Major Protestant Church Repeals Ban Against LGBT Clergy

United Methodist Church LGBT inclusion

Historic Decision by the United Methodist Church

On May 1st, the United Methodist Church, one of the largest Protestant denominations in the United States, made a pivotal decision to lift a long-standing ban that prohibited LGBT individuals from serving in its clergy. This vote took place during a conference in North Carolina, where church delegates overwhelmingly supported the change. The church announced this significant update in a statement.

Evolution of Church Regulations Since 1984

Since 1984, the church’s regulations explicitly stated that “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” were not eligible for clergy positions. In a concurrent decision at the same conference, the church also voted to overturn the ban on performing same-sex marriages. These changes were met with applause, celebrations, and singing among the conference attendees.

Reaction and Controversy

While the move has been largely celebrated, it has also sparked controversy within some of the church’s more conservative congregations. In response to these progressive steps in favor of the LGBT community, some of the more traditionalist groups have chosen to leave the denomination.

The United Methodist Church, which counts former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton among its members, is a major force in American Protestantism alongside the Southern Baptist Convention. It boasts around ten million followers globally, with about half of them residing in the United States.