United Methodists in US repeal longstanding ban on LGBTQ+ clergy

Michigan Bishop David Bard presides at a session of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Charlotte, North California (Picture: Peter Smith/AP)

United Methodist delegates in the US repealed their church’s longstanding ban on LGBTQ+ clergy with no debate on Wednesday, removing a rule forbidding “self-avowed practising homosexuals” from being ordained or appointed as ministers.

Delegates voted 692-51 at their General Conference — the first such legislative gathering in five years.