist Delegates Vote to Reverse Anti-LGBTQ Policies

In a historic move, United Methodist delegates gathered at their legislative General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. on Tuesday and voted to reverse a series of anti-LGBTQ policies without debate. The delegates made significant changes by deleting mandatory penalties for conducting same-sex marriages and removing bans on considering LGBTQ candidates for ministry and funding for gay-friendly ministries.

The overwhelming 667-54 vote signifies a major shift in the denomination’s stance on LGBTQ-affirming policies regarding ordination, marriage, and funding. The actions taken on Tuesday are just the beginning, with more votes scheduled later in the week on the core bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage in church law and policy.

The General Conference, which has seen a significant shift in its composition due to a historic schism in the denomination, is now predominantly made up of progressive delegates who are moving quickly to reverse longstanding anti-LGBTQ policies. The departure of conservative churches, mainly in the U.S., between 2019 and 2023 has paved the way for these changes.

While the United Methodist Church still upholds a ban on the ordination of “self-avowed practicing homosexuals,” the delegates voted to remove related bans on considering LGBTQ individuals for ordination and conducting ceremonies celebrating same-sex weddings or unions. Additionally, a moratorium was imposed on any church judicial processes seeking to discipline clergy for violating LGBTQ-related rules.

The General Conference also took steps towards being openly LGBTQ-affirming by repealing a ban on using funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality and explicitly banning any efforts to reject or discriminate against LGBTQIA+ individuals. These changes have been welcomed by LGBTQ advocates within the church.

Rev. David Meredith, board chair for the Reconciling Ministries Network, described the day as “very liberating” for United Methodists actively involved with LGBTQ individuals. Jan Lawrence, executive director of the network, noted that the current General Conference is much more upbeat compared to past contentious gatherings.

The conference’s progressive slate of delegates, following the departure of conservative congregations, has paved the way for these historic changes. The departure of over 7,600 mostly conservative congregations in the U.S. between 2019 and 2023 allowed them to leave with their properties under friendlier terms.

As the General Conference continues this week, final votes are expected on whether to remove the bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage, as well as whether to replace a document that deemed the “practice of homosexuality incompatible with Christian teaching.” These proposals have received overwhelming support in committee votes.

The changes being considered at the General Conference would be historic for a denomination that has grappled with LGBTQ issues for over half a century. The conference also endorsed a regionalization plan that could allow for autonomy on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage in the U.S. but not in other regions.

The United Methodist Church, once the third largest denomination in the U.S., is expected to see a decline in its 5.4 million U.S. membership following the recent departures. The denomination also has 4.6 million members in other countries, mainly in Africa.

Overall, the General Conference’s actions mark a significant turning point in the United Methodist Church’s approach to LGBTQ inclusion and acceptance, signaling a more progressive and affirming direction for the denomination.