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United Methodists repeal longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy
AP News ^ | May 1st 2024 | PETER SMITH

Posted on 05/01/2024 12:34:47 PM PDT by Ennis85

United Methodist delegates repealed their church’s longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy with no debate on Wednesday, removing a rule forbidding “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” from being ordained or appointed as ministers.

Delegates voted 692-51 at their General Conference — the first such legislative gathering in five years. That overwhelming margin contrasts sharply with the decades of controversy around the issue. Past General Conferences of the United Methodist Church had steadily reinforced the ban and related penalties amid debate and protests, but many of the conservatives who had previously upheld the ban have left the denomination in recent years, and this General Conference has moved in a solidly progressive direction.

Applause broke out in parts of the convention hall Wednesday after the vote. A group of observers from LGBTQ advocacy groups embraced, some in tears. “Thanks be to God,” said one.

The change doesn’t mandate or even explicitly affirm LGBTQ clergy, but it means the church no longer forbids them. It’s possible that the change will mainly apply to U.S. churches, since United Methodist bodies in other countries, such as in Africa, have the right to impose the rules for their own regions. The measure takes effect immediately upon the conclusion of General Conference, scheduled for Friday.

The consensus was so overwhelmingly that it was rolled into a “consent calendar,” a package of normally non-controversial measures.

“It seemed like such a simple vote, but it carried so much weight and power, as 50 years of restricting the Holy Spirit’s call on people’s lives has been lifted,” said Bishop Karen Oliveto, the first openly lesbian bishop in the United Methodist Church.

“People can live fully into their call without fear,” said Oliveto, of the Mountain Sky Episcopal Area, which includes Colorado, Montana, Utah and Wyoming. “The church we’ve loved has found a home

(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events; US: North Carolina
KEYWORDS: gaymarriage; homosexuality; lgbtq; unitedmethodists
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To: joshua c

42% of trans sermons end with a cliff hanger.


41 posted on 05/01/2024 2:28:44 PM PDT by Darksheare (Those who support liberal "Republicans" summarily support every action by same. )
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To: Ennis85

For those who don’t know, first it is allowed and then it is mandatory. If you want to serve in any position in the church, you will have to affirm the stand.


42 posted on 05/01/2024 2:33:14 PM PDT by AppyPappy (Biden told Al Roker "America is back". Unfortunately, he meant back to the 1970's)
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To: Ennis85

Fooling the very elect, the great Apostacy continues.


43 posted on 05/01/2024 2:36:17 PM PDT by taxcontrol (The choice is clear - either live as a slave on your knees or die as a free citizen on your feet.)
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To: AnAmericanMother

Surveys indicate at least 25 % of Roman priests are homosexual.

Italian newspapers have documented the gay sex and grub parties at the Vatican.


44 posted on 05/01/2024 2:42:31 PM PDT by aMorePerfectUnion (I’ll)
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To: Dilbert San Diego

Most churches don’t follow the Bible anymore but a highly watered down version of Christ’ theology to ONE statement “love your neighbor as yourself” which is taken completely out of context.

Everything else is tossed aside for the “love is love” movement. Which includes many banned and sinful acts - but that’s ok - because Jesus said “love your neighbor” and “all sin is forgiven” - except that’s not what he actually said.


45 posted on 05/01/2024 2:46:34 PM PDT by Skywise
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To: Ennis85

This provision in the vote:

“Also approved was a measure that forbids district superintendents — or regional administrators — from penalizing clergy for either performing a same-sex wedding or for refraining from performing one.”

Is a subversive defeat of the supposed agreement allowing for “regionalism” with the regions making their own, yay or nay” rules regarding LGBT issues.

It is exactly the kind of subversive language that conservatives outside the U.S. feared would be pulled on them.

The UMC schism is now not only NOT healed but will continue.


46 posted on 05/01/2024 3:29:08 PM PDT by Wuli ( )
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To: Southside_Chicago_Republican

I got married in a very good old school Methodist church 63 years ago, Haven’t been in another one since,


47 posted on 05/01/2024 3:57:40 PM PDT by Bonemaker (invictus maneo)
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To: Dilbert San Diego; Nervous Tick; Ennis85
The core beliefs of the UMC...

image host

48 posted on 05/01/2024 5:46:48 PM PDT by bimboeruption (“Less propaganda would be appreciated.” JimRob 12-2-2023)
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To: Ennis85

In Oregon, UMC has had gay/lesbian clergy for decades.


49 posted on 05/01/2024 5:51:15 PM PDT by aimhigh (1 John 3:23 "And THIS is His commandment . . . . ")
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To: Bonemaker

I walked away from it nearly forty years ago, and have been back only for a couple of weddings and funerals.


50 posted on 05/01/2024 7:20:13 PM PDT by Southside_Chicago_Republican (God save the United States!)
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To: Ennis85

In practice, they’ve been overtly committing these abominations openly anyway, without any real enforcement against it, so the effective theology of the UMC is that homosexuality is okay. Meaning that they believe that the Holy Bible is NOT okay.

Any professing Christian group which ordains women will ultimately go this way. Avoid them at all cost.


51 posted on 05/01/2024 11:19:18 PM PDT by fwdude ( )
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To: Southside_Chicago_Republican

As a kid growing up, I was dragooned every Sunday into going to a Methodist Church at 78th and Loomis! Small world mate!


52 posted on 05/02/2024 1:28:40 AM PDT by Bonemaker (invictus maneo)
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To: 11th_VA

“I think the God Fearing members left last year - just saying”

Not all have left the denomination. However, you are correct in that members, clergy, and churches have disaffiliated with the UMC to choose membership with the Global Methodist Church.

The G.M.C. is once again founded upon full recognition of Scriptural authority.


53 posted on 05/02/2024 1:50:05 AM PDT by UMCRevMom@aol.com (Pray for God 's intervention to stop Putin's invasion of Ukraine 🇺🇸)
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To: Ennis85

God’s way or man’s way. Flee!


54 posted on 05/02/2024 1:58:05 AM PDT by FES0844
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To: Bonemaker

Looks like it is still in business. Grace Calvary.


55 posted on 05/02/2024 7:12:47 AM PDT by Southside_Chicago_Republican (God save the United States!)
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To: 11th_VA

You are correct. This is end of the end.


56 posted on 05/02/2024 7:18:52 AM PDT by cornfedcowboy ( )
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To: Ennis85

Well, enjoy the sexual abuse of minor scandal that will be hitting your church in +/- 10 or so years.


57 posted on 05/02/2024 7:19:59 AM PDT by HamiltonJay
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To: Southside_Chicago_Republican

I don’t know what it was called back in the day. Might have been Swedish Methodist. Last time I was there was 1953 as a callow 13 year old. Even at that tender age I remember an extremely attractive (eg “hot”) Hollywood actress would attend once in awhile. Don’t remember her name and she was older than me.


58 posted on 05/02/2024 9:50:00 AM PDT by Bonemaker (invictus maneo)
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To: taxcontrol

If it were possible

Boy are they really trying...in so many ways

Matthew 24:23-25
21st Century King James Version

23 Then if any man shall say unto you, ‘Lo, here is Christ,’ or ‘there,’ believe it not.

24 For there shall arise false christs and false prophets and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

25 Behold, I have told you before.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2024:23-25&version=KJ21


59 posted on 05/26/2024 4:21:07 AM PDT by SaveFerris (Luke 17:28 ... as it was in the Days of Lot; They did Eat, They Drank, They Bought, They Sold ......)
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