https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/ar ... ed/583693/I suspect this is the beginning of the discussion, not the end. But it appears that for now, the UMC has adopted a traditional, conservative theological perspective on LGBT issues. So the question now is whether or not a deeply connectional body can stay together and what will happen if local congregations head for the exit. Most of my understanding of how Methodists operate comes from Timothy on this board. I have, in the Christian schools I've served, encountered Methodists who sent their kids to our school, including a few pastors, and among those individuals I would say that there is a diversity of belief that is as broad as that of Baptists, including some charismatic/Pentecostal leanings, a few hardline fundamentalists and here in Chicago, some members of an AME congregation.
I don't wish any problems on any church, ministry is hard enough. This has become a sharply divisive issue, though, it seems more so than just about anything else in recent church history.
Timothy, my prayers are with you and your congregation.