Democracy Dies in Darkness

United Methodists end anti-LGBTQ policies

UMC, the third-largest organized Christian group in America, ended a slew of anti-LGBT policies this week, including a ban on gay clergy and on penalties for clergy who conduct same-sex marriages.

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May 2, 2024 at 8:28 p.m. EDT
Rev. Andy Oliver, of St. Petersburg, Fla., left, and David Meredith wipe away tears after the United Methodist Church General Conference voted to repeal a ban on gay clergy, on Wednesday. (Chris Carlson/AP)
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The United Methodist Church, one of the largest organized Christian groups in America, ended a slew of anti-LGBT policies this week, including a ban on gay clergy and on penalties for clergy who conduct same-sex marriages.

The moves came as votes of the UMC’s General Conference, the denomination’s legislative body, which normally meets every four years.