By Lauren Markoe
(RNS) Same-sex partners can’t marry in a United Methodist Church. But if one of the spouses works at one of the denomination’s 13 general agencies, the couple can get benefits if state laws allow it.
The decision, made at last week’s meeting of the UMC’s Judicial Council in Little Rock, Ark., affirms one made in October by the church’s General Council on Finance and Administration, which expanded the definition of “spouse” to include same-sex spouses and partners.
Same-sex marriage is roiling the 7.5 million-member U.S. denomination, which in recent years has struggled with a growing rebellion among clergy willing to flout church law and preside over the marriages of same-sex partners. While some welcomed the Judicial Council’s decision, other decried it.
The Rev. Tom Lambrecht of Good News — a conservative Methodist ministry — blogged last week about the extension of benefits: “It adopts a policy that contradicts church teaching on the definition of marriage, not only violating the beliefs and values of church members (not to mention Scripture) but creating confusion by sending a mixed message about what United Methodists believe.”
Read more at http://www.religionnews.com/2014/04/29/methodists-approve-sex-marriage-benefits/
1 Comment. Leave new
If you agree with same sex partners or agreements you had might as well quit using the BIBLE. God has never liked it and never will. Just like we have always been taught God LOVES the sinner but HATES the sin. It is one thing for our Nation to embrace this but now for churches to try to justify it is WRONG. There is no way you can agree with this and live out the Word of God. You might as well try to justify and live with lying, killing, adultery, stealing etc. Where are you going to stop. Romans chapter 8 makes it pretty clear, you let the carnal (flesh) mind control you will suffer/die you let the Spirit control the mind you can live a life pleasing to Him even in this sin sick world. Thanks