In a shockingly overwhelming vote of 692-51, the United Methodists’ General Conference voted to remove the language banning “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” from holding clergy positions. They also voted to prevent administrators from punishing clergy who perform same sex marriages.
The idea that homosexual clergy is clearly “incompatible with Christian teaching” has also been removed from the church principles. They also changed the definition of marriage as between “two people of faith.”
The past five years have been a disaster for church membership as a quarter of their congregations have left the denomination over their refusal to enforce their prior prohibition against LGBT clergy and same sex marriages.
National Review’s Zach Kessel detailed the changes in an article that came out Thursday morning.
He joins us now.
Q&A:
1. What did the United Methodists change at the conference?
2. Was this merely a formality, since they have been clearly heading this way for years?
3. A quarter of the churches are already gone. Will more follow?
4. What drove this decision? What has happened inside the church?
5. While it’s not surprising many have left, does it seem surprising so many have stayed?
6. How will this impact churches overseas? Are they any more Biblically conservative?
About Zach Kessel:
Zach Kessel is a William F. Buckley Fellow in Political Journalism at the National Review Institute, where he primarily writes about Israel, antisemitism, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion bureaucracy in higher education. Since October 7, Kessel has emerged as one of the most active reporters on the spread of antisemitic and anti-Israel attitudes at American colleges and universities. Within foreign policy, Kessel has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration for its perceived failures and for its approach towards appeasing America’s adversaries, showcasing a lack of tangible goals in the Middle East. Kessel’s insights into the Supreme Court’s impending decision promise to provide a nuanced and thought-provoking analysis of its broader implications.
Availability for Interviews: Immediate
CONTACT:
For interview bookings or inquiries, please contact Jerry McGlothlin at 919-437-0001 or jerry@specialguests.com
Zach Kessel article on the United Methodist change: https://www.nationalreview.com/news/united-methodists-vote-to-allow-gay-clergy-as-thousands-of-congregations-leave-church/
