Dr. David Grant, a professor of religion at Texas Christian University, said the outcome of the conference will have a ripple effect on the entire church.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe impact on the United Methodist Church will be great,\u201d Grant said. \u201cWhatever is decided, the chances are that a significant number of United Methodists will depart the denomination.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Elizabeth Oldmixon is a political scientist at the University of North Texas who studies the intersections of religion, politics and LGBTQ identities. She said it\u2019s too early to say how deep the effects of the issue will be on the United Methodist Church.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the only issue where the language of schism has been elevated to this level,\u201d Oldmixon said. \u201cI don\u2019t know how widespread it would be but it\u2019ll definitely happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
She explained that it will be difficult to cater to everyone\u2019s beliefs with the current plans, even if they are amended.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re a traditionalist, you don\u2019t like that language will be taken out and changed,\u201d Oldmixon said. \u201cIf you\u2019re progressive, you\u2019re not satisfied because there\u2019s nothing new that affirms any other sexualities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bishop Mike Lowry is the resident bishop of the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church and oversees more than 300 churches. He noted that whichever plan is voted on will be debated and amended, and whatever decision is made will not take effect until January 2020, at the earliest.<\/p>\n
However, he said he stands behind the current practices of the church, which say \u201cthe practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching,\u201d and that \u201cself-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been clear that I do not endorse any of the three plans,\u201d Lowry said. \u201cI support the current stance of the United Methodist Church. Our understanding that love is for all, and Christian marriage is between a man and a woman.\u201d<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a> and there are comments by Bobby Ross on the article there<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Dr. David Grant, a professor of religion at Texas Christian University, said the outcome of the conference will have a ripple effect on the entire church. \u201cThe impact on the United Methodist Church will be great,\u201d Grant said. \u201cWhatever is…<\/span><\/p>\n