![]() But, a number of bishops and other church leaders – mostly in the U.S. In 2019, the United Methodist General Conference voted to uphold those bans. The problem, as Haworth sees it, is that church leaders openly defy this official teaching and other rules that flow from it such as bans on ordaining LGBTQ clergy and blessing of same-sex marriages. It states, "Homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching." "And we believe, as do many Christians, that the Bible is very specific in that teaching."Īnd he believes that teaching is accurately reflected in the United Methodist Church's official rule book, called the Book of Discipline. "Most recent and probably most prominent is the differences of opinion we have with regard to homosexuality, marriage in general, the sexual ethic," he says. Pride Month Why you might notice more religious groups at Pride celebrations this year More recently, the congregation voted unanimously to leave the United Methodist Church because of what Haworth describes as a drift from traditional biblical teachings on morality. He says that when he arrived, the 50-member congregation was already unhappy with the direction of the denomination. Haworth, a lifelong United Methodist who's been a pastor his entire professional life, came to The Fount nine years ago. The United Methodist congregation was founded in 1964, during boom times in Southern California. "So when we say we're the church, we're referring to our Lord and not ourselves." He wants to make clear what the banner means. "Come thou fount of every blessing," reads Glen Haworth as he gestures toward the front of the sanctuary. His congregation voted unanimously to leave the United Methodist Church, primarily due to LGBTQ issues.Ī blue and white banner hangs behind the altar table at The Fount Church in Fountain Valley, Calif. Glen Haworth has been pastor of The Fount Church in Fountain Valley, Calif. ![]()
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