A leading evangelical Methodist in the UK has spoken of his distress after North Americans in the denomination liberalised their view on same-sex relationships.
The Chair of Methodist Evangelicals Together in the UK says he grieves for those in North America’s United Methodist Church (UMC) and holds them in his prayers.
David Hull spoke as the UMC – in a landmark decision – moved to repeal its longstanding ban on LGBT clergy. Delegates at its General Conference voted 692-51 to abolish the rule that stopped 'self-avowed practicing homosexuals' from becoming ministers.
The shift ends decades of controversy and internal debate within the Church. Previous Conferences had upheld the ban amidst heated discussions and protests. However, the changing trajectory of the denomination on this issue was clearly visible this year, following the departure of many conservatives who had previously supported the ban. Last year, more than 7,600 orthodox congregations disaffiliated from the UMC. They departed mostly to join the recently-formed Global Methodist Church, which launched in May of 2022 and upholds Biblical standards on LGBT ordination and marriage.
Hull said: 'The Methodist denomination is now at least a quarter smaller than it was only a year or two ago. It has now formally changed its position on marriage and human sexuality, relegating the Bible’s teaching to a minority position within the denomination. Far from turning the tide in global Christianity, the denomination has simply separated itself from the vast majority of Christians around the world today, throughout history and even within the UMC itself when its global conferences are considered.
'The move has been hailed by some as a new dawn. Many of us perceive that before a new dawn, first there must be a setting sun. If such images are appropriate, then as the sun sets on what has been, we stand with many brothers and sisters in Christ, holding to his Lordship and trusting in his faithfulness, as we joyfully labour on in the work of the gospel, looking hopefully towards the new dawn that is truly coming.'
