United Methodist Church Revises Stance on LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Faces Budget Cuts

The UMC General Conference approves LGBTQ+ inclusive measures and confronts significant financial reductions amid ongoing denominational shifts.

The UMC General Conference removed anti-LGBTQ language from its Book of Discipline, broadening the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples.
Delegates at the conference also faced a steep 42% budget cut, reflecting the financial impact of numerous U.S. congregations disaffiliating over recent years.
The revised policies aim to enhance inclusivity, yet they have sparked debates and protests, particularly among traditionalist delegates from Africa.
Regionalization plans were advanced to grant more autonomy to UMC's global regional bodies, a move likely to be ratified in upcoming votes.
Despite progressive changes, the church grapples with internal divisions and the potential for further congregational departures.