What do methodists believe about homosexuality

Methodists are very diverse, with members from across the political spectrum and the world, particularly in Africa. Today, nearly half of nearly 13 million Methodists live outside the United States. Jerry Kulah of Liberia told the media in Forbes Matonga, a General Conference delegate and pastor at the Nyadire Mission Center in Zimbabwe, said last year that support for same sex marriage would cause Africans to leave the denomination.

With opinions on sexuality now evenly split , the church can no longer keep everyone satisfied. In May, Methodists on both sides of the divide will have the opportunity to realize a church that reflects their own values.

You can read us daily by subscribing to our newsletter. Edition: Available editions United Kingdom. Become an author Sign up as a reader Sign in. Delegates voted to send it to the Judicial Council, which is like the denomination's supreme court, for a review of its constitutionality under church law.

The United Methodist Church does not recognize or celebrate same-sex marriages. In February , the denomination reaffirmed its ban on marriage equality at their special conference.

Nevertheless, many clergy and individual churches have voted to celebrate weddings despite restrictions set by the General Conference. A national list can be found at www. We are committed to supporting those rights and liberties for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation. Currently, "self-avowed, practicing" gay, lesbian and bisexual persons cannot be ordained in The United Methodist Church.

According to the Book of Discipline: "The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.

In , both the New England and California-Pacific conferences issued statements that they would not discriminate against LGBTQ people seeking ordination—an action that goes directly against church law. Formed in a merger in , the United Methodist Church claims about IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Politics Covid U. Skip to main content. Main Menu Utility Menu Search. See also: Photo Credit Page.

In recent years, Christian churches have taken strikingly divergent views on sexuality.