The United Methodist Church (UMC) lifted the ban on LGBTQ+ clergy and same-sex marriage, marking a significant moment in the history of the denomination, reflecting broader societal shifts and internal debates within the church. This decision came after years of contentious debate, evolving attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights within religious institutions.
“Today, May 1, The United Methodist Church made history,” North Carolina Conference Bishop Connie Shelton. “We acknowledge that North Carolina United Methodists’ views differ regarding same-gender marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ persons. Yet, I am confident that we can celebrate our theological diversity without further division or hurt.”
Prior to this year’s conference, UMC grappled with issues related to human sexuality and LGBTQ+ inclusion. The roots of the debate can be traced back to the 1970s when the UMC officially declared homosexuality to be incompatible with Christian teaching. This stance was maintained in subsequent General Conferences, leading to the adoption of policies that prohibited the ordination of openly gay clergy and the celebration of same-sex marriages by UMC clergy.
The denomination’s stance on homosexuality has been a source of division for decades, with traditionalists advocating for the maintenance of conservative views on marriage and ordination, while progressives have pushed for greater inclusivity and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals within the church.
However, as society’s attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights evolved over the years, so too did the views of many within the United Methodist Church. Calls for greater inclusivity gained momentum, with LGBTQ+ clergy and their allies advocating for a change in the denomination’s policies to reflect a more progressive understanding of human sexuality and Christian ethics.
Progressive clergy and congregations openly defied the denomination’s policies, performing same-sex marriages and ordaining LGBTQ clergy in defiance of church law. These acts of civil disobedience were symbolic of a growing grassroots movement within the UMC to challenge the status quo and push for meaningful change.
Last week, the General Conference voted to repeal the Traditional Plan and replace it with the Inclusive Plan, which affirms the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the life of the church. The decision represents a historic shift in the denomination’s stance on human sexuality and marks a significant victory for LGBTQ clergy and their allies within the UMC.
“On May 2, 2024, by a vote of 523 to 161, General Conference delegates eliminated the 52-year-old assertion in the denomination’s Social Principles that ‘the practice of homosexuality… is incompatible with Christian teaching,’” said Derek Leek.
Director of Communications for the N.C. Conference. “In the same vote, delegates affirmed ‘marriage as a sacred lifelong covenant that brings two people of faith (adult man and adult woman of consenting age or two adult persons of consenting age) into union with one another and into deeper relationship with God and the religious community.’”
The decision to lift the ban on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage reflects a growing recognition within the UMC of the need to reconcile deeply held theological convictions with a commitment to justice, equality, and inclusion. It also acknowledges the reality that LGBTQ individuals are valued members of the church who are deserving of full acceptance and affirmation.
“We celebrate that The United Methodist Church is diverse in every way,” Leek said. “We believe the unity of Christ enables us to remain together even when our practices vary regarding same-gender marriage and the acceptance of openly gay clergy.”
Bishop Shelton said that the church is supposed to be a place where all are welcome, no matter what.
“In Christ, we can live in unity and remain together, even when our scriptural interpretation and contexts vary regarding same-gender marriage and the acceptance of LGBTQ clergy,” she said. “Our mission remains clear… to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
Shelton concluded her address in prayer, pleading for “[Him] to awaken us to all.”
“I pray for each congregation, praying with me now, that you will awaken us to all that you are inviting in local churches’ communities to welcome people across their neighborhoods and villages and cities: urban and rural, metro and suburban,” she said. “Help us to see, Lord, all those who are suffering, marginalized, who don’t feel like they belong, Lord.” ::