Methodists uphold traditional marriage

  Delegates to the United Methodist Church (UMC) General Conference voted to uphold traditional marriage.
  The vote was 574-298 to reject a measure that would have changed the UMC’s definition of marriage to include same-sex unions. The guidelines are included in the church’s “Social Principles.” While they do not have the force of church law, they instruct the denomination’s 11 million members.
  Mark Tooley is director of UM Action at the Institute on Religion & Democracy. Speaking from the conference in Fort Worth, he said while the vote was a victory for conservatives, the controversy is far from over.
  “Those who advocate acceptance of homosexuality are very dedicated to their cause, almost to the point of obsession, if you could see their fervor and zeal in terms of their demonstrations here and their adamance,” he said.
  Delegates also approved a resolution opposing “homophobia” and discrimination against homosexuals.
  www.onenewsnow.com, 5/1/08