Methodist Church reverses ban on gay pastors, LGBTQ members
After four decades, the United Methodist Church on Wednesday ended a longstanding tradition that prohibited the ordination of practising gay clergy.
The leaders of the church met for the first time since 2019 and overwhelmingly passed the resolution to overturn the “self-avowed practising homosexuals” ban at a meeting in Charlotte, NC, on Wednesday morning, the New York Times reported.
Delegates at the meeting, which was supposed to happen earlier but suffered several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, also voted to prohibit local leaders from penalising clergy or churches for holding (or declining to hold) same-sex weddings.
The Times reported that votes affirming LGBTQ clergy and churchgoers are expected to be held before the meeting is adjourned until Friday.
The actions followed years of debates within the denomination about issues relating to homosexuality.
Meanwhile, the Wednesday outcome is expected to accept the makeup of the denomination with large numbers of conservative congregations leaving over the decision to loosen the strict restrictions on homosexuality in the church.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Police warn youths against blocking Kebbi-Sokoto highway
Mr Usman said the latest blockade disrupted vehicular movement for about three hours.
Africa
U.S. warns citizens travelling to South Africa over crime, terrorism, unrest
The acting national police commissioner said at least 10 vehicles were burnt in Johannesburg and 14 in Durban.
Economy
Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy depends on homegrown innovation, market access: NBTI DG
The DG said sustainable national prosperity cannot be achieved through government expenditure or natural resources alone.
NationWide
NBET begins N729 billion legacy debt payments to GenCos
Mr Odeyemi described the development as a significant milestone in implementing the debt reduction programme.
Africa
Anti-foreigner protests force South Africa to withdraw asylum seekers applications
The protests erupted over a Constitutional Court ruling easing access to asylum.
Heading 2
2028 Olympics: Super Falcons defeat Comoros 2-0 in first leg
The Nigerian team finally opened the scoring in the 48th minute with a tap-in by Michelle Alozie.
