COLORADO, USA — The United Methodist Church (UMC) is one step closer to lifting its ban on same-sex marriage and ordaining LGBTQ+ clergy members. The move would have a massive ripple effect on United Methodist churches across the county, including some here in Colorado.
"Every four years there's a shift in the church, but right now it feels like tectonic plates shift, huge, and it's very exciting," said Bishop Karen Oliveto, who oversees UMC's Mountain Sky Conference, which includes churches in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Utah.
This week Oliveto is out east at UMC's general conference, where leaders are one step closer to lifting their long-standing ban on same-sex marriage.
"We passed some pretty major things last week that sets the stage for a shift," Oliveto said. "I do think we’re going to be lifting the ban and we’re going to be lifting the harmful language that the church has had for 50 years."
Oliveto is the first openly lesbian bishop in the UMC. Votes scheduled for this week will open the door to allow more. Not only will leaders vote on same-sex marriage, but they will also decide if LGBTQ+ members can be part of the clergy.
"This frees us as a church to say, 'When you come through our doors you are welcomed here,'" she said. "Because that's the bottom line. It's about love. If the church isn't affirming love, what business are we in then?"
Oliveto believes the potential change will bring more LGBTQ+ members into the church.
The vote is expected to happen sometime this week. She said it would solidify beliefs some congregations have been practicing all along.
"We know we’ve been going against the tide to offer that witness," she said. "This just enables us to meet our young people where they are, to say, 'You’re beloved.' I think it will very much strengthen our witness in the world as a church that seeks to love all people."
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