Methodist Church Votes for Stricter Rules Against Queer Clergy and Marriages

Addison Herron-Wheeler is OUT FRONT's co-publisher and editor-in-chief and friend…

The United Methodist Church has long been divided on its handling of queer clergy and acceptance of LGBTQ folks in general. Yesterday, the church voted for stricter laws against marrying same-gender couples and allowing queer folks to serve in the clergy.

According to New Now Next, the vote was 449-374. A proposal was defeated that would have let local and regional church bodies decide their own LGBTQ policies. Many suspect that because of this vote, the church may officially schism.

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“It is time for another movement,” said Rev. Mike Slaughter, pastor emeritus of Ginghamsburg Church in Ohio, according to New Now Next. “We don’t even know what that is yet, but it is something new.”

“The wound may one day be healed by the grace of God, but the scar left behind will be visible forever,” said Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe.

If churches decide to leave the United Methodist fold, they will need to reach settlements regarding pensions and church property.

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Addison Herron-Wheeler

Addison Herron-Wheeler is OUT FRONT's co-publisher and editor-in-chief and friend to dogs everywhere. She enjoys long walks in the darkness away from any sources of sunlight, rainy days, and painfully dry comedy. She also covers cannabis and heavy metal, and is author of Wicked Woman: Women in Metal from the 1960s to Now and Respirator, a short story collection.