United Methodist Church's Stance on Homosexuality

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The United Methodist Church, formed in 1968, considers all individuals as sacred worth but views homosexuality as incompatible with Christian teaching. While affirming God's grace for all, the church does not accept practicing homosexuals as candidates for ordination or conduct ceremonies celebrating homosexual unions. However, it advocates equal rights for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation.

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Formed on April 23, 1968 as a merger of the Evangelical United Brethren and Methodist denominations. The Social Principles of the new denomination were first written between 1968-1972.

"Homosexuals no less than heterosexuals are person of sacred worth, who need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship which enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. Further we insist that all persons are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured, although we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching."

We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God. All persons need the ministry of the Church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as their spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God s grace is available to all. We will seek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for an will all persons. -2016 UMC Book of Discipline

Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church. [Legislative Committee; Standards for Ordination] In favor 79 In favor Against 22 Against

"Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches. In favor 553 In favor Against 321 Against

162.J Equal Rights Regardless of Sexual Orientation - Certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. We are committed to supporting those rights and liberties for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation. Moreover, we support efforts to stop violence and other forms of coercion against all persons, regardless of sexual orientation . U.S. military should not exclude persons from service solely on basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

All are of sacred worth and created in Gods image. The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Equal Rights should be given regardless of sexual orientation. Marriage is for a woman and a man.

All persons are invited and welcomed into membership and participation in UMC. (All are welcome) Self-avowed, practicing, homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates for ministry, ordained, or appointed. (No ordination) Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches. (No ceremonies) No UMC funds are to be used to support gay caucuses or groups or promote acceptance of homosexuality OR violate the commitment of UMC not to reject or condemn lesbian gay members and friends. (No funding)

Region Region Percentage of Delegates 58.3% 30% 5.8% 4.6% 1.3% Percentage of Delegates United States Africa Philippines Europe concordat churches

o Over 100 Resolutions submitted about human sexuality. o Delegates vote to continue using Robert s Rules of Order to make decisions.

Delegates approved request from Council of Bishops to delay a debate on homosexuality to name a special commission that would completely examine and possibly recommend revisions of every paragraph in The Book of Discipline related to human sexuality. In favor 428 In favor Against 405 Against

Commission on the Way Forward Composition Selected by the Council of Bishops 11 ordained elders 11 lay members 2 ordained deacons 8 Bishops

The final report was presented to the Council of Bishops in Chicago on April 29-May 4. The Bishops recommend the One Church Model

Each conference would be able to decide whether to ordain LGBTQ individuals as clergy. Each pastor would be able to decide whether to perform same-sex weddings or unions. Each local church would be able to decide whether to allow same-sex weddings in its sanctuary or receive an openly gay pastor.

Those who could not in good conscience participate in same-sex weddings or ordination of LGBTQ clergy would not be required to do so. Central conferences church regions in Africa, Europe and the Philippines could maintain their own standards on ordination and marriage. The model would essentially make legal what is already happening in some parts of the connection.

February 23-26, 2019 Special Session of General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri

Follow-up Sunday School class August 19 www.umc.org http://revtomberlin.com/talking-about-lgbtq- inclusion-in-the-umc/#sthash.n5szszV7.dpbs

Sign up today or on-line If the One Church Model is approved/not approved, what would your hope for West End be? Watch for other opportunities for conversation