EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – The United Methodist Church has officially lifted its 40-year ban on gay clergy.
Church legislators met Wednesday in Charlotte, North Carolina for this landmark decision.
Delegates voted 692 to 51 to pass a set of laws, including lifting the ban on LGBTQ clergy.
The ban had been in place for more than 50 years.
Reverend Dr. Todd Gile explained what it means for congregations.
“It opens up that the church to be affirming for communities that are affirming, and to be able to accept and to help people commit their lives together that are LGBTQ,” said United Methodist Church reverend, Dr. Todd Gile.
There will also be a vote later this week that could remove the church’s stance that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian beliefs.
Copyright 2024 WFIE. All rights reserved.
