United Methodists look to move forward after anti-LGBTQ language is removed

As a historic global conference of the United Methodist Church draws to a close in Charlotte Friday, the issue of homosexuality that has driven away many of the denomination’s churches appears settled.

Delegates on Thursday removed language in Methodist Church laws that for decades has said homosexuality was “incompatible” with Christian teaching.

In the wake of the decision, Jai Davis today sees a clearer path to becoming an ordained UMC minister: Something Davis had dreamed about but didn’t think possible since coming out as a queer trans person to an assistant bishop years ago.

As the Rev. Michael D. Stinson, lead pastor of East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church, watched the proceedings at the legislative General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina from the floor of the Charlotte Convention Center, however, he had different thoughts about his own future in the church.

Both see the future of one of the largest Protestant denominations in the world from different perspectives.

Davis, who goes by the pronouns they/them, said they celebrate the changes the denomination has made to address anti-LGBTQ language and practices. Davis wrote on a Facebook page, “It’s a big deal because it means for bodies like mine, we can take back our narrative. ... In understanding that there would be no Church had it not been for black and brown queer bodies!”

Stinson comes from generations of Methodists, some of whom were pastors. He said all are welcome to his church, but he still believes homosexuality is a sin and goes against the Bible. He said if asked, he would not perform a same sex marriage.

“I believe more people will decide they don’t want to be in a church that goes against the Bible,” said Stinson. “I will have to consider what’s next.”

That’s a question many are asking as they return to their congregations on Sunday.

For decades, the issue of human sexuality and full inclusion of the LGBTQ community has sharply divided the denomination, which has 10 million members worldwide.

...continued

swipe to next page