On Wednesday, April 30, the General Conference considered Petition 80019 on removing exclusionary language on ordination from ¶304.3 of the Book of Discipline. Jorge Lockward, a former RMN Board Memeber, addressed the General Conference in support of the Minority Report.
The Majority Report reads as follows and the committee recommendation was to reject the report.
Amend ¶304.3 of The Book of Discipline, as follows:
While
persons set apart by the Church for ordained ministry are subject to
all the frailties of the human condition and the pressures of society,
they are required to maintain the highest standards of holy living in
the world. The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with
Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are
not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed
to serve in The United Methodist Church.
The Minority Report reads as follows.
Amend ¶304.3 of The Book of Discipline as follows:
Replace the 2nd and 3rd sentences of ¶304.3 with the following:
The standard for candidates is to do good, to do no harm, and to continue to grow in love with God.
1. Allen, Zachary
2. Fisher, Deborah L
3. Schuster, Charles
4. Peck, Amory M
5. Winkler, James F
6. Hunn, Susan
7. Oduor, Ralph R
8. Johnson, Peggy A
9. Anderson, Zachery L
Both the Majority and the Minority Reports failed and the exclusionary language in the Book of Discipline remains.
Full story:
Remove Exclusionary Language (80019-FO-¶304.3)
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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.
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