Same-sex marriage is not recognised in the Methodist Church of Ireland
Last week, elected representatives of the Methodist Church in Ireland, who gathered in Belfast for their 2024 conference, voted 148 to 64 in favour of a report on a decade-long review of Christian teaching on human sexuality that maintains the doctrine that marriage is “between one man and one woman”. The report did not recommend same-sex marriage in churches, which the Methodist Church in England already recognises (News, 2 July 2021). The review also covered the “required discipline regarding the sexual behaviour” of church leaders, including pastors and members of church councils (the governing body of individual Methodist churches). However, while it recommended that the councils be able to decide whether people in same-sex relationships can hold leadership positions, the amendments passed left it unclear whether the councils would have the power to allow people in same-sex relationships to continue to hold these positions.
Former U.S. Patriarch supports Wyoming
Former Episcopal Bishop Dr. Catherine Jefferts-Scholi will assist the Wyoming Diocese as its assistant bishop after former Bishop Paul Gordon Chandler was removed from his priesthood, writes Rebecca Pavely. Chandler, who had been in the position since 2021, agreed to the sentence of removal in March after “alleged misconduct” with members of the diocese's staff team (News, April 5). He said at the time that he agreed to the sentence not as an admission of suspicion or guilt, but that he made the decision to “stay true to himself.” Dr. Jefferts-Scholi, who works pastorally with clergy, congregations and candidates for ordination, was appointed for her “healing presence and experience for a grieving community,” said the Rev. Cammy Dewey, a member of the diocese's standing committee. Dr. Jefferts-Scholi was elected in 2006 and became the first woman to hold the position. She completed her term in 2015 and has since served in other parishes undergoing leadership transitions.
WCC Discusses Peace in Colombia
The umbrella body of the World Council of Churches (WCC) called on the Colombian government and all armed groups to “respect international humanitarian and human rights law” and “protect civilians from violence and harm caused by conflict.” It also warned armed groups to “stop kidnapping and recruiting minors.” The WCC's Executive Committee wrapped up a six-day meeting in Bogotá on Tuesday, thanking Colombia's churches, people and government for the opportunity to meet in Colombia “at this critical moment in the pursuit of a just and sustainable peace.”
Vatican Manuscript Arrests Reported
A former Vatican official has reportedly been arrested and is awaiting formal charges for stealing a Gian Lorenzo Bernini manuscript from St. Peter's Basilica archives. The individual, who Vatican News has not named, is suspected of attempting to sell the 18-page manuscript back to the Vatican, which details the gold leaf designs Bernini used to decorate the 29-metre-tall canopy above the basilica's altar. St. Peter's Basilica authorities reportedly told the Vatican's justice promoter that the manuscript was originally part of the archives but went missing, resurfacing in 2021 as a book copy.
