United Methodist Church Upholds Ban of Homosexual Marriages Within The Church
On February 26, the United Methodist Church voted on legislation that will continue to ban all homosexual marriages and no longer allow homosexual pastors and bishops. This decision came forth during a UCM conference February 22-26, in St. Louis Missouri. It's purpose was to define a better way to follow “The Book of Discipline”, a text highlighting the key moral principals for those of the faith. Additionally, they proposed “The Commission on a Way Forward” a text by The United Methodist church meant “to do a complete examination and possible revision of every paragraph of the Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality and explore options that help to maintain and strengthen the unity of the church.”
Church leaders and community members are now having to decide what their relationship with the church will be following this decision. In a column by US Weekly, journalist Gaar Adam discusses his relationship with the church while embracing his homosexuality. “I struggled to grapple with my sexuality and how it might fit within my religion's confines. This fear of rejection is not a phenomenon that I alone wrestled with; it is felt by too many LGBT youth,” he said. He goes on to explain that Methodists must stay true to their values without compromising their faith.
He explains “These kinds of difficult conversations on ethics and morality should always come hand-in-hand with faith. But one thing is unambiguous: I will not be a part of an organization that does not respect my legal right to marry or create a family.
Although the majority of delegates at the conference were in favor of the ruling, many are still left shocked by the unforeseen ruling. Pastor Fritz Bartel, from the Grace United Methodist Church in Joliet, although he did not attend the conference, had expected the homosexuality ban to be lifted. He said “I was not able to attend myself, but I am anticipating we will be going forward with the new legislation. Regardless of the decision, this [conference] will change the church community.”
The future of the church remains unclear, but varied reactions have been seen across the country. Pastors have been seen wearing rainbow stoles and "pride" t-shirts. Methodist schools such as Southern Methodist School's Perkins School of Theology and Drew University have issues letters to their students disapproving of the church's decision and offering comfort to those identifying as LGBT. And many pastors have taken it upon themselves to address their congregation, offering support to those who may be grappling with their faith during this process.
