On Feb. 26, 2019, the United Methodist Church (UMC) held a General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, with representation from around the world to discuss a plan regarding its stance on LGBTQ+ issues, including same-sex marriage and the ordination of gay clergy. The UMC voted to keep existing language in their Book of Discipline, as well as increase the severity of punishment for dissenting clergy.

The United Methodist Book of Discipline, which guides the policies and decisions of the greater UMC and local churches, states that “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching” (UMC.org).

This has been a topic of disagreement for many years, mainly having to do with the vast differences in UMC members’ beliefs. The UMC is a large non-evangelical Protestant church in the United States and has a strong foothold in Africa, the Philippines, Russia, and Europe.

A pastor at Bothell United Methodist Church says that around the world the African, Russian, and Filipino churches tend to be more conservative. In the US, the west and northeast tend to be very progressive, and the south-central and north-central tend to be more conservative.

There were four main plans that were being discussed at the General Conference: the Traditional Plan, the One-Church Plan, the Connectional Plan, and the Simple Plan. The Traditional Plan, which was approved, is the most conservative out of the four.

This plan enforces the policy that LGBTQ+ clergy are not welcome in the UMC and tightens the rules for clergy who dissent. Starting Jan. 1, 2020, clergy who officiate same-sex weddings can be financially punished or even fired, and those who are “practicing homosexuals” cannot be ordained clergy. Churches that do not follow the rules set in place by the Book of Discipline can have funds withheld and effectively be kicked out of the UMC (UMC.org).

Even though it was approved by voters, the Traditional Plan has been determined to be partially unconstitutional by the United Methodist Judicial Council. The council will review the plan in April and UMC members eagerly await the council’s decision. If the plan is enforced, the biggest impact may be in the Western US, where most churches already welcome members and clergy who are LGBTQ+.

Individual churches, districts, and jurisdictions have already released statements saying that they will not accept the new rules and that they will protect anyone who does not follow the rules. People are concerned that the UMC may lose members regardless of what happens next.