Keep Them Safe: The Bishops of the Western Jurisdiction of the UMC Declare to Protect Gay Clergy

ABSTRACT This article centers on the protection of LGBTQ+ clergy within the United Methodist Church (UMC) in the face of decades-long discrimination, particularly following the adoption of the Traditional Plan in 2019, which reinforced restrictions against gay and lesbian clergy and same-sex marriages. It traces the historical struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals within the UMC, from the implementation of the “incompatibility clause” in the 1970s to the ongoing denial of ordination and marriage rights for LGBTQ+ clergy. The article highlights the pivotal 2019 Safe Harbor Declaration by the bishops of the Western Jurisdiction, who made a bold stand against discriminatory practices and offered protection to LGBTQ+ clergy, ensuring they could serve openly without fear of losing their ordination. Through personal stories of clergy affected by this declaration, the article explores how the Safe Harbor Declaration became a sanctuary, empowering LGBTQ+ clergy to live authentically and continue their call to ministry despite systemic opposition. It reflects on the impact of this declaration as a transformative moment in the UMC’s ongoing struggle with inclusivity and justice for LGBTQ+ individuals.