Historic Atlanta church celebrates end of United Methodist Conference’s ban on LGBTQ+ clergy

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Members of Saint Mark United Methodist Church celebrated the conference’s decision allow clergy members to be openly in the LGBTQ+ community.

“What’s happened today really puts the church in line with that radically inclusive love that this congregation has championed for decades now,” said Andy Peabody, the associate pastor at St. Mark.

Saint Mark United Methodist has a history of allyship and inclusion, often representing at the Atlanta Pride Parade.

“There were protestors telling me I was going to go to hell for the person I was. And on this side of the street in front of St. Mark there were these women with little cups of water saying all are welcomed here,” said Jason Lowry, a member of the church.

Although they were inclusive, until Wednesday’s vote, the United Methodist Church as a denomination had rules that restricted gay marriage.

“My husband and I were married 12 years ago by a clergy person from St. Mark. After our wedding, someone turned him in for doing so and as a result he resigned,” said Lowry.

“We as a church can celebrate those meaningful moments in people’s lives by celebrating marriages within the houses of worship people have grown up participating in,” said Peabody.

Wednesday’s decision comes after turmoil within the United Methodist Church.

“It was a real big heartbreak in that it’s always hard to see a separation like that happen,” said Steve Fazenbaker, a Methodist pastor.

Because of disagreements over LQBTQ+ issues, over 6,000 congregations of just over 30,000 churches in the United States have disaffiliated. 261 churches left the North Georgia conference last year.

“I, in fact, pastored a congregation that did decide to leave. So I know first hand what that’s like. But we have an opportunity to reach out to those very same people in this new day,” said Peabody.

“To come full circle today and the church to say I am valid, my marriage is valid, it’s a feeling I can’t describe,” said Lowry.

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