The United Methodist Church’s (UMC) official public policy arm is partnering with an LGBTQ caucus to offer pastors a course in Queer Theology.
Offered by the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) and the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), the course is among the latest changes following last year’s United Methodist General Conference. Following the exit of nearly 8,000 local churches, delegates to the denomination’s governing convention removed language in the Book of Discipline and clergy conduct guidelines prohibiting same-sex behavior.
United Methodist officials claim that both traditionalists and progressives are welcome in the denomination. But, once again, the post-separation UMC has demonstrated that it has no interest in neutrality and instead seeks full affirmation of same-sex rites and behavior.
It is enthusiastically leaning into its new status as an “ally.”
The new course’s objectives are, “To introduce participants to key concepts and figures in queer theology. To equip participants with tools for critical analysis of theological texts and traditions. To foster a supportive community for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. To inspire participants to engage in practical ministry and advocacy.”
Course curriculum includes “Queer Biblical Interpretation, Queer Liberation Theologies, Gender and Sexuality in Christian Tradition, LGBTQ+ Spirituality and Ritual, and Queer Ethics and Social Justice.”
Instructor Dr. Luther Young of Boston University School of Theology is styled in his bio as an “artist, public theologian, and social justice advocate” who “seeks to address class inequalities, racial injustice, and systems of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and other disadvantaged groups.”
GBCS is funded from fair share apportionments, meaning that tithes from many United Methodists go to a church agency in support of pastoral training that is against those church members’ deeply held religious beliefs.
The choice of GBCS to support a Queer Theology course is disappointing, not only because it demonstrates a lack of commitment to the promise of neutrality, but because there are so many other topics in which pastors should receive supplementary training. GBCS is specifically focused on the social witness of the United Methodist Church, and there are many areas on which they could focus, but they have chosen to direct resources to a handful of niche issues guaranteed to alienate many UMC congregants.
There was a time when the UMC had a vibrant social witness focused on the call to spread scriptural holiness, born out of a recognition that the mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. While GBCS and RMN might argue that they too seek to make disciples of Christ, courses instructing Queer Theology are in opposition to the historic witness of the church.
To be a disciple is to conform oneself to the teachings of Christ recognizing all of us need to relinquish our attachment to sin, especially those sins that present the strongest hold over us. Courses on Queer Theology seek to do the opposite: they attempt to conform Christ and His teachings to one’s desired lifestyle.
There was a time when the UMC realized that true discipleship was essential to social witness because it is only through sanctification that Christians can advocate a social witness that leads to true flourishing.
Instead of focusing on niche issues, the UMC would be far better off providing pastors with materials to help them provide better pastoral care to their laity, particularly after General Conference when there is much heartbreak and division. I have spoken with several pastors, both inside the UMC and those who exited, whose congregants were devastated by the changes made at Conference and by the breakup of the denomination.
Those pastors would love to have resources to better help them serve their congregants, but the UMC has shown little interest in helping pastors better develop the ability to provide pastoral counseling and care to their laity.
There are many worthwhile social issues that could be focused upon, including work to affirm the sanctity of human life, help the poor and homeless, and prevent substance abuse that results in drug overdose. Helping pastors and laity to address these issues within their local communities would further advance the social witness of the UMC.
Very few in the UMC clamor to have their pastors be better able to discuss queer liberation theology on a Sunday morning. But they do need pastors able to better comfort and guide as churches split or close. They do need counseling as the communities they have long been part of break apart. They need guidance on the many day-to-day aspects of how to faithfully live out the Christian life in their specific community. Help to meet these needs would go a long way in support of the UMC’s social witness. It would help congregants better live lives rooted in the scriptural holiness that was the mission of early Methodism.
United Methodist officials continue to display a startling lack of interest in meeting congregants’ practical needs. Courses like those on Queer Theology ostensibly train pastors to minister to those whom UMC officials wish were in their pews rather than the flock whom they are actively charged with shepherding. These officials are not neutral nor will they allow congregants and pastors to be neutral on human sexuality.
Partnership to offer a Queer Theology course demonstrates that official, apportionment-funded church agencies have lost sight of what it means to have a social witness grounded in the call to scriptural holiness and disciple making.
Comment by Tim Mc on March 10, 2025 at 7:49 am
Quote: United Methodist officials continue to display a startling lack of interest in meeting congregants’ practical needs. Courses like those on Queer Theology ostensibly train pastors to minister to those whom UMC officials wish were in their pews rather than the flock whom they are actively charged with shepherding.
Amen!
Comment by David S. on March 10, 2025 at 10:38 am
No great surprise. The UCC, ELCA, TEC, and PCUSA have each, in that order, quickly moved to such positions after apostatizing.
Comment by Harry Jones on March 10, 2025 at 10:52 am
In our church, where over 80% wanted to disaffiliate, several members are now paying local church expenses directly and are contributing nothing at all to the budget of the United Methodist Church. This gives us the satisfaction of knowing that we are not supporting an apostate organization, and it reduces the apportionment obligation of our church.
Comment by Wilson R. on March 10, 2025 at 2:07 pm
From reading this blog, and this individual blogger in particular, you’d think that homosexuality is (1) just about the only church-and-society issue you care about and (2) UM churches are all adopting queer theology, performing same-sex marriages, appointing LGBTQ pastors with rainbow ministerial stoles, and generally making themselves as unwelcoming as possible to any members who hold differing views.
