United Methodist Church begins reorganization over LGBTQ+ issues

Despite there being official bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings, many local geographic conferences of the church — especially in the U.S. — chose not to enforce them. (David Goldman/AP)

United Methodists from around the world meeting at their General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., have voted on steps that could end the church's ban on LGBTQ+ clergy and same-sex weddings.

The proposal, called regionalization, essentially would allow different geographic regions — North America, Europe, Africa, and the Philippines — to make their own rules about ministry.