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Dear Church Family,
On May 1st and May 2nd 2024, the United Methodist Church General Conference amended the Book of Discipline to repeal the restriction against “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” from serving as pastors with a 93% vote (667-54) and approved the removal of the statement “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching” with a 76% vote (523-161).
Within that same framework, the UMC General Conference does not compel churches to receive a pastor in a same-sex marriage. The approved amendments also explicitly protect the right of clergy and churches not to officiate at or host same-sex weddings. The decision on whether to host same-sex marriages on church property and/or whether to receive a pastor in a same-sex marriage must be instead determined by the local “Church Council”, which ZUMC calls the “Administrative Council” within our congregation. Thus, on July 29, 2024, the Administrative Council met to determine the policy as it relates to same-sex marriage.
Over the course of several years, there have been many classes hosted on the topic of same-sex marriage in preparation for whatever Book of Discipline changes occurred at General Conference (which was delayed multiple times due to the global pandemic). More recently, the Administrative Council had multiple listening sessions and conducted a survey of the congregation in efforts to provide a voice for the people of the church. With 569 individuals completing the survey we had roughly 50% church-wide participation. The participants were overwhelmingly members of the church - with 88% of survey takers being members and 12% being non-members who participate regularly in the life of ZUMC.
Many of you shared your thoughts and positions in the listening sessions, through face-to-face conversations, via email, and the survey comment section. You shared your thoughts, concerns, fears, and joys about this topic from your hearts and we thank each and every person for taking the time to help us hear your voice. The love of God and love of the church was evident in all we heard.
Two themes emerged as the Administrative Council listened to the congregation. There is an overwhelming desire to keep our church together without division. There is also a lot of fear. Fear of change and what it might mean. Fear of creating a slippery slope. Fear of not honoring scripture. Fear of loss of friends and relationships, many having been formed over years of worshipping together. Fear of not doing enough. We painfully recognize that any decision made will not be accepted by all and, for that, our collective hearts break.
Our July 29th Administrative Council meeting was a long marathon of discussion and debate with respect for others in the room and for the information gathered from the congregation. The votes were not unanimous but they did mirror closely the results of the survey, passing with 80% in favor.
The Administrative Council has determined the following policies:
- ZUMC is open to our pastors performing weddings for a same-sex couple on ZUMC property.
- ZUMC is open to receiving an appointed pastor who is living in a same-sex marriage
As a way to clarify where the ZUMC congregation is on a continuum on this, the survey question was posed as to a policy being welcoming, affirming, or advocating for same-sex marriage. The survey results from this question imply that about three-quarters of the congregation accept or support same-sex marriage. That leaves a bit less than one quarter whose personal convictions prevent them from embracing this position. This is not insignificant and we want to assure these members that we honor their decision and want to keep room at the table for all. We recognize whether one is welcoming, affirming, or advocating includes a wide spectrum of life experiences and is a personal choice to be determined on an individual basis. However, as we move forward, we expect our church to remain a safe space for all people.
What does this mean for ZUMC? Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) and Trustees, along with the Administrative Council, will prepare specific policies consistent with the recent vote. As a church, we will continue to make space for differing beliefs with honor and respect for each other. There is room at the table for all. We will not allow our disagreement to make enemies of one another. We will love and welcome all who enter the church. We will keep Christ at the center of all we do.
The congregation’s desires were voiced through the survey and information shared and the Administrative Council has taken a vote consistent with those desires. This task and vote was not taken lightly by the members of the Administrative Council. As representatives of the church, we also have different thoughts about the issue, just as the congregation does. We pray for healing for wounds that may have been created. We pray for unity as we move forward. We pray for excitement about living into and fulfilling Christ’s vision for the world. We pray for the ability to be grace providers to all in our church. We pray for patience and prayerful discernment for the congregation as you consider the impact of this decision. We pray for guidance and direction from God, who loves us.
We thank you all for your prayers and support.
For those interested in the survey results, the questions and percentage of votes are below.
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