Delegates retain anti-gay stance

PITTSBURGH - Delegates to the United Methodist Church's top legislative body voted to retain the denomination's statement that homosexual practice is incompatible with Christian teaching.


On May 4, 2004 delegates at its General Conference here voted to alter slightly the current language in the Social Principles.


They deleted the words "although we do not" from a sentence in Paragraph 161G that goes on to say "condone the practice of homosexuality … " The delegates approved a revision to the language, which now says, "The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching." They also added a clause that United Methodists "will seek to live together in Christian community". - United Methodist News Service.