UMC Loosens Rules on LGBT Groups, Clergy, and Gay Weddings in Historic Vote

This comes after thousands of congregations have withdrawn over the last few years amid an ongoing controversy over the rules

One of the world’s largest Protestant denominations has overturned a ban on LGBT advocacy groups and loosened rules for noncelibate homosexual clergy and officiating gay weddings.

The United Methodist Church has been embroiled in a controversy over longstanding rules regarding homosexuality, and although many Methodist churches are known for being wildly progressive, for years conservative holdouts have prevented changes from being made.

However, the controversy has prompted the exodus of thousands of churches over the last few years (perhaps you’ve noticed that your local Methodist Church has removed “United” from its sign; this is why).

And now, the UMC General Conference has voted to ban funding for LGBT advocacy groups and remove a required punishment for clergy who officiate same-sex weddings.

The Christian Post reported that “The change was among the bulk of legislation approved by a vote of 667-54, which also loosened restrictions on the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals and mandatory punishments for clergy who officiate same-sex weddings.”

The conference also approved other measures, including the overturn of a ban on "self-avowed practicing" homosexual ministers, and paved the way for homosexual pastors to be appointed across the conference.

It breaks one’s heart to think what John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist tradition, would think to see what has become of his legacy. This great man of church history once paved the way for believers to worship in truth and spirit with new boldness in a post-Reformation world, now, the church has gone the way of the world in the postmodern age.

Let us pray as some great institutions fall, others will rise in their place with a new Spirit of revival and repentance! Amen?