UMC Upholds Current Standards on Ordinations -- Some Protest Decision

The David L. Lawrence Conference Center remained relatively peaceful as the vote the maintain the current stance against homosexual clergy was counted and revealed at the United Methodist Church's quadrennial General Conference in Pittsburgh. The decision came amid a sensitive time for the denomination, which is the second largest in the U.S. and one of the most diverse. Currently, the UMC upholds that while homosexuals are people of sacred worth, they may not serve as clergy if they actively practice the lifestyle. The May 4th ruling came as a relief to most of the members to the UMC, but several smaller groups petitioned against the decision in non-violent ways. Since the General Conference is the only body that can determine the laws of the UMC, the May 4 decision should define the future rulings on openly-homosexual clergy, at least for the next four years.