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Black denomination upholds stance against same-sex marriage. A gay pastor in its ranks seeks change

apnews.com Black denomination upholds stance against same-sex marriage. A gay pastor in its ranks seeks change

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.

Black denomination upholds stance against same-sex marriage. A gay pastor in its ranks seeks change

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.

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