The Marriage Equality and
Clergy Equality Resolutions

Marriage Equality

We commit to work within the denomination to change the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church so that it may be consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ and with our Constitution, which states that all persons are of sacred worth and that all persons regardless of status shall not be excluded from any organizational unit of the church. We dream of a day when the Book of Discipline no longer excludes LGBTQ+ persons from the full participation in the life of the church including the celebration of marriage. Until that day, we commit to be a church in ministry with and for all persons and we aspire to live as the body of Christ that lives in accordance to the inclusive teachings of Jesus Christ.


Therefore, we resolve:

  • That Arapaho UMC affirm its commitment to treat all couples, whether opposite-gender or same-gender, seeking the blessing of marriage equally;

  • That the Sanctuary and facilities of Arapaho UMC be available to all couples on an equal basis for weddings, regardless of the sexual orientation or gender identity of the couple;

  • That clergy assigned to serve Arapaho UMC retain their traditional authority to determine the fitness of any couple to enter into marriage and to discern whether to officiate any marriage; and

  • That Arapaho UMC affirms their intent to support any of our pastors who are suspended for officiating a marriage ceremony for a same-gender couple, which may include continuing to provide financial support and /or help pay costs related to any church trial for a charge of violating The Book of Discipline by performing that marriage ceremony.

Clergy Equality

  • That Arapaho UMC affirms God’s call to ministry for persons regardless of age, race, gender identity, and sexual orientation;

  • That Arapaho UMC will gladly accept a clergy person appointment discerned by our Bishop to be the best fit for our community and mission regardless of gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

  • That Arapaho UMC will treat all candidates going through the ordination process the same regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation

  • That Arapaho UMC affirms their intent to support any of our pastors who are suspended because of their gender identity or sexual orientation, which may include continuing to provide financial support and /or help pay costs related to any church trial for a charge of violating The Book of Discipline 

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On September 29, 2019 Arapaho United Methodist Church voted voted by an overwhelming majority (98%) to open up our altar to same-gender weddings. Arapaho UMC also affirmed (by a vote of 96%) our support of LGBTQ+ clergy persons and candidates for ministry.