Charlotte, North Carolina – United Methodist delegates in a historic move on Tuesday voted to reverse several anti-LGBTQ policies without debate. The delegates decided to eliminate mandatory penalties for conducting same-sex marriages and to lift bans on considering LGBTQ candidates for ministry and funding gay-friendly ministries.
During the legislative General Conference, the delegates voted 667-54 to remove the barriers surrounding the United Methodist Church’s long-standing restrictions on LGBTQ-affirming policies related to ordination, marriage, and funding. The decision signifies a significant shift within the denomination.
The General Conference is witnessing a shift in dynamics due to the departure of approximately one-quarter of U.S. congregations between 2019 and 2023, mainly conservative churches dissatisfied with the lack of enforcement of LGBTQ bans. This shift has allowed progressive delegates to swiftly reverse such policies in the absence of many conservative delegates who previously reinforced these bans.
The conference’s actions may impact international churches, particularly in Africa, where more conservative views on sexuality prevail, and same-sex activity is criminalized in some countries. United Methodist Church law still prohibits the ordination of “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” into ministry, a rule that will face a vote later this week.
The General Conference also voted to lift a ban on church officials considering someone for ordination falling under that category. Additionally, mandatory penalties imposed in 2019 on clergy conducting same-sex weddings were removed. A moratorium on church judicial processes disciplining clergy for LGBTQ-related violations was imposed as well.
Furthermore, the General Conference repealed a long-standing ban on any United Methodist entity using funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality. The old rule’s mixed wording has been replaced with a ban on funding any effort to reject or discriminate against LGBTQIA+ individuals.
The atmosphere at the conference is notably different from past years, marked by a more positive tone. Rule changes have also been introduced to include LGBTQ individuals in appointing various church boards and entities to enhance diversity. The ongoing General Conference, the first since 2019, showcases a progressive delegation following the departure of many conservative congregations in the United States.
The conference is set to finalize votes this week on removing bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage and replacing a document deeming the “practice of homosexuality incompatible with Christian teaching.” These proposed changes in the denomination’s long-standing debates on LGBTQ issues could have a significant historical impact on its trajectory.