15 United Methodist Clergy, Candidates Come Out as Gay
United Methodist News’ Kathy L. Gilbert reports, “Fifteen United Methodist clergy and clergy candidates took a leap of faith together and came out as lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer members of the New York Conference.” While some clergy have offered support to their cause, the Church can formally charge them for entering the ministry without revealing their homosexual identity. “Charges could be brought against me, but I will no longer lie about who I am in order to be in ministry. I pray for the day when we can all live as our authentic selves in the church,” said Bruce Lamb, a gay male candidate confirmed by the New York Conference in March.