Reconciling Ministries Network
Melvin Talbert, first United Methodist bishop to officiate same-sex wedding, dead at 89
By Adelle M. Banks — August 8, 2023
(RNS) — Talbert was recognized for his work on racial justice, LGBTQ advocacy and ecumenical cooperation.
United Methodist Church delays General Conference, prompting some conservatives to leave
By Emily McFarlan Miller — March 3, 2022
(RNS) — The General Conference already has been delayed twice because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Historic Houston church leaves United Methodist Church over LGBTQ stance
By Emily McFarlan Miller — April 29, 2021
(RNS) — Jan Lawrence, executive director of Reconciling Ministries, said she believes that the longer the denomination’s General Conference is delayed, the more churches will leave.
First drag queen certified as a candidate for United Methodist ministry ‘speaking in a new way to new people’
By Emily McFarlan Miller — April 15, 2021
(RNS) — Isaac Simmons is the first openly gay man to be certified within the Illinois Great Rivers Conference and, as far as anyone can tell, the first drag queen certified in the United Methodist Church.
A Dallas United Methodist church will end 2019 affirming all marriage vows
By Yonat Shimron — December 20, 2019
(RNS) — Ahead of a denominational clampdown on ordination and marriage beginning Jan. 1, First United Methodist Church of Dallas will take the bold step of closing 2019 with a service reaffirming marriage vows — both heterosexual and same-sex.
Ahead of St. Louis meeting, one United Methodist offers prayers along the way
By Yonat Shimron — February 20, 2019
(RNS) — Helen Ryde decided to alleviate the tension ahead of what may be the most consequential meeting in the denomination’s history by turning the trip to Missouri into a pilgrimage.
Historic United Methodist church sees ‘hopeful’ time for LGBTQ Christians
By Emily McFarlan Miller — February 15, 2019
CHICAGO (RNS) — LGBTQ-affirming United Methodists are split over which proposed plan to support at the denomination's special session — and what they'll do if a plan passes that strengthens rules against the full inclusion of LGBTQ people.
Methodist leader acknowledges struggle to maintain unity
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 17, 2016
PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) The church faces increasing pressure in the United States to ordain LGBT clergy and allow same-sex weddings, both strongly opposed by conservatives in this country and among its growing congregations in Africa.
The Methodists gather to argue about gay people again
By David P. Gushee — May 12, 2016
It's a titanic clash, tragic, unresolvable, filled with conflict and pain.
Methodist General Conference to discuss LGBT issues — again
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 6, 2016
(RNS) More than 100 petitions to the United Methodist Church General Conference have to do with human sexuality. And some are saying "it's time" for a change.
Frank Schaefer wins final reinstatement with Methodists
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — October 27, 2014
(RNS) The denomination’s top court upheld a June decision to reinstate the Rev. Frank Schaefer’s ministerial credentials after a trial court defrocked the Pennsylvania pastor last year.
United Methodist high court to consider challenges to gay teachings
By Katherine Burgess — September 24, 2013
(RNS) The Judicial Council hearings come as at least four United Methodist ministers -- including the former dean of Yale Divinity School -- are facing trial for officiating at same-sex weddings, and more than 1,500 clergy have signed a statement offering to marry gay couples.
NY state pastor among Methodists defying church law
By Renée K. Gadoua — September 18, 2013
(RNS) At least three other clergy face church complaints for presiding at same-sex marriages, and at least one pastor faces a complaint of being a practicing lesbian. All could potentially lose their clergy credentials.
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