In a historic move on May 1, the United Methodist Church, the second-largest Protestant denomination in the United States, has officially lifted its longstanding ban on the ordination of gay clergy. During a General Conference held in Charlotte, North Carolina, delegates voted overwhelmingly to remove the prohibition which has been in place since 1984. The decision aligns the denomination with other liberal Protestant groups, such as the Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which already ordain LGBTQ clergy.
The vote was part of a series of motions considered and passed without debate, focusing on inclusivity within the church. A significant majority, approximately 93%, supported the motion with a vote tally of 692 to 51. This change marks a substantial shift from the denomination’s 2019 stance, which saw stricter enforcement of prohibitions against gay clergy and same-sex marriages.
The removal of these bans also included measures preventing the punishment of clergy for conducting same-sex marriages, although the church has yet to decide on the official stance regarding the conduct of such ceremonies in its churches.
This decision reflects a broader trend of liberalization within the church, despite opposition from some conservative factions and international delegates, particularly from Africa, where there remains significant resistance to homosexuality.
Following the vote, celebrations erupted among LGBTQ delegates and their supporters at the convention center, highlighting the emotional relief and joy brought about by the newfound recognition and acceptance within their religious community. The United Methodist Church’s move towards greater inclusivity marks a pivotal moment in its history, aiming to reconcile faith with the diverse identities of its congregation.