Passed:
Rejected: The United Methodist Church is a part of the holy catholic (universal)
church, as we confess in the Apostles’ Creed. In the church, Jesus
Christ is proclaimed and professed as Lord and Savior. All people may
attend its worship services, participate in its programs, receive the
sacraments and become members in any local church in the connection
(¶4). It is the responsibility of the local church, working through its
pastoral and lay leadership, to educate persons on "The Meaning of
Membership" as set forth in paragraphs 216-221, and to counsel with
them regarding their readiness to seek membership with the local
church, affirming our belief that God's redemptive gift of salvation is
available to all.
The pastor(s) and the congregation are to faithfully receive all persons who are willing to affirm our vows of membership. In the case of
persons whose disabilities prevent them from reciting the vows, their
legal guardian[s], themselves members in full covenant relationship
with God and the Church, the community of faith, may recite the
appropriate vows on their behalf.
2004 Book of Discipline:
The United Methodist Church is a part of the holy catholic (universal) church, as we confess in the Apostles' Creed. In the church, Jesus Christ is proclaimed and professed as Lord and Savior. All people may attend its worship services, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments and become members in any local church in the connection (¶ 4). In the case of persons whose disabilities prevent them from reciting the vows, their legal guardian[s], themselves members in full covenant relationship with God and the Church, the community of faith, may recite the appropriate vows on their behalf.
+Decision 1032
The decisions of law of Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer are reversed. The 2004 Discipline invests discretion in the pastor-in-charge to make the determination of a person’s readiness to affirm the vows of membership (¶ 217). Paragraphs 214 and 225 are permissive and do not mandate receipt into membership of all persons regardless of their willingness to affirm membership vows.
Reference:
Church Membership (80088-LC-¶214)
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.
