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Human Sexuality

General Church
Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey observes the results from a Feb. 26 vote for the Traditional Plan, which affirms the church’s current bans on ordaining LGBTQ clergy and officiating at or hosting same-sex marriage. The vote came on the last day of the 2019 General Conference in St. Louis. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UMNS.

Outcome of General Conference bittersweet
United Methodist traditionalists say General Conference vote was best way forward for denomination, but it probably means a split is coming.
General Conference
The Rev. Adam Hamilton speaks March 28 at the Perkins Theological School for the Laity, at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology, in Dallas. His topic: “The Future of a Divided Church.” Photo by Sam Hodges, UMNS.

Denomination’s future under discussion — quietly
Conflict over homosexuality, unresolved by GC2019, prompts allies and opponents to talk afresh about options.
General Church
Messages of support for LGBTQ students cover the United Methodist cross and flame in a hallway at the Boston School of Theology after the special General Conference voted to affirm and strengthen the denomination’s rules against gay clergy and same-sex weddings. Photo by Anastasia Kidd, Boston School of Theology.

Seminary leaders stress inclusiveness after GC2019
Leaders of most U.S. United Methodist theological schools say the passing of the Traditional Plan won’t change their policies of inclusion.
General Church
A banner with a message of inclusion and a rainbow flag fly outside Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Atlanta. Resistance continues to passage of the Traditional Plan at last month’s special called General Conference in St. Louis. Photo courtesy of Saint Mark United Methodist Church.

Resistance to GC2019 spreads
United Methodists unhappy about passage of Traditional Plan find various ways to apologize to the LGBTQ community— and to protest.

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