The Free Methodist Church's Response to Sexuality and Sexual Orientation (Study Commission on Doctrine)

Published on the Free Methodist Church USA's Study Commission on Doctrine site 20 December 2016, authored by Bishop Matthew Thomas. States homosexual behavior cannot be seen as part of God's intended role for human sexual expression, regardless of a person's attraction, and that the church will not accord a same-sex relationship the status it holds for God's intended design for marriage and intimacy, and will not perform a same-sex union or marriage. States the church receives into membership only those who have received Christ's forgiveness and redemption, are committed to a life of growing discipleship, acknowledge God's pattern of health for the believer and commit to live out the Articles of Religion and Membership Covenant, without naming sexual orientation itself as a bar to that covenant. Calls Free Methodists to reject intolerant words and actions and to extend grace and welcome.