Monday, September 19, 2011

UMC Clergy Push Bishops on Gay Union Ban; UMC Law Forbids Ceremonies of Gay Unions

The United Methodist Church (UMC) website reports today (September 19, 2011) that more than 300 United Methodist clergy and 500 laity have signed letters urging the Council of Bishops to take a public stand in supporting the denomination's position on marriage and homosexuality.

The letters are in response to pledges to bless same-sex unions signed this summer by more than 900 active and retired clergy across the U.S.

"The church needs you to lead," the clergy letter tells the bishops. "We need you to issue a public statement... that you stand together in your commitment to defend and enforce the Book of Discipline."

The Book of Discipline -- the UMC's law book -- prohibits UMCs from hosting and clergy from officiating at "ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions."

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