Passed:
Rejected: 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.
2004 Book of Discipline:
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 homosexuals1 are
not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed
to serve in The United Methodist Church.2
1. "Self-avowed practicing
homosexual" is understood to mean that a person openly acknowledges to
a bishop, district superintendent, district committee of ordained
ministry, board of ordained ministry, or clergy session that the person
is a practicing homosexual. See Judicial Council Decisions 702, 708,
722, 725, 764, 844.
2. See Judicial Council Decisions 984, 985.
Reference:
Remove Exclusionary Language (80019-FO-¶304.3)
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.
