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United Methodist delegates repealed their church’s longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy with no debate on Wednesday, removing a rule forbidding “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” from being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 ...
42% of trans sermons end with a cliff hanger.
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.
Fooling the very elect, the great Apostacy continues.
Surveys indicate at least 25 % of Roman priests are homosexual.
Italian newspapers have documented the gay sex and grub parties at the Vatican.
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.
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.
I got married in a very good old school Methodist church 63 years ago, Haven’t been in another one since,
In Oregon, UMC has had gay/lesbian clergy for decades.
I walked away from it nearly forty years ago, and have been back only for a couple of weddings and funerals.
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.
As a kid growing up, I was dragooned every Sunday into going to a Methodist Church at 78th and Loomis! Small world mate!
“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.
God’s way or man’s way. Flee!
Looks like it is still in business. Grace Calvary.
You are correct. This is end of the end.
Well, enjoy the sexual abuse of minor scandal that will be hitting your church in +/- 10 or so years.
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.
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