This story was updated at 1:45 a.m. Feb. 27 to include additional information from university officials.
United Methodist delegates voted during a special session of the United Methodist General Conference that began Feb. 23 and ended yesterday in St. Louis.
The church, which is the second-largest Protestant denomination in the United States, voted to maintain its traditional stance on the LGBTQ community.
The Traditional Plan was approved by a vote of 438-384, according to apnews.com. This plan strengthens existing language regarding sexuality in the Book of Discipline, the official book of law and doctrines for the United Methodist Church, and enforces penalties related to clergy who perform same-sex unions or churches that host same-sex weddings.
“About 43 percent of the delegates were from abroad, mostly from Africa, and overwhelmingly supported the LGBT bans,” the article said.
The Traditional Plan was one of three possible plans, the other two being The One Church Plan and the Connectional Church Plan. The One Church Plan would have kept the Methodist Church united, but allow each congregation and pastor to decide for themselves regarding sexuality and their level of inclusion in the church. The Connectional Church Plan would have allowed the Methodist Church to split into three categories: progressive, centrist and traditional, each of which would have a different stance on sexuality.
“I was very disheartened by the decision made today at General Conference,” said Madison Waller, youth ministry sophomore who attended the conference. “I can’t imagine how those of the LGBTQIA+ community are feeling at this time. I pray that they know how loved and valued they are by so many people of the UMC.”
The Oklahoma City University official Facebook page released a statement from President Martha Burger on the OCU Facebook group expressing OCU’s continued commitment to the United Methodist Church.
“At Oklahoma City University, we are proud of our long history with the United Methodist Church. We are especially thankful for the unwavering support of local Methodist congregations and members. Just as we have for 115 years, Oklahoma City University will remain committed to the United Methodist legacy of scholarship and service,” the post reads.
The post included a link to the university’s non-discrimination policy.
“OCU is a wonderfully inclusive institution that values the diversity of its students, faculty, and staff,” the post reads.
Elizabeth Horton-Ware, director of religious life, said she and other officials at OCU will continue to accept the LGBTQ community, according to Student Publications archives.
“I know that each individual who is part of our community is a blessed and beloved child of God. The participation of students who identify within the LGBTQ community adds to our community richness,” she said. “We are a diverse theological community with members of the LGBTQ community participating fully. My expectation is that I will continue to lead in that way.”
Waller said there are Methodists who will fight for LGBTQ rights.
“So many of us will continue to fight for inclusion of the UMC,” she said.U
Charles Neff, vice president of university-church relations, posted in the OCU Facebook group addressing the decision.
“It is still too early to know all the implications of what has been decided,” he said. “Those conversations will happen at many different levels over the coming weeks and months, and I pledge to do my best to keep you apprised.”
Neff said he and Horton-Ware support full inclusion of all persons in religious life in the university.
“We want everyone, especially the LGBTQIA+ members of our OCU family, to know that we love, support, and affirm you as persons of sacred worth,” Neff said.
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