Christianity Today reports:
The decades-old discussion of sexuality in the United Methodist Church will include a new wrinkle — transgender laypeople and clergy — when the nation's second-largest Protestant denomination meets next week in Texas.
Methodists will meet for their quadrennial General Conference from April 23-May 2 in Fort Worth, Texas. Beyond sexuality, they are expected to discuss possible divestment from companies operating in Israel, questions related to their increasingly international membership, and possible statements on the Iraq war.
Resolutions related to sexuality and gender number in the hundreds, but an increasing number deal with transgender people after the church's highest court permitted Baltimore pastor Drew Phoenix to remain in his pulpit. Gender change had not been addressed in the church's constitution, the Judicial Council ruled last October.
In light of that decision, some conservative Methodists now want to see church rules codify that transgender people should not be allowed as clergy.
Full story:
United Methodists to Debate Transgender Clergy
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Reconciling Ministries Network mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love.
Dear Brothers and sisters, we need serious attention on homophobia caused by religion and culture towards gay & lesbian persons in E.Africa. You can see my story on www.othersheep.org. The General Conference needs to change laws for the better-affirming and inclusiveness of gay clergy and laity in the church.
Posted by: Rev. John Makokha | April 23, 2008 at 11:17 AM