Odds-n-Ends . Volume 03 | Issue 21
Where Churches Stand
The confirmation of the Episcopal Church’s first gay bishop makes it the first major Christian denomination to say that people in committed gay relationships are not barred from leadership. How other denominations stand on ordaining homosexuals, blessing same-sex unions and ordaining women:
| Denomination No. of | Members(in millions) | Ordain Openly Gay Clergy | Bless Same-sex Unions | Ordain Women Clergy |
| Roman Catholic Church | 65 | No | No | No |
| Southern Baptist Convention | 16.5 | No | No | No |
| United Methodist Church | 8.4 | No | No | Yes |
| Church of God in Christ | 5.7 | No | No | No |
| Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) | 5.3 | No | No | No |
| Evangelical Lutheran Church | 5.1 (includes Caribbean) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| African Methodist Episcopal Church | 3.0 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Assemblies of God | 2.6 | No | No | Yes |
| Presbyterian Church USA | 2.5 | Yes | Yes3 | Yes |
| Lutheran Church Missouri Synod | 2.5 | No | No | No |
| Episcopal Church | 2.3 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| American Baptist Church | 1.5 | Yes2 | Yes3 | Yes |
| United Church of Christ | 1.4 | Yes | Yes2 | Yes |
1 Requires celibacy for all unmarried clergy
2 At discretion of congregation
3 At discretion of local pastor
Source: USA TODAY research by Claire Bourne; Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches – USA TODAY, Thursday, August 7, 2003, page 7D
2ProphetU is an online magazine/website, started by Warren Wiersbe and Michael Catt, to build up the church, seek revival, and encourage pastors.
