According to a Religion News Service release, United Methodists from all over the globe gathered in Ohio August 25–28 to plan for more openness to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Christians in the church. Close to 700 supporters planned to "Sing a New Song" at the convocation, at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, Ohio. Actions are already in motion to move the church toward policy change and the General Conference is not until April of 2012.
One-thousand clergy have vowed to perform same sex weddings despite prohibitions. Retired bishops signed a statement urging the United Methodist Church to drop the judgmental language about gay people in their Book of Discipline. Black Methodists for Church Renewal, a recognized caucus of the denomination, voted to affirm these bishops' statement. "The Spirit is opening people's hearts," said Troy Plummer, executive director of Reconciling Ministries Network. "Lutherans, Episcopalians, and Presbyterians have joined the United Church of Christ in ordaining candidates based on their ability for ministry, rather than their sexual orientation or gender identity. We know that God is opening the hearts of United Methodists as well." "The church works hard to fulfill Christ's commandment to love your neighbor," said Jill A. Warren, executive director of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. "United Methodists support human rights for all people, including LGBT people.
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