What did the passage of Consent Calendar A05 do?
On May 1, 2024, General Conference delegates from around the world voted to adopt 22 pieces of legislation via
Consent Calendar A05 with 93% in favor (692-51). The petition for “Building a Fully Inclusive Church” was among
the legislation that was passed. This petition lifted the UMC’s 40-year ban on ordaining “self-avowed practicing
homosexuals.”
Also, with the adoption of Consent Calendar A05, superintendents will no longer penalize or refrain clergy or
churches from holding same-gender weddings.
Will The Book of Discipline change?
While the core of our doctrine – what makes us United Methodists – will remain the same, The Book of Discipline
will be updated to reflect the changes in legislation voted on during General Conference including elimination of
the language that prevents LGBTQ+ clergy from being ordained and elimination of the language that prohibits UMC
clergy from performing same-gender weddings.
Will my church be required to have a gay/lesbian pastor?
The bishop, in consultation with the Cabinet, will continue to work with churches and clergy to ensure we have the
best match possible when making appointments. Part of this work includes review of clergy and church profiles
and working with District Superintendents to determine fruitful appointments. Our goal is to have vital, thriving
churches throughout The Florida Conference committed to mission in your local contexts and fully equipped to
make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
As clergy, will I be required to perform same-gender weddings?
No, clergy will not be required nor prohibited from performing same gender weddings. Pastors have always decided
who they will marry in The United Methodist Church, and this will not change.
Will my church be required to host same-gender weddings?
Your church will decide what weddings are held on church property. Clergy should be in a consultive process with
church leaders if hosting a same-gender wedding could bring division within the congregation.
As a congregation that is more traditional in its views on these matters, do we still have a place in The Florida
Conference?
We acknowledge that our views differ regarding same-gender marriage and the ordination of openly gay persons.
We believe that unity in the body of Christ, along with agreements on our essential beliefs in the Articles of Faith
and Confession of Faith, we can disagree on these matters without further division. We believe that our shared love
of Christ and each other enables us to remain in community even when our practices vary regarding same-gender
marriage and the acceptance of openly gay clergy. All persons in our various contexts are to be respected and
cared for in The Florida Conference.
What changes have been made to the Social Principles regarding human sexuality?
On May 2, 2024, the General Conference delegates voted to remove language in the UMC’s Social Principles which
states that “the practice of homosexuality…is incompatible with Christian teaching.” Delegates also affirmed
“marriage as a scared, lifelong covenant that brings two people of faith (adult man and adult woman of consenting
age or two adult persons of consenting age) into a union of one another and into deeper relationship with God and
the religious community.”
This vote removes what has been called the “incompatibility language” in our Social Principles, allowing for more
inclusion. It is important to note that the Social Principles are not considered church law but instead provide a
shared expression of the United Methodist social witness. The new Revised Social Principles will go into effect on
January 1, 2025.