Church Ends 52-Year-Old Anti-Gay Stance
Deacons May Preside at Sacraments in Their Appointments
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Making It Clear
Church Ends 52-Year-Old Anti-Gay Stance
General Conference delegates supported a revision of the Social Principles that deletes the phrase “the practice of homosexuality… is incompatible with Christian teaching.” The 1972 General Conference added the phrase to The United Methodist Church’s Social Principles, and it has been a source of conflict in the decades since. Read the United Methodist News Service story at https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-ends-52-year-old-anti-gay-stance.
Deacons May Preside at Sacraments in Their Appointments
In what presiding Bishop David Graves called a “historic moment,” General Conference passed new legislation granting authority to deacons to preside at the sacraments in their ministry settings. This means deacons can now offer communion and conduct baptisms where they have been appointed to serve, whether that is a church, outreach ministry or mission. After the vote’s passage, many hugged and wept tears of joy. Read the story at https://www.umnews.org/en/news/deacons-can-now-preside-at-sacraments-in-their-appointments.
The postponed 2020 General Conference’s final day is Friday, May 3. Stay updated on the latest news and reports from United Methodist Communications. Watch livestream broadcasts of the plenary sessions and daily worship services. Learn about and track legislation being brought before the conference.
Making It Clear
Not all of the Missourians at General Conference are there to vote on the issues. Some have traveled there to make sure people understand the issues, as part of a team of 180 translators and interpreters. Read their story at https://www.moumethodist.org/newsdetail/not-lost-in-translation-18354386.
