United Methodists

A Wilmington Church sign calling for the defense of traditional marriage in North Carolina that was stationed in front of a polling location is causing controversy among some, who are saying it influenced and swayed voters on North Carolina's marriage amendment.

The amendment in question, which passed by a majority citizen vote of 61 percent earlier this week, clarified that the bounds of legalized traditional marriage are between one man and one woman, making NC the 30th state in the country to include a prohibition on gay marriage in the state constitution.

The sign placed outside Devon Park United Methodist Church in Wilmington, or precinct W28, petitioned that exact argument. "A true marriage is male and female and God," the sign reads right above a "Vote Here" sign that showed people where to go to fill in their ballots. more >>

The United Methodist Church is set for some notable restructuring after a vote during the denomination's 2012 General Conference determined that representation of the UMC should be increased in Africa, Europe and Asia – a decision that may help counter the body's dwindling membership in the U.S.

Mark Tooley, President of the Institute on Religion & Democracy who is attending the conference taking place from April 24 to May 4 in Tampa, Fla., called the vote "historic."

"Significantly, representation on church agency boards will increase from 10 percent to over 30 percent, reflecting overseas growth. U.S. church membership has fallen to 7.5 million from 11 million 44 years ago. The overseas membership, almost all of it in Africa, is now 4.5 million and fast climbing," Tooley shared in a statement emailed to The Christian Post. more >>

Delegates of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church have voted down two proposals that would divest the denomination's funds from companies that did business in Israel.

The measures, which were defeated on Wednesday at the Tampa-based conference, were preceded by emotional lobbying by both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Mark Tooley, president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy and an attendee of the conference, told The Christian Post that the divestment "would encourage further conflict rather than peace." more >>

The United Methodist Church's General Conference, the denomination's top legislative body, voted Thursday by a 61 percent majority against adopting an amendment that would have altered language declaring homosexuality as sinful in official church doctrine.

Two amendments were in consideration during this morning's UMC conference, which draws Methodists from around the world to discuss church issues. One petition sought to alter UMC's statement on homosexuality in its Book of Discipline, and the other to acknowledge as a body to "agree to disagree" on the issue of homosexuality.

The Social Principles section of United Methodist teachings on sexuality in the Book of Discipline states: "The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching;" and "Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are affirmed only with the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage." more >>

The United Methodist Church's (UMC) General Conference is currently taking place in Tampa, Fla., and will feature its continuing debate on gay clergy and same-sex marriage. Some have suggested that, in order to keep its membership from dwindling, the Methodist church must come to a compromise on its long-held doctrines on such issues.

Nearly 1,000 delegates, 40 percent of whom live outside the United States, are present at the General Conference, which happens once every four years. At each assembly for more than 40 years now, the UMC has debated its position on homosexuality. The conference, which takes place between April 24 and May 4, announced that this year there are more than 70 petitions on homosexuality, many of which seek to rewrite articles 161F and 161B in the 2008 United Methodist Book of Discipline that address homosexual clergy and same-sex marriage.

The UMC supports the traditional definition of marriage as between one man and one woman, and requires clergy members to adhere to "the highest standards of holy living." According to the church, "The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church." more >>

Minnesota's First United Methodist Church has taken a new approach to reconnecting congregants to their faith.

The church in St. Cloud is asking people who have averted from their faith to attend their services, which will be less "preachy."

Starting Saturday, First United Methodist will offer congregants who "aren't so sure about church" a service that consists mostly of just music and meditation, said the Rev. William Meier. more >>