Human Sexuality (¶161F)
In the United Methodist Book of Discipline, Paragraph ¶161F begins with the powerful affirmation that sexuality is a good gift from God and highlights the importance of ensuring the human and civil rights of all people without regard to sexual orientation or gender. In the midst of statements supporting sexuality education, recognizing each person's sacred worth, and affirming that God's grace is available to all, 161F says that the United Methodist Church doesn't condone the practice of homosexuality and considers it "incompatible with Christian teaching." It goes on to implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends.
What impact does this have on LGBT people and their families?
- A teenager struggling with same-sex attractions hears that sexuality is a good gift from God but only for some.
Primary points in ¶161F
- Human sexuality is affirmed as a good gift from God to all persons, and all are called to be responsible stewards of this sacred gift.
- Sexual relations are affirmed only within the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage.
- All persons are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured! The phrase "all persons" specifically includes people regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation.
- The church supports families in providing age-appropriate sexuality education to children, youth, and adults.
- All persons have sacred worth.
- All need the ministry and guidance of the church.
- The United Methodist Church doesn't condone the practice of homosexuality and considers it "incompatible with Christian teaching."
- God's grace is available to all.
- Families and churches are implored not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends.
- We commit to be in ministry for and with all persons.
Read the whole text of ¶161F »
