United Methodist Church Drops Ban On LGBTQ Clergy

The Christian Post reports:

The United Methodist Church General Conference voted to drop a ban on funding LGBT advocacy groups and removed a required punishment for pastors who officiate gay weddings after thousands of theologically conservative congregations left the mainline Protestant denomination in the last two years. The change was among the bulk of legislation approved by a vote of 667-54, which also loosened restrictions on the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals.

According to UM News, other measures approved Tuesday include the striking of a ban on “self-avowed practicing” LGBT individuals from being considered for ministry. The delegates also voted to scrub the requirement for a one-year suspension without pay for any pastor who officiates a same-sex wedding and to allow gay pastors with good standing to be appointed to positions across annual conferences.

Read the full article.

We’ve passed many, many good pieces of legislation so far at #umcgc, great statements about how we want to be God’s love in the world, but we want take a moment to honor the historic removal of the ban against LGBT+ licensing and ordination, by a vote of 692-51. #umcgc #umc

— United Women in Faith (@uwomenfaith) May 1, 2024

BREAKING: The #UMC struck down a 40-year-old ban on LGBTQ+ clergy Wednesday morning, the most pivotal step the denomination’s legislative assembly has taken so far toward LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Update https://t.co/xkWsswF5o3 #UMCGC

— Liam Adams (@liamsadams) May 1, 2024

Right now in the convention hall, an emotional celebration for the LGBTQ+ inclusion-related petitions approved this morning. Delegates and observers tearing up as the group sings, drawing a growing crowd to watch and join in. #UMC #UMCGC pic.twitter.com/bk8bDbJiU4

— Liam Adams (@liamsadams) May 1, 2024

The post United Methodist Church Drops Ban On LGBTQ Clergy appeared first on Joe.My.God..