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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsUnited Methodist delegates defeat bid to ease LGBT bans
The United Methodist Church, Americas second-largest Protestant denomination, faces a likely surge in defections and acts of defiance after delegates at a crucial conference Tuesday rejected a move to ease the faiths ban on same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBT clergy.
Some supporters of greater LGBT inclusion were in tears, while others vented their anger after delegates, on a 449-374 vote, defeated a proposal that would have let regional and local church bodies decide for themselves on gay-friendly policies.
Formed in a merger in 1968, the United Methodist Church claims about 12.6 million members worldwide, including nearly 7 million in the United States.
While other mainline Protestant denominations, such as the Episcopal and Presbyterian (U.S.A.) churches, have embraced gay-friendly practices, the Methodist church still bans them, though acts of defiance by pro-LGBT clergy have multiplied.
https://www.apnews.com/15f5b291512e4a39a6c93ad9eb1a3ee9
Docreed2003
(16,846 posts)Last edited Tue Feb 26, 2019, 07:19 PM - Edit history (1)
To either return to their Episcopalian roots or leave and form something completely new.
safeinOhio
(32,632 posts)OT Methodist and NT Christian Methodist?
Docreed2003
(16,846 posts)GatoGordo
(2,412 posts)And find a fellowship that more closely embraces their views?
I have left the Catholic faith. It was easier for us to find a new fellowship than to change centuries of religious dogma.
Also, your time talent and treasure goes to who deserves it most.
Ilsa
(61,688 posts)follow their consciences on this.
Why does sex have to be an issue, anyway?
Freddie
(9,256 posts)Unfortunately the vote is from the worldwide UMC, not just the USA. This includes a large African contingent, and they tend to be less enlightened about this issue.
Response to left-of-center2012 (Original post)
yortsed snacilbuper This message was self-deleted by its author.
badhair77
(4,206 posts)against having gay clergy. Now I attend but did not join a United Methodist church. Love the pastor, love the congregation, love their focus on community outreach and helping those in need, both financially and emotionally. So a decision must be made.
Edited to add: I believe these delegates have let me down.
edhopper
(33,461 posts)no religion