%1

‘Safe harbor’ offered to LGBTQ Methodists

The five bishops of the Western Juris­diction of the United Meth­odist Church have declared their churches a “safe harbor” for LGBTQ clergy.

The Safe Harbor Declaration was announced November 6 as the United Methodists’ Council of Bishops wrapped up its autumn meeting in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. It comes weeks before new restrictions strengthening the de­nomination’s ban on the ordination and marriage of LGBTQ members take effect on January 1.

Multiple women accuse United Methodist elder and prominent interfaith worker of sexual abuse 

Four women have brought formal accusations of sexual misconduct and abuse against a United Methodist clergyman who is prominent in interfaith work.

The West Ohio Conference confirmed that Donald “Bud” Heckman, an elder in the conference, is suspended from active ministry and faces “the strong likelihood” of a church trial—tentatively scheduled for December 2–4.