Analysis: United Methodist Regional Bodies Offer Mixed Results on Homosexuality Debate
The Opposition
Of the 54 Annual Conferences examined, nine of them either passed resolutions in support of the current language and overall positions in the Book of Discipline or they voted down efforts to change either.
Measures to change the "incompatible" language and/or other anti-homosexuality positions in the Book of Discipline were defeated in the Conferences of Eastern Pennsylvania, Holston, Illinois Great Rivers, North Georgia, South Carolina, South Georgia, Texas, and Western North Carolina.
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Alabama-West Florida passed a resolution introduced by Hope Hull United Methodist Church to uphold "our current denominational standards regarding homosexuality."
"Hope Hull United Methodist Church has throughout its history adhered to the Bible as the Word of God and to the United Methodist Book of Discipline for the maintenance of sound doctrine and proper practice within the connection of the United Methodist Church," read the resolution in part.
In addition to defeating efforts calling for more pro-gay language in the Book of Discipline, Texas passed a resolution calling for amending the "incompatible" language to include sinful acts like "bigamy," "human trafficking," "infidelity," and "promiscuity."
"The current statement includes language from 1972 some find abrasive, singling out one segment while failing to reflect broader issues around human sexuality. The revision maintains our position but is more gracious in tone," read the rationale for the resolution.
The Silent Majority?
For many in the UMC, however, the debate over whether or not to make the Book of Discipline more accepting of homosexuality has been a draining one.
While 21 of the 54 Annual Conferences considered measures regarding the "incompatible" language, the majority of them when contacted by CP explained that no resolutions were entertained this year.
North Carolina Conference Bishop Hope Morgan Ward told CP that rather than debate the matter this year, in 2014 her Conference passed a "Plea for Unity in the United Methodist Church."
Signed by the Rev. Laurie Hays Coffman of Durham and the Rev. Paul T. Stallsworth Whiteville United Methodist Church, the plea denounced schism and called for better dialogue on the sexual ethics debate.
"Those United Methodists who defend current church teaching and practice on human sexuality must acknowledge (along with all in the church) that this church teaching and practice will be vigorously tested at General Conferences, and in other venues, in the foreseeable future," read the plea in part.
"Those United Methodists who challenge current church teaching and practice on human sexuality must acknowledge and abide by (along with all in the church) the prescribed means through which the Book of Discipline is emended and amended."
