KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The United Methodist Church announced it will no longer ban people of the LGBTQ community from clergy in their faith or punish pastors for partaking in same sex weddings.
The repeal of an LGBTQ clergy ban is a big step forward in welcoming people who identify as LGBTQ, but this vote from the United Methodist General Conference also hits close to home for one Kansas City Pastor.
Reverend Dr. Jim Hoffman had to miss out on marrying his daughter to her partner because she married another woman. He told KCTV he was relieved to see this policy voted down by delegates.
“I feel a lot more comfortable dealing with family members,” Rev. Dr. Hoffman said. “And being able to say to them I represent a church that’s truly welcoming for all people.”
More than 90% of United Methodist delegates at the conference voted in favor of lifting multiple bans. The result was 692-51. Including a rule that states: “Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers or our churches.” Another policy struck down was “Practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ministers, or appointed to serve the United Methodist Church.”
READ MORE: United Methodists, at major conference, repeal their church’s longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy
Mark Holland was at the General Conference when the results came in.
“There was singing, hugging, tears of joy,” Mainstream UMC’s Executive Director recalled. “It was a very emotional gathering. There were a lot of tears and celebration.”
Methodist leaders say the vote happened after more than 7600 conservative congregations cut their affiliations since 2019. But they think this vote will inspire future generations to join.
“We’ve lost 25% of our churches nationwide because of the anticipation we were going to take the actions we’re taking,” Holland told KCTV. “What we forget is we’ve lost that many people on the left for a generation who have a more graceful open view.”
“If you’re going to follow the model of Jesus then you have to figure out how to love all people,” Pastor Hoffman said. “No matter where they find themselves and what situations they find themselves in life.”
This vote does not mandate LGBTQ Clergy or require all church leaders to marry same-sex couples. But the United Methodists will no longer forbid it either. When it comes to deciding if St. John’s Methodist Church will allow LGBTQ Clergy or host same-sex weddings, Pastor Hoffman says that will be decided by their leadership board along with input from the congregation.
Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.
