The African Methodist Episcopal Church, one of largest Black Protestant denominations in the world, has been wrestling with whether to change a policy that threatens to punish any of its clergy who recognize same-sex marriages.
Summary
The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the largest independent Black Protestant denomination, reaffirmed its ban on same-sex marriage at its 2023 General Conference, frustrating Rev. Jennifer S. Leath, a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Leath, a self-identified "quare" pastor and academic, has fought for two decades to challenge the denomination's stance, which she argues alienates LGBTQ+ members.
Despite setbacks, including the rejection of a key proposal for open debate, she remains committed to reforming church policies.