300 protest Anti-Gay vote by Methodist conference in Fort Worth

FORT WORTH -- Nearly 300 protesters marched into the Fort Worth Convention Center on Thursday morning in a negotiated disruption of the United Methodist General Conference.

The protest was in reaction to the delegates’ votes Wednesday affirming the denomination’s position against same-sex unions, that homosexual activity is against the Bible, and that ordaining ministers or appointing practicing homosexuals to churches is incompatible with Christian teaching.

The protesters -- some wearing arm bands or buttons with “All means all” or other slogans -- walked down the center aisle in a statement arranged with conference leaders.

Protest leaders and several bishops then went to meet in a private area for conference officials called "holy conferencing." It was not known how long the meeting would be or whether those meeting would issue a statement later today.

Marcher Ed Hoar, 65 and retiree from Delaware, Ohio, said he works for a suicide hotline,

"I discovered what kind of pain we cause gay people," Hoar said. "They’re just regular people trying to lead regular lives. ...There was an opportunity to do the right thing, but the church didn't have the courage to do it."

See 300 protest at Methodist conference in Fort Worth
The Star-Telegram

Photo: In March, after three years of study, Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C., has changed its policy to recognize same-sex unions in special ceremonies that fall just short of an official wedding. The new policy became effective Feb. 1. In a pastoral letter to the congregation last November, the Rev. Dean Snyder, senior pastor, announced he will lead services that "recognize and honor lesbian and gay committed relationships." A UMNS photo by Phil Carney, Foundry United Methodist Church.