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Methodist Leaders Propose Plan for Amicable Separation

Associated Press

   NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - United Methodist Church leaders from around the
   world and across ideological divides unveiled a plan Friday for a new
   conservative denomination that would split from the rest of the
   churchto try toresolve ayearslongdispute over gay marriage and gay
   clergy.

   Members of the 13 million-person denomination have been at odds for
   years over the issue, with members in the United States leading the
   call for full inclusion for LGBTQ people.

   At a specially called meeting lastFeburaryin St. Louis, delegates voted
   438-384 for a proposal called the Traditional Plan, which affirmed bans
   on LGBTQ-inclusive practices.A majority ofU.S.-based delegates opposed
   the plan, but they were outvoted by U.S. conservatives teamed with most
   of the delegates from Methodist strongholds in Africa and the
   Philippines.

   Battleto continue

   Methodists in favor of allowing gay clergy and gay marriage vowed to
   continue fighting. Meanwhile, the Wesleyan Covenant Association,
   representing traditional Methodist practice, had already been preparing
   for a possible separation.

   The ReverendKeith Boyette, president of the Wesleyan Covenant
   Association and one of 16 people on the mediation team that developed
   and signed the separation proposal, said hewas ``very hopeful'' the
   plan wouldbe approved at the denomination's General Conference this
   year.

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