United Methodist leadership recommends deferral of LGBT decisions

c. 2016 Religion News Service

PORTLAND, Oregon (RNS) In an effort to stave off a schism in one of the nation’s largest Protestant denominations, United Methodist Church leaders are recommending a deferral of decisions on whether to accept LGBT clergy and allow same-sex marriage.

Bruce Ough, president of its Council of Bishops, said the church is considering convening a special session of its General Conference in 2018 or 2019 to discuss LGBT issues, which have roiled the worldwide denomination for years.