And that’s just an utterly misleading picture of what’s happening on the ground—so misleading, in fact, that I suspect Ms. Stewart’s intention is to provoke outrage rather than inform.
Whatever goes on at the UM General Board of Church and Society is basically invisible to local congregations and ministers and has no measurable effect on decisions they make about ministries and policies.
Most UM members have little awareness of the Reconciling Ministries Network, and it plays no role in their church experience. That is my observation as an active, lifelong Methodist.
I did a little homework before responding to this column. In my city and its closest suburbs, there are over 80 UMC congregations. I’m familiar with most of them at least by reputation.
From the Reconciling Ministries website, there are only 5 churches in this group that identify as Reconciling Congregations. There are 3-4 others that have an individual Sunday School class that counts itself as a Reconciling Ministry. Two of the five have been the most liberal UMC congregations in the city for decades, and not many conservatives would have been going there to begin with. Only one of the five is a large congregation. None of the largest congregations in the area is affiliated with Reconciling Ministries. (The Reconciling movement, btw, only claims to encompass 46,000 church members, and that includes people in four countries besides the US (Argentina, Brazil, Philippines and Kenya.)
The congregation I’m part of is not affiliated; it is diverse, with people I consider both theologically conservative and theologically liberal, and in the six years I have been a member, I have never seen LGBTQ issues raised. This seems to be like the experience of most United Methodists in my area.
In most of these churches, except possibly for the five I mentioned, a “traditionalist” could walk in on Sunday morning and feel welcomed and comfortable unless even the sight of LGBTQ people in the pews is upsetting to them. You might see a gay couple. You’re not going to see rainbow liturgical banners. If you find the pastor’s theology not to your liking, it won’t be because you heard a pro-LGBTQ message from the pulpit. A same-sex wedding in the church is unlikely to happen, if only because a lot of the members would still be uncomfortable with that, even though they welcome LGBTQ members to join them in the pews or sing in the choir.
I live in a 65% Blue city in a 60% red state, and I can vouch for what I described above. Maybe it would be different if you walked into a UMC church in Los Angeles or Portland or Boston. But the reality for most of us is very different from the portrayal in the blog above.
Comment by Dan on March 10, 2025 at 2:38 pm
Gee, I hope ELCA has some glitter ashes left over from Ash Wednesday for the course participants. I mean even kings of Israel were sacrificing their children to pagan gods. Ecclesiastes has it right – there is nothing new under the sun. The sad part is what eternity awaits shepherds who lead their flocks astray.
Comment by Pudentiana on March 10, 2025 at 3:00 pm
The Long March Through the Institutions by Chris Rufo
Comment by Jimmy on March 10, 2025 at 3:04 pm
Sarah, you couldn’t see this coming 5-6 years ago?
Comment by Tim Mc on March 10, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Tell folks to send the rest of their tithe to Samaritan Ministries.
They may close your church if they can’t make money off you, just like the box stores do. Not profitable, close the church and sell the property. It is coming to a town near you soon!
Comment by Jim Robert Tormey on March 10, 2025 at 4:17 pm
While I’m saddened by this, I’m not shocked. They said this was what they wanted to do. But I do believe that while much of the country is moving away from this the UMC has decided to double down. I truly believe God will not wait much longer to reveal His wrath. The UMC unfortunately appears to be in death throws.
Comment by Vicky A. Gazaway on March 10, 2025 at 4:45 pm
I joined the FUMC when I was 20 years old. And, for the purpose of open disclosure, I need to add that I was brought up and became a born-again, faith-based believer through the Grace of Our Lord in a Missionary Baptist Church. Most of my adult years in the FMUC were fulfilling and productive; and then, over 30 years ago, I was overcome with disappointment and a very great concern about the state of affairs in the conference. A Missionary Methodist finds it a difficult pill to swallow when gay clergy and same-sex marriages performed in our churches are actually happening in complete disobedience to God, the TBOD, and The Word of God. So few people were informed that it was even happening; but, also, that it was growing like a very aggressive cancer tearing away the people and churches from God. How very hard it must have been on all the people! Many pastors were called to put on the Armor of God, take up Shields and Swords, and do battle with the FUMC conference. Sincere love, care, appreciation, and support I send to everyone in these predicaments. And, many are still in dire, litigious cases. This is a sad time and the Power of God, Prayer to Almighty God, and a more diligent reach for knowledge of church matters is the path to stay true and obedient to Our Father. This will define those following our Shepherd from those who have gone astray. May God be with us and everyone be blessed.
Comment by Corvus Corax on March 10, 2025 at 6:51 pm
Why do you care? Don’t ask questions, just keep tithing to the sodomy fund.
Comment by Stephanie Jenkins on March 10, 2025 at 7:08 pm
Good grief. I prefer giving money to local people in my town, people I know and understand their need.
Comment by Andrew Lawson on March 10, 2025 at 7:41 pm
Also known as “Satanic Theology”
Comment by JoeR on March 10, 2025 at 8:19 pm
Queer Theology? I can’t stop laughing.
Comment by Vicki M on March 10, 2025 at 11:30 pm
Exactly why we tithe to charities we support rather than the UMC. We love our little church but can’t support the big picture.
Comment by Get off My on March 11, 2025 at 1:16 am
The Global Methodist Church is a good Wesleyan alternative. I know. Buy a new building. Rent one.