Methodists Double Down on Gay Marriage Opposition, Anti-LGBT Clergy

[tabibito]

Is the requirement to denounce same-sex marriage a requirement to denounce it on civic grounds or just in their own religion? (i.e. a refusal to perform same-sex marriages, but not necessarily an opposition to it being government policy)

From CP's link, would seem to about cover it.

Waiting to see what CP uncovers in the (probable) screeds of text.

[Cow Poke]

Still researching this, but apparently the "Traditional Plan" includes a mechanism whereby Methodist Churches who wish to continue (or begin) honoring same sex marriage could "gracefully exit" the denomination with their buildings and properties.

A friend of mine in the local Methodist Church says "these churches exiting the denomination could save a lot of money on their signage by just reversing a couple letters --- instead of the United Methodist Church, they could advertise Untied Methodist Church".

[Mountain Man]

I was a Methodist in the 90s, these issues are why I left.

Many, many years ago, my grandfather's funeral was held at a Methodist church, and the pastor preached one of the most theologically hollow sermons I've ever heard (and I've heard my share of Baptist preachers). It turned me off to the Methodist denomination in general, so I'm a little surprised to see them take a conservative stance on homosexuality.

[Cow Poke]

Many, many years ago, my grandfather's funeral was held at a Methodist church, and the pastor preached one of the most theologically hollow sermons I've ever heard (and I've heard my share of Baptist preachers). It turned me off to the Methodist denomination in general, so I'm a little surprised to see them take a conservative stance on homosexuality.

Yeah, I had to attend a funeral where a Methodist Pastor talked about how the deceased is now in Heaven as one of God's Angels, directing traffic in the streets because he was a "good person" here on earth. I wanted to yell at her, but I behaved.

[One Bad Pig]

Many, many years ago, my grandfather's funeral was held at a Methodist church, and the pastor preached one of the most theologically hollow sermons I've ever heard (and I've heard my share of Baptist preachers). It turned me off to the Methodist denomination in general, so I'm a little surprised to see them take a conservative stance on homosexuality.

As far as I can tell, it's because of the significant African wing of the denomination is much, much more conservative in general.

[Cow Poke]

As far as I can tell, it's because of the significant African wing of the denomination is much, much more conservative in general.

That certainly has a lot to do with it, and the numbers are not exactly overwhelmingly in favor of traditional marriage, so a few more years might finish it. Unless, of course, some of the more liberal churches take advantage of the "let them go" grace that is offered to them, and leave the denomination.