General Conference makes changes in language about human sexuality

On Wednesday, May 1, the General Conference took action that removed paragraph 304.3 from the United Methodist Book of Discipline, which removes discriminatory language against LGBTQ+ persons. This action was affirmed by more than 93% of the worldwide body. 

With the removal of this language and the passing of additional legislation related to human sexuality, several areas of the Book of Discipline will be revised. 

• Pastors will have the right to choose what weddings to perform.
• Local church Boards of Trustees will have the right to determine which weddings to host.
• Persons are not prohibited from ordination due to being in a same-gender relationship.
• The Conference Board of Ordained Ministries and District Committees on Ministry will continue to have the authority to recruit, examine, confirm the calling of, and discern the qualifications of those considered for credentialing into licensed and ordained ministry.
• The Bishop and Cabinet will continue to use careful and prayerful consultation in the appointment process to ensure clergy/church matches for effective ministry.
• The superintendent shall not penalize any clergy for performing or refraining from performing a same-sex marriage service.
• The superintendent shall neither require any local church to hold or prohibit a local church from holding a same-sex marriage on property owned by a local church.

Bishop David Graves, episcopal leader of the South Georgia Conference, offers some insight on today’s news. 

“The removal of the harmful language places the Book of Discipline back to ‘neutral,’” said Bishop Graves. “This means we now revert to a pre-1972 version of the Discipline with the words ‘incompatible with Christian teaching’ being removed.” 

He emphasized that most mainline denominations do not have this incompatibility stance in their disciplines.

Following these significant votes, Bishop Graves shared this video message with South Georgia United Methodists. 

“This allows the long-standing debate over human sexuality to be resolved within The United Methodist Church so that local churches, conferences, pastors, bishops, and members may focus on the Great Commission,” said Bishop Graves. “This does not mean that we all suddenly agree on this topic. Instead, it means that differing opinions have space in The United Methodist Church. We will continue to listen to one another, pray with one another, and respect one another in Christian love.”

Bishop Graves says we can acknowledge that views differ regarding marriage and ordination but believes we can disagree in Christian love without further division.

“We believe the unity of Christ enables us to remain in community even when our practices vary,” said Bishop Graves.

The United Methodist Church is a community of faith filled with traditionalists, moderates, and progressives.

“We are part of a beautiful, diverse global church that doesn't always think the same, but we are trying to learn how to love the same,” said Dr. Ben Martin, clergy delegate and senior pastor of Wesley Monumental in Savannah. “Sometimes that is messy and not always easy, but it’s a picture of the kingdom of God. 

“We are a church where there really is room for everyone. That’s a good thing; not a bad thing,” said Dr. Martin.  

More information about decisions being made will be forthcoming after General Conference from the Bishop and delegation. Here is a timeline of post-General Conference informational sessions.