Dog Caught Car
Photo by Callum Hill on Unsplash
The United Methodist Church (UMC) has long been embroiled in a contentious debate over LGBTQ+ inclusion, with disagreements over the ordination of gay clergy and the recognition of same-sex marriages dividing the denomination for decades. However, recent decisions to embrace LGBTQ+ clergy and affirm same-sex marriages have seemingly resolved this contentious issue, leaving many within the UMC wondering: what now?
For years, LGBTQ+ inclusion has been a central point of contention within the UMC, pitting traditionalists against progressives in a battle for the soul of the denomination. The debate reached a climax during the 2019 General Conference, where delegates narrowly voted to strengthen the church's prohibitive stance on LGBTQ+ clergy and same-sex marriages, prompting schism, disaffiliations, and widespread disillusionment among members.
The UMC's recent General Conference overturned these discriminatory policies and voted to embrace LGBTQ+ clergy and celebrate same-sex marriages within the church. This landmark decision marked a significant victory for LGBTQ+ advocates and signaled a progressive shift within the denomination.
With LGBTQ+ inclusion seemingly off the table, the UMC now finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the question of what issues will define its identity and mission moving forward. Without the divisive debate over LGBTQ+ inclusion to occupy its attention, the denomination faces the challenge of finding new avenues for dialogue, engagement, and theological reflection. What do we do now? How do we be the church if we’re not fighting about something? If our identity has been defined by schism, how do we become the non-schism people?
The denomination has a long history of involvement in civil rights, immigration reform, and poverty alleviation. With LGBTQ+ inclusion no longer dominating the conversation, the UMC may redouble its efforts in these areas, advocating for systemic change and solidarity with marginalized communities.
The church should also concentrate on internal reforms and structural changes to foster unity and cooperation within the denomination. The recent debate over LGBTQ+ inclusion revealed deep divisions within the church, highlighting the need for reconciliation among members with differing theological perspectives. The denomination must prioritize bridging these divides, cultivating mutual respect, and creating space for disparate voices.
The denomination has a long history of involvement in civil rights, immigration reform, and poverty alleviation. With LGBTQ+ inclusion no longer dominating the conversation, the UMC may redouble its efforts in these areas, advocating for systemic change and solidarity with marginalized communities.
The UMC should continue its work in global missions and outreach initiatives and leverage its extensive network of churches and ministries to address pressing humanitarian needs worldwide. From disaster relief to healthcare access, the denomination has the potential to impact the lives of individuals and communities in need.
While the resolution of the LGBTQ+ inclusion debate represents a milestone for the UMC, it is a single step in the church’s journey. As the denomination looks to the future, it must grapple with the larger question of what it means to be a church committed to loving our neighbors in a rapidly changing world.
Single issues can’t define churches. Churches minister to the entire world, all people, on popular and unpopular issues and mirror God’s grace to a wounded humanity. Today is no time for triumphalism. The world is tearing itself apart. The world needs the message of the nonviolent Christ. It’s life or death. Choose life. Reject rage.
Through advocacy, internal reforms, and global mission efforts, the United Methodist Church can redefine itself and reaffirm its commitment to living out the gospel message in tangible ways. By embracing this opportunity for renewal and transformation, the UMC can chart a course toward a more vibrant, inclusive, and mission-focused future.