Methodist Christians Who Oppose Same-Sex Marriage Agree to Separate Into New ‘Traditionalist’ Denomination
The United Methodist Church announced an agreement to split into two separate denominations over the issue of same-sex marriage and the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy, according to the New York Times.
Those who hold to the belief that the church should not support same-sex marriage and should not ordain gay clergy will separate into a “traditionalist” denomination if the agreement is approved in May at the denomination’s annual conference.
The schism is the result of two three-day mediation sessions in Washington. A committee of church leaders determined that separating was “the best means to resolve our differences, allowing each part of the Church to remain true to its theological understanding.”
At last year’s conference, 53 percent of leaders and lay members voted to tighten the prohibition of homosexuality within the church, calling the practice “incompatible with Christian teaching.” (Read more from “Methodist Christians Who Oppose Same-Sex Marriage Agree to Separate Into New ‘Traditionalist’ Denomination” HERE)
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