The United Methodist Church announced last Friday that it plans to split the denomination over “fundamental differences” in beliefs about same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination. Church leaders have debated those issues for nearly 50 years.
If passed in May, the proposal will allow a “traditionalist” denomination to separate from the United Methodist Church, clearing the way for the UMC to repeal the current church’s ban on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ clergy. A group of 16 bishops and church leaders voted for the proposed split, saying it was “the best means to resolve our differences, allowing each part of the Church to remain true to its theological understanding, while recognizing the dignity, equality, integrity, and respect of every person.”
We sit down with local Methodist leaders who have different perspectives on the issues. In studio:
- Reverend Dr. Stephen Cady, senior minister for Asbury First United Methodist Church
- Cory Tylenda, member of Asbury First United Methodist Church
- Reverend Rick LaDue, lead pastor of United Methodist Church of Webster
