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.”

     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.

    In 2024, an expanded understanding of marriage was introduced and included in our most recent Book of Discipline: “Within the church, we affirm marriage as a sacred, lifelong covenant that brings two people of faith, an adult man and woman of consenting age or two adult persons of consenting age, into union with one another . . .”

     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.” 
     Based on these positions, until 2024, the Church had also maintained restrictions regarding clergy:  “Self-avowed, practicing homosexuals” could not become pastors, licensed or ordained, nor may they conduct ceremonies that celebrate same-sex weddings or unions.  Such ceremonies could not 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” (GMC) officially launched. They are explicit in their condemnation of LGBTQIA+ persons.  The United Methodist Church will not associate with the GMC until our deep wounds are healed and the GMC stops their harm against the People Called United Methodist.  Local churches of each tradition, though, are free to participate with each other as the mission of Christ allows.

   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!