Lincoln Methodist church denounces General Conference’s decisions

The United Methodist Church has been holding a General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. The General Conference has the ability to speak for the entire denomination. 

850 delegates from around the world gathered to focus on the church’s policies on human sexuality. 

The special meeting focused on three things: allowing clergy to perform same-sex wedding, allowing same-sex weddings to be performed at the Methodist church and the church allowing ordination for LGBTQ+. 

“The general conference decided to prohibit same-sex marriages and to prohibit the ordination of persons who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual transgender,” Pastor Richard Randolph of Christ United Methodist Church said. 

Prohibiting same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQ+ was the Traditional Plan. It won by 53 percent. 

According to Pastor Randolph, several plans were brought forth that were more open. 

A popular, more welcoming plan, would allow for there to be disagreements on matter of human sexuality, so people could disagree on these three questions, but remain in the denomination of the church. 

“I thought there was a possibility that we might become more open and accepting and adopted that policy but I knew there was a good chance we would not,” the Pastor said. 

Pastor Randolph says the Methodist church has a long history of being open, welcoming and affirming. He’s disappointed in the Conference’s decision. 

“Christ United Methodist church, as well as other United Methodist churches here in Lincoln, disagree with this policy and we strive to be an opening and welcoming and affirming community of faith where everyone is welcome regardless of your sexual preference,” Randolph said.