In a historic vote, United Methodist delegates repealed the church’s ban on LGBTQ clergy without any debate at their General Conference. The overwhelming vote of 692-51 marked a significant departure from past conferences where the ban was upheld. The removal of the ban means that LGBTQ clergy are no longer forbidden from being ordained or appointed as ministers in the church. This decision represents a shift towards progressiveness within the denomination, as many conservatives who supported the ban have left the church in recent years.
The change does not explicitly affirm LGBTQ clergy but rather allows them to serve without fear of discrimination, especially in U.S. churches. While the change takes effect immediately, United Methodist bodies in other countries, such as in Africa, have the autonomy to impose their own rules regarding LGBTQ clergy. The move was met with applause and tears in the convention hall, as observers from LGBTQ advocacy groups embraced each other. Bishop Karen Oliveto, the first openly lesbian bishop in the United Methodist Church, expressed gratitude for the decision, stating that this vote has lifted restrictions on allowing the Holy Spirit’s call to people’s lives.
In addition to repealing the ban, delegates also approved a measure that prevents district superintendents from penalizing clergy for performing same-sex weddings or for refusing to do so. This measure further dismantles the previous LGBTQ bans that were embedded in church law and policy. Delegates are also expected to vote on replacing the denomination’s official Social Principles with a new document that no longer condemns the “practice of homosexuality” as incompatible with Christian teaching. The changes come after years of debate and controversy surrounding LGBTQ issues in the United Methodist Church.
The vote has significant implications for American congregations, as more than 7,600 congregations, representing one-quarter of all UMC congregations in the U.S., have left the denomination between 2019 and 2023 due to the LGBTQ bans. The conference voted to formally close the window that allowed congregations to depart with their properties under favorable terms. While some delegates called for a peaceful disaffiliation process for conservatives, others emphasized the need to prioritize unity and trust within the church. The changes could lead to potential departures of international churches, particularly in Africa, where conservative views on sexuality prevail.
The United Methodist Church’s decision to repeal the ban on LGBTQ clergy reflects a broader shift within the denomination towards inclusivity and progressiveness. The historic vote has been met with both celebration and concern from different factions within the church. While some view the change as a step towards equality and acceptance, others see it as a departure from traditional Christian teachings. The future of the church remains uncertain as it navigates these changes and grapples with the implications for congregations both in the U.S. and around the world.
