Delegates to the 2008 General Conference on April 30 rejected changes to the United Methodist Social Principles that would have acknowledged that church members disagree on homosexuality.<\/p>\n
Delegates instead adopted a minority report that retained language in the denomination\u2019s 2004 Book of Discipline describing homosexual practice as \u201cincompatible with Christian teaching.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
The adopted wording in Paragraph 161G also states that \u201call persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God,\u201d\u009d and that United Methodists are to be \u201cwelcoming, forgiving and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
Delegates also approved a new resolution to oppose homophobia and heterosexism, saying the church opposes \u201call forms of violence or discrimination based on gender, gender identity, sexual practice or sexual orientation.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n