Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church

Live From Fort Worth: 8:15 p.m. (CST)

April 30, 2008

The Rev. Eddie Fox, head of the Holston Conference delegation, presented a petition from a social actions legislative committee regarding homosexuality. The General Conference voted to retain the church's position that the practice of homosexuality is "incompatible with Christian teaching." Fox represented a "minority report" opinion in response to Petition 80449, "Human Sexuality."

"My integrity will not allow me to be silent," Fox told the assembly. "It matters what we believe and what we practice."

The report presented by Fox was approved shortly before the dinner break with a vote of 521 to 417.

Two other petitions were more quickly rejected by the General Conference following dinner: Petition 81351, "Sexuality and Ministry," and Petition 81032, "The Church, Transgenderism, and Transsexuality."

A link to a complete UMNS story on these decisions is provided here.(Audio clip provided here.) Also visit gc2008.umc.org for news and media options. Visit gc2008.holston.org for The Call's coverage in Texas so far.

-- Reported by Annette Spence (e-mail me)