THE Methodist Conference has voted overwhelmingly to allow its clergy to have same-sex marriages in their churches and buildings.
The conference, which met this week both online and in person at the National Conference Center in Birmingham, voted 254 to 46 in favor of a resolution “The conference generally approves marriage of same-sex couples in Methodist premises throughout the period.” Connexion and by Methodist clergymen, probation officers or members, insofar as the law of the respective jurisdiction permits or requires this and subject to compliance with any other requirements that this law prescribes. “
This involved reformulating the Methodist marriage canon to replace the premise that marriage is between a man and a woman. The relevant rules of procedure now read: “The Methodist Church believes that marriage from God is a special channel of God’s grace and that it is in accordance with God’s purposes for marriage to be a lifelong union of body, mind and spirit of two people who freely enter it.
“Within the Methodist Church this is understood in two ways: that marriage can only take place between a man and a woman; that marriage can be concluded between any two persons. The Methodist Church affirms both views and provides for them in its rules of procedure. “
The Church Times expects the first same-sex weddings in Methodist churches to take place this fall.
In the same debate, the conference also voted 253 for and 38 against for a resolution recognizing, embracing and celebrating the love and commitment of unmarried couples.
The two resolutions were first proposed in the 2019 Marriage and Relationships Report, God in Love Unites Us, presented to the conference earlier this year and subsequently endorsed by 29 out of 30 district synods (News, July 5, 2019).
In the debate on the two resolutions on Wednesday morning, calls for unity and healing were made. Pastor Dr. Jonathan Hustler recognized the “depth of feeling, pain, and fear” in marriage and relationships and the commitment to work across association with district chairpersons to heal divisions. Younger speakers shared their own experiences as LGBT Christians, while others urged the church not to marginalize those who speak out against same-sex marriage.
Commenting on the vote, the newly elected President of the Conference, Rev. Sonia Hicks, said: “Today’s debate and our wider conversation have been conducted with grace and mutual respect. As we move forward together for our church after this historic day, we must remember to keep praying and support one another by respecting our differences. “
On Wednesday’s news, Jayne Ozanne, a lay member of the General Synod of the C of E and an LGBT activist, replied: “I am absolutely thrilled that the Methodist Conference has voted overwhelmingly to allow same-sex marriages in their churches.
“This reflects the significant change that has been taking place in Christian attitudes in England, and shows how many people would repeat Bishop Paul Bayes’ recent call to allow same-sex marriages in the Church of England. LGBT + people and their friends and families will cry tears of joy today – what a wonderful way to end the month of Pride. “
