California United Methodist Congregations Declare Support for Same-Sex Marriage

The Dallas Morning News is reporting that the legislative body of the United Methodist Church in California has declared its support for same-sex marriage and has commended pastors who agree to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies.

At the church’s California-Pacific Annual Conference, which convened June 18 to June 22, participants approved three resolutions in support of same-sex marriage, including one that opposes the November ballot initiative that would legally define marriage being between a man and a woman.

Also in June, at another United Methodist gathering, participants at the California-Nevada Annual Conference approved two additional resolutions in support of same-sex marriage, including one that lists 67 retired United Methodist clergy in northern California who have offered to conduct marriage ceremonies.

The resolutions have caused a dispute within the denomination, which has traditionally viewed homosexuality as incompatible with Christian teaching. The church’s Judicial Council is expected to deliberate on the matter when it convenes in October.