In May 2024, the General Conference voted to remove longstanding bans on the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy and the celebration of same-sex marriages by clergy and in churches. These changes became fully effective on January 1, 2025.

BACKGROUND

The UMC traces its origins to the Methodist movement initiated in the mid-18th century by Anglican priest John Wesley and his brother Charles. The current structure of the UMC was established in 1968 through the union of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church. The church is founded on three basic principles:

1. Do no harm.
2. Do good.
3. Practice the ordinances of God, including prayer, Bible reading, worship, and the Lord's Supper.

The global church structure mirrors the United States government with legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The legislative branch, the General Conference, meets every four years to set church policy. Approximately 1,000 delegates (half lay leaders, half clergy) gather to consider revisions to the Book of Resolutions and the Book of Discipline. Decisions of the General Conference are binding until the next conference convenes. Feeding into the General Conference are Annual and Jurisdictional Conferences focused on immediate concerns within the denomination’s five U.S. jurisdictions and Central Conferences for outside the U.S.

LGBTQ+ INCLUSION

Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity

The 2024 General Conference removed language from the Book of Discipline that previously stated "the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching." The church now affirms that human sexuality is "a sacred gift" and recognizes the importance of sexual intimacy in fostering emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.

Marriage Equality

The UMC now permits clergy to officiate same-sex marriages and allows such ceremonies to be held in United Methodist churches, subject to the discretion of the clergy and local church leadership.

Non-Discrimination

The Book of Discipline affirms that "certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons," and the church is committed to supporting these rights regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Ordination

The ban on ordaining "self-avowed, practicing homosexuals" has been lifted. Boards of ordained ministry now have the discretion to recommend candidates for ordination based on criteria that include integrity, commitment, and adherence to the church's teachings. 

Transgender ministers have served United Methodist churches, and women have been ordained in The Methodist Church since 1956.

Resources

• Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns: An organization advocating for full inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the UMC.
• Reconciling Ministries Network: A movement of United Methodist individuals and groups working for the full participation of all people in the UMC.​

Contact Info:

The United Methodist Church Council on Finance & Administration 
P.O. Box 340029 
Nashville, TN 37203-0029 
Website: www.umc.org