Oregon-Idaho has joined the ranks of U.S. annual conferences this year to commission or ordain an LGBTQ person in reaction to the restrictions of the Traditional Plan enacted in February by the special called 2019 General Conference.
Taylor Gould
Bishop Elaine J. W. Stanovsky commissions Taylor Gould as a provisional elder June 14 during the 2019 session of the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference. (Oregon-Idaho Conference Photo)
Communicator Kristin Caldwell writes in part on the Oregon-Idaho website: “In some ways Taylor Gould’s commissioning as a provisional elder in the Oregon-Idaho Conference is a big deal; but in others it’s not.
“Gould, 26, identifies as bisexual/queer, and was one of six individuals commissioned and ordained [June 14] in Eugene, Oregon. She will be the first queer person in the Conference to be a candidate for ministry under the new, more punitive rules for LGBTQ+ persons adopted at General Conference that will take effect in 2020. But she’s not the first openly queer person to serve in the church in the Oregon-Idaho Conference.
“… In her episcopal address at the beginning of Annual Conference, Bishop Elaine Stanovsky acknowledged that this Conference has been ordaining gay clergy – open or not – for more than 20 years, starting with Rev. Jeannie Knepper.”
Media Mentions as of June 17, 2019
Following tightened LGBTQ restrictions, Methodists in SC charter path toward inclusion – Charleston Post Courier
Conflicting views on LGBTQ issues at two Methodist churches – kcrw.com
Methodists split over same-sex marriage, queer clergy – kcrw.com
“We've come a long way”: Thousands gather at Denver Pride Parade – The Denver Post
Denver based Bishop receives national recognition as LGBTQ change-maker – 9News.com KUSA
Methodist Church's LGBT stance threatens unity | Faith Matters – NJ.com
Following tightened LGBTQ restrictions, Methodists in SC charter path toward inclusion – Charleston Post Courier
Methodists' stance on homosexuality divides the church – PostBulletin.com
50 years after Stonewall, LGBT rights are a work in progress
witf.org