LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The United Methodist Church appears to be breaking from its Christian roots and attaching itself to a progressive ideology.
United Methodist delegates repealed their church’s longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy with no debate on Wednesday. The vote removed a rule forbidding “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” from being ordained or appointed as ministers.
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Delegates voted 692-51 at their General Conference. It’s the first time delegates have gathered in five years.
Past General Conferences of the United Methodist Church had steadily reinforced the ban and related penalties amid debate and protests. Many members who have previously upheld the ban have left the denomination in recent years.
The change doesn’t mandate or even explicitly affirm LGBTQ clergy, but it means the church no longer forbids them.
The measure takes effect immediately upon the conclusion of General Conference, scheduled for Friday.
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