CBS NEWS
By Dean Reynolds
CHICAGO---The United Methodist Church worldwide conference made a decision Tuesday that pleased traditionalists, but raised doubts about the church's modern motto: open hearts, open minds, open doors. On Tuesday, after three days of debate, church officials and lay members voted to place a ban on gay and lesbian clerics and the officiating of same-sex marriages. Traditionalists said loosening the faith's ban on same-sex marriage and ordination of gay and lesbian clergy defied the word of God. Reverend Keith Boyette, the Wesleyan Covenant Association first president, said LGBT members are welcome into the church — up to a point. Clergy who officiate at same-sex weddings could be suspended without pay for a year, and defrocked if they do it again. [
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| Protestors chant during the United Methodist Church's special session of the general conference in St. Louis, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019. America's second-largest Protestant denomination faces a likely fracture as delegates at the crucial meeting move to strengthen bans on same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBT clergy. AP
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