The United Methodist Church delegates voted to repeal their church’s ban on same-sex marriages and unions by clergy in churches, marking a significant reversal of previous LGBTQ bans and disapprovals that have been embedded in the church’s laws and teachings for decades. This decision comes after years of debate and discussion within the church, and reflects a more progressive stance on LGBTQ rights within the denomination. The vote to repeal the ban on same-sex marriages and LGBTQ clergy follows previous decisions to remove language declaring homosexuality incompatible with Christian teaching and to allow LGBTQ ordination.
The delegates voted to repeal a section in the Book of Discipline that prohibited ceremonies celebrating homosexual unions from being conducted by ministers in churches. While clergy are neither required nor prohibited from performing any marriage, the existing law was affirmed with minor revisions. The revised Social Principles of the church were also approved, removing language about homosexuality being incompatible with Christian teaching and defining marriage as a covenant between two adults without specifying heterosexual couples. However, the clause that was removed had the force of law, unlike the non-binding Social Principles.
Regional conferences outside the United States have the autonomy to set their own rules regarding same-sex marriage and LGBTQ clergy, which means that churches in more conservative regions may still choose to retain bans on these practices. A pending amendment to the church constitution would allow the U.S. region to make adaptations as well. The change in policy does not mandate or explicitly affirm same-sex marriages, but it removes the prohibition, allowing clergy to perform such ceremonies if they choose to do so. The new policy takes effect immediately following the close of the General Conference.
The decision to repeal the ban on same-sex marriages and LGBTQ clergy has elicited mixed reactions from delegates and members of the United Methodist Church. Some, like the Rev. Rebecca Girrell of Vermont, expressed regret for not performing same-sex marriages earlier due to church rules, while others, like Samuel Cole from Liberia, opposed the measure, citing cultural and religious beliefs. The repeal of language making it a chargeable offense for clergy to be a “self-avowed practicing homosexual” or perform same-sex marriages also stirred debate, as proponents argued that other parts of the Book of Discipline still allow the church to discipline ministers for immorality.
The United Methodist Church delegates’ decision to repeal the ban on same-sex marriages and LGBTQ clergy comes after years of internal debate and division within the denomination. The more progressive stance of the delegates at the General Conference reflects a broader shift towards LGBTQ rights and inclusivity within the church. While the new policy allows for greater flexibility and autonomy for clergy in performing same-sex marriages, it also acknowledges the diversity of views within the denomination and provides space for regional conferences to set their own rules on these issues. The impact of this decision on the future of the United Methodist Church and its global membership remains to be seen.
