VALDOSTA — A passed plan at the United Methodist General Conference would mean LGBTQ Methodist clergy could not be ordained, according to area leaders.

Delegates from Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States selected the Traditional Plan with a 438-384 vote during a special-called session held in St. Louis, Missouri in late February.

The plan not only puts a ban on ordaining LGBTQ clergy, but it bans Methodist leaders from officiating or hosting same-sex weddings.

The policy is waiting on a ruling from the Judicial Council in regards to its constitutionality, said the Rev. Whit Byram of First United Methodist Church of Valdosta.

The One Church Plan was also considered during the conference. This plan would have allowed individual churches to make their own decisions, according to church leaders.

The plan is a continuation of an already established policy, Byram, said adding the UMC retained its traditional definition of marriage.

“Though not all agree with this ruling, the United Methodist Church continues to affirm that ‘all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God,’” he said quoting The Book of Discipline–UMC law and doctrine.

“Additionally, the church affirms that ‘God’s grace is available to all’ and aspires ‘to be in ministry for and with all persons.’”

The United Methodist congregations in South Georgia are faith communities that love others, Byram said.

“There is room for all in our churches. Young and old, black and white, traditional and progressive, native and newcomer, married and single,” he said.

“We strive to love well, and when we fail, we seek forgiveness and strength to do it better.”

Pastor Randal Spicer of New Harvest United Methodist Church of Valdosta agrees with the Traditional Plan saying a relationship should be between a man and a woman.

“I feel it’s the right thing to do. It’s the biblical stance. God loves everybody, but He doesn’t love our sins. When it comes to homosexuality, God loves them, too – they’re right when they say that,” he said.

“But the way I see it is their problem is they flaunt their sins where people like myself, for example, I don’t like to flaunt my sins.”

Spicer said the Traditional Plan is better than the One Church Plan arguing the UMC would never be united under the One Church Plan.

Dr. Fredrick Downing is a Valdosta State University professor and department head of philosophy and religious studies department.

He said while each individual Methodist church could make its own choices under the One Church Plan, he understands the Methodist church would still be unified.

“But the plan that was adopted means that the unified statement of the Methodist church is a harsh stand,” he said.

Spicer said the Traditional Plan does not ban homosexuals from attending church services.

“They’re welcome in our church,” Spicer said. “They’re welcome to come to the altar, and they’re welcome to change just like we all need change.”

Spicer emphasized that he accepts everyone.

“God loves us all despite of our faults and our failures but the bottom line is we all need to repent and we all need to seek the face of God,” he said.

“We need to be more like Jesus. If everybody was more like Jesus, the world would be a better place.”

A vote to allow churches to disaffiliate from the denomination was also approved during the conference meeting, Byram said. 

Amanda M. Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.