Clergy (¶304.3)
In the United Methodist Book of Discipline, this paragraph says that since homosexuality isn't compatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals can't be candidates for the ministry, be ordained as ministers, or be appointed to serve in the United Methodist Church.
- A young man has been baptized and confirmed in the United Methodist Church, involved in Sunday School, youth group, mission trips, youth events at the District and Conference levels, and is a faithful tither. God is nudging him toward a life dedicated to the ministry. Many people recognize his strong faith and his ability to inspire and strengthen those around him. As his faith grows, so does his awareness that he's attracted to men. He dreams of the day when he'll become a minister. He also dreams of the day when he'll meet and fall in love with a man who will be his life-partner. If both dreams come true, he'll be forced to choose one or the other. In the United Methodist Church, he can't openly have both.
