The United Methodist Church has approved a historic restructuring, giving its regional conferences autonomy to set policies on LGBTQ inclusion. This change aims to heal the deep divisions within the global denomination, with conferences now having the authority to make decisions based on their local laws and contexts.
Restructuring for Global Diversity
Delegates of the United Methodist Church voted to implement the “Worldwide Regionalization” project, a comprehensive restructuring initiative that gives each regional conference equal decision-making power. This change allows regions to tailor church practices, rites, and policies to fit their countries’ cultures and legal systems.
Under the new framework, each regional conference can set its own position on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage. Conferences in Africa and the Philippines have chosen to keep existing bans, while other regions may adopt more inclusive policies if they wish. This change aims to reduce division within the denomination and strengthen local leadership.
Additional Powers for Regional Conferences
Beyond LGBTQ matters, regional conferences can now independently publish church materials, including hymnals and the Book of Discipline, and revise the processes for ceremonies such as weddings and funerals. This autonomy extends to modifying church law locally, such as defining church offenses and disciplinary measures.
Leadership Statements and Outlook
President Tracy S. Malone described the outcome as a step that “strengthens our world-wide connection to serve faithfully and inclusively in every context.”