The UMC and LGBTQIA+

FROM OUR UNITED METHODIST BOOK OF DISCIPLINE 2016:

     The United Methodist Church affirms that
            “sexuality is God’s good gift to all persons.”
     This affirmation begins the denomination’s statement on Human Sexuality.

     The UMC affirms that “all people are of sacred worth” and “are equally valuable in the sight of God.”  We are committed to “be in ministry with all people.”  The UMC also “implores families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends.”

     The constitution of the United Methodist Church contains an article dedicated to “inclusiveness within the church.”  “Everyone is welcome to worship and actively participate in the life of our churches.”

     Individuals may become members and live out their faith through their local church “without respect to sexual orientation or practice.”  In 2005, the Council of Bishops released a pastoral letter to the denomination stating that “gay and lesbian people are not to be excluded from church membership.”

     The UMC also “deplores acts of hate and violence against people based on sexual orientation or gender identity” and believes “human rights and civil liberties are due all people, regardless of sexual orientation.”  In 2015, the UMC openly celebrated the federal legalization of same-sex marriage in all 50 states.

     Homosexuality was first openly debated at General Conference in 1972, resulting in its first statement regarding homosexuality in Methodist history.  That year, delegates were discussing the newly-proposed Social Principles, which offer the church’s positions on social issues.  Prior to 1972, there were no statements explicitly condemning or condoning homosexuality.  The proposed Social Principles stated “homosexuals as well as heterosexuals should have their human and civil rights protected.  All people are of sacred worth.”  Don Hand, a legal attorney and lay delegate from Southwestern Texas, stood up at the last minute to offer an additional phrase as an amendment: “though we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching.”  In this last-minute confusion, the General Conference adopted his amendment.  The Social Principles are protected by a supermajority vote and global ratification of any changes.  Since 1972, until 2024, the denomination maintained the position that “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.”  This language was intended to draw a distinction between orientation and practice or behavior.  It implied that it is acceptable to have internal same-sex desires (orientation) while also condemning those who acted on those impulses (practice).  Sexual relations were to be affirmed only within the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage (between one man and one woman).
     Based on these positions, until 2024, the Church had also maintained restrictions regarding clergy:  “Self-avowed, practicing homosexuals” cannot become pastors, licensed or ordained, nor may they conduct ceremonies that celebrate same-sex weddings or unions.  Such ceremonies cannot be held on church property.
     In May of 2024, the 850-member top legislative body (of clergy and lay delegates), with overwhelming affirmation, voted to remove all restrictive language in the Book of Discipline, and to begin including more affirmative language.  For instance, we define marriage as “between two people of faith.”

     NOTE: The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church is our denomination’s “covenant book.”  It is the product of over 200 years of General Conferences and is the instrument for setting forth the laws, plan, polity, and process by which United Methodists govern themselves.  Every four years, the General Conference amends, clarifies, and adds its own contribution to the Discipline.  “We do not see the Discipline as sacrosanct or infallible.”

     On May 1st, 2022, a new conservative-leaning expression of Methodism called the “Global Methodist Church” officially launching. They are explicit in their condemnation of LGBTQIA+ persons.  The United Methodist Church will not associate with the Global Methodist Church until our deep wounds are healed and the GMC stops their harm of the People Called United Methodist.  Local churches are each tradition, though, are free to participate with each other as the mission sees fit.

     With a body of over 12,000,000 members globally, United Methodists have not always been of one mind about how to be in ministry with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual (+) people.  However, we are reaching unprecedented levels of agreement for support over these last few decades.  At our 2024 General Conference (global gathering), the dynamics flipped in such a way that a way forward toward full-inclusive was made possible.
   PEUMC is committed to the increase of inclusion for all God’s people–the LGBTQIA+ community no less–in church and society at all levels!