Methodist delegates vote down proposed oath saying homosexuality not God's will United Methodist News Service Wednesday, May 10, 2000 CLEVELAND – By a vote of 705-210, delegates to the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church decided not to require their ministers to sign a statement professing that homosexuality is not God's will. The proposed statement said: "I do not believe that homosexuality is God's perfect will for any person. I will not practice it. I will not promote it. I will not allow its promotion to be encouraged under my authority." The delegates also declined to add language to the Book of Discipline that would have made the performance of a same-sex union a chargeable offense even in states where such a ceremony is legal. The denomination already has the official position that same-sex unions shall not be conducted by United Methodist ministers and shall not be held in United Methodist churches. Violating that rule could lead to charges against a minister, according to the denomination's Judicial Council. General Conference, the top lawmaking body of the United Methodist Church, is meeting through May 12 in Cleveland. The 992 delegates will adopt legislation revising the denomination's Book of Discipline, which contains the church's rules, policies and other items. The assembly meets every four years.

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