United Methodist delegates made historic changes in their policies on sexuality during their legislative General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. Without debate, they voted to reverse anti-LGBTQ policies, including deleting mandatory penalties for conducting same-sex marriages and removing bans on considering LGBTQ candidates for ministry and funding gay-friendly ministries. The overwhelming 667-54 vote indicates a shift in the conference’s tenor, with progressive delegates quickly moving to reverse longstanding bans on LGBTQ-affirming policies.
The actions come after a historic schism within the denomination, as about one-quarter of U.S. congregations left between 2019 and 2023 due to dissatisfaction with the lack of enforcement of LGBTQ bans. With many conservative delegates absent, progressive delegates are now leading the charge in making changes to the denomination’s policies. These actions could potentially lead to the departure of international churches, particularly in Africa, where more conservative views on sexuality are prevalent and same-sex activity is criminalized in some countries.
Despite the changes made, United Methodist Church law still prohibits the ordination of “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” into ministry, a rule that will be up for a vote later in the week. However, the General Conference voted to remove related bans, such as church officials considering LGBTQ individuals for ordination, bishops ordaining LGBTQ clergy, and mandatory penalties for clergy conducting same-sex ceremonies. They also imposed a moratorium on disciplinary processes for clergy violating LGBTQ-related rules and repealed a ban on funding any efforts that reject or discriminate against LGBTQIA+ individuals.
The mood at this General Conference is described as more upbeat compared to past gatherings, with a focus on diversity and inclusion. The departure of conservative congregations between 2019 and 2023 has left a more progressive slate of delegates, leading to measures that allow LGBTQ individuals to be considered for various appointments and roles within the church. Plans for regionalization could lead to differing policies on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage in different regions, with the United States potentially having more autonomy in these matters.
Further votes are expected later in the week to remove bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage, as well as to replace a document that deemed the “practice of homosexuality incompatible with Christian teaching.” These proposals had overwhelming support in committee votes, and if passed, would mark historic changes in a denomination that has debated LGBTQ issues for over half a century. With declining membership in the U.S. and potential departures from international churches, the United Methodist Church faces significant shifts in its stance on LGBTQ inclusion.
