Dozens of the clergy within the United Methodist Church in Minnesota have signed a statement saying they would marry any couple who came to them, including same-sex couples.
During the Methodists' annual conference in St. Cloud, about 40 clergy signed a statement saying they would "offer the grace of the Church's blessing to any prepared couple desiring Christian marriage."
The statement isn't officially part of the annual conference. Bishop Sally Dyck said to simply make the statement — as opposed to actually officiating a same-sex union — was not a chargeable offense according to most recent edition of The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church.
She reiterated, however, that the church does not allow for same-sex marriage, and clergy who perform them can lose their credentials.
Minnesota United Methodists meet annually for policy decisions, ministry planning, worship and ordination. About 900 voting members—half of whom are clergy and half are laity—attend the annual conference, which this year convenes from June 1-3.
About 75,000 members worship in 365 United Methodist churches in Minnesota.
