c. 2004 Religion News Service

(UNDATED) Following are excerpts from the United Methodist Church’s official policies and statements on homosexuality:

Same-Sex Unions:

“Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.”

_ United Methodist Book of Discipline

Clergy Standards:

“Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in the United Methodist Church.”

_ United Methodist Book of Discipline

Homosexuals:

“Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others and with self. Although we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching, we affirm that God’s grace is available to all. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn their lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.”

_ United Methodist Social Principles

On Funding:

“(The General Council on Finance and Administration) shall be responsible for ensuring that no board, agency, committee, commission or council shall give United Methodist funds to any gay caucus or group, or otherwise use such funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality. The council shall have the right to stop such expenditures. This restriction shall not limit the church’s ministry in response to the HIV epidemic.”

_ United Methodist Book of Discipline

DEA/JL END ECKSTROM