African Methodist Episcopal Church reaffirms ban on same-sex marriage

[Michie]

The African Methodist Episcopal Church has rejected a proposal to strike down its ban on same-sex marriage.

At the AME Church's 52nd Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, held Aug. 21-28 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, the historically black denomination voted down an amendment to its rules.

"It was noted that a motion was brought forward to delete. The reasoning was stated that the proposal has the potential to curb AMEC, and exegesis is a complication, even under great sensitivities," reported The Christian Recorder, the official news organ of the AME Church.

Continued below.

African Methodist Episcopal Church reaffirms ban on same-sex marriage

At the African Methodist Episcopal Church s 52nd Quadrennial Session of the General Conference in Columbus, Ohio, the historically black denomination voted down an amendment to its rules to strike

www.christianpost.com

 

[RileyG]

Good! I'm happy they are standing up for Christian values

 

[jas3]

That is good news, but I'm surprised at how close the vote was: only 55% of the delegates voted to delete the amendment. I have to wonder how much longer the AME church can hold out before they go the way of the UMC.

 

[RDKirk]

I was raised in the AMEC, and most of my family still are (well, I didn't officially reject it, for that matter). My grandfather was an AMEC pastor and presiding elder for decades until his death, and one of my aunts is a past Connectional-level (all-denomination level) Recorder...she edited "The Christian Recorder."

I've always considered the AMEC "primitive Methodists" (which is a good thing) because the Book of Discipline is hardly changed from its 1817 origins.

I'm glad to see that ruling, but only guardedly because that was a close vote.

 

[RileyG]

I was raised in the AMEC, and most of my family still are (well, I didn't officially reject it, for that matter). My grandfather was an AMEC pastor and presiding elder for decades until his death, and one of my aunts is a past Connectional-level (all-denomination level) Recorder...she edited "The Christian Recorder."

I've always considered the AMEC "primitive Methodists" (which is a good thing) because the Book of Discipline is hardly changed from its 1817 origins.

I'm glad to see that ruling, but only guardedly because that was a close vote.

It's my understanding they are in full communion with the UMC.

Does that mean they can deny to marry same-sex couples if a clergy is serving a UMC parish?

I'm not familiar with Methodism or the Book of Discipline at all.

Blessings

 

[RDKirk]

It's my understanding they are in full communion with the UMC.

Does that mean they can deny to marry same-sex couples if a clergy is serving a UMC parish?

I'm not familiar with Methodism or the Book of Discipline at all.

Blessings

Well, the AMEC is not "closed communion" in practice (although the Book of Discipline might be read that way).

But there isn't a common relationship between the AMEC and the UMC.

 

[RileyG]

Well, the AMEC is not "closed communion" in practice (although the Book of Discipline might be read that way).

But there isn't a common relationship between the AMEC and the UMC.

Ah, I understand.

Thanks for the reply.