05/04/2004: "Methodists reject change on homosexuality"

The United Methodist General Conference today rejected an attempt to change the denomination's Social Principles in a way that would open the door for further questions about the UM stance on homosexual behavior:

United Methodists affirmed their church's condemnation of homosexuality Tuesday by rejecting a measure that would have officially acknowledged that Christians disagree on the issue.

Liberals had proposed adding a phrase to the Methodist Social Principles that said, "We recognize that Christians disagree on the compatibility of homosexual practice with Christian teaching."

Conservatives argued that adding any language about the Methodists' internal rift would give the impression that the church might diverge from Christianity's traditional prohibition against gay relationships.

Delegates agreed, rejecting the liberal proposal on a 527-423 vote, with four abstentions.

Methodists have made a smart move, one that indicates they've learned from the sad experiences of other mainline churches. Making an official statement like this allows gay advocates to claim, "since we don't agree, everyone should be free to follow and act on his or her own conscience." Once again, Methodists have shut the door on approval of homosexual behavior. I don't know how many other attempts to muddy the water will be made at GC, but it looks very much like we're seeing a trend that will result in the defeat of any other efforts.