In light of the recent General Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Council of Bishops of the Northeastern Jurisdiction of the UMC affirm that:
1. They will not entertain further attempts to disaffiliate from the denomination, as the 2019 legislation which allowed for disaffiliation expired at the end of 2023.
2. They will allow individual congregations to follow their conscience on the matter of same-sex weddings, and the appointment of LGBT+ clergy. No church or clergyperson will be forced to hold a same-sex wedding or be penalized for choosing not to, even if the express reason is their theology regarding human sexuality. No church will be appointed an LGBT+ pastor if the congregation’s theology would not affirm their appointment.
Although Pastor Pedro Pillot is a proponent of the full inclusion of LGBT+ people in the life of the Church, both as laity and clergy, First UMC of Blairstown does not have a standing policy on the issue of same-sex marriage or LGBT issues, and constituents of the congregation hold various views.
Our church is a testament to fact that, by the power of God, it is possible for Christians to love alike even when we do not think alike.
Full story here.