RE: are there big numbers of homosexual Methodists who are trying to change that denomination?
ABSOLUTELY! Since the start of this decade, there has been little to no guidance from the issue of such things as Gay Marriage, Ordination of Openly Gay, Non-Celibate Pastors and Bishops have been discussed and debated in the general conference.
This despite The UMC has rules, found in the Book of Disciplines, that prohibit same-sex unions and the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals, Many progressive UMC leaders and churches, especially in the United States, are supportive of gay marriage and ignore the rules.
Theologically conservative churches have been pleading with the denominational leaders to stand firm on this issue, to no avail. What choice do they have?
"It's also important to ponder that Clinton is just one of many progressive Midwestern politicians who arose over the last century, deeply influenced by Methodism's social concerns and reforming zeal. They include Walter Mondale and George McGovern, both sons of Methodist clergy, plus Hubert Humphrey, who attended Methodist worship while growing up. Farther back, William Jennings Bryan, a founder of American progressivism, was technically Presbyterian but often attended Methodist churches. So five Democratic presidential candidates have been Methodist influenced Midwestern progressives."Hillary Clinton, Methodism & Progressivism
"When asked by CNN's Anderson Cooper why she was paid $675,000 for one event, she said: 'I don't know. That is what they offered'."
US election: Hillary Clinton insists she is a progressive
"Progressive United Methodist leaders, you cannot dismiss traditionalists’ well-grounded concerns and villainize us like this, and then credibly claim the moral high ground as champions of “frank and respectful Christian dialogue.”
You cannot disregard our constructive pleas for a more amicable approach, and then act as if you share no responsibility for the contentiousness.
You cannot support rhetoric and actions that are inherently intolerant of non-liberals, and then blame non-liberals for wanting to disaffiliate.
You cannot refuse to stick your necks out to defend traditionalists from mistreatment during disaffiliations, and then expect traditionalists to trust that you would treat them well or ever have their back if they stayed UMC.
And given recent history, you cannot treat traditionalists as exclusively to blame for our denomination's divorce.