Resolution 2026-09

“Supporting Gender Inclusivity, Equal Protection, and the Sacred Worth of Transgender and Non-Binary People”

General Church Budget Implications: None
East Ohio Conference Implications: Yes

Whereas: Scripture affirms that God said, “Let us make humankind in our image,” (Genesis 1:26) and that “in the image of God he created them” (Genesis 1:27) which claims the inherent dignity of every person.

Whereas: Jesus proclaims in John 10:10, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly,” which reveals God’s desire for every person to flourish without fear, exclusion or harm.

Whereas: The United Methodist Social Principles state, “all people are of sacred worth and certain basic human rights are due to everyone, we are committed to supporting the equal rights, liberties and protections of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.” (Social Principles, The Political Community, Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities).

Whereas: The Social Principles further affirm, “We see clear issues of equality and justice in protecting the rightful claims of those with shared material resources, pensions, guardian relationships, mutual powers of attorney, and other lawful claims typically attendant to contractual relationships that involve shared contributions, responsibilities and liabilities, and equal protection before the law.” (Social Principles, The Political Community, Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities).

Whereas: The Social Principles also recognizes, “gender minorities are disproportionately impacted by social stigmas, discrimination, coercion and violence, we call on churches, governments, businesses, and civic organizations to do all in their power to combat such unjust treatment and to promote equal rights and protections for all.” (Social Principles, The Political Community, Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities).

Whereas: The United Methodist Church has approved an amendment to Paragraph 4, 1 Article 4 of The Constitution to add the categories gender and ability so that the constitution now reads, “All persons without regard to race, gender, ability, color, national origin, status or economic condition, shall be eligible to attend its worship services, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments, upon baptism be admitted as baptized members, and upon taking vows declaring the Christian faith, become professing members in any local church in the connection.” (United Methodist Constitution, Paragraph 4, Article 4).

Whereas: the United Methodist Baptismal Vows call on us to, “resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.” (Book of Worship, The Baptismal Covenant 1).

Therefore, Be It Resolved: that the East Ohio Annual Conference, its churches, program areas, ministries, and camps consider adopting non-discrimination policies that include gender identity and gender expression.

Be It Further Resolved: that the East Ohio Annual Conference support civil rights protections for transgender people in employment, housing, education, healthcare and public accommodations.

Be It Further Resolved: that East Ohio Annual Conference and all churches consider providing coverage for gender-affirming healthcare to include hormone therapy, surgical care, counseling, and voice therapy.

Be It Further Resolved that gender identity is not a barrier to candidacy, ordination, or appointment for clergy or to employment for lay people within the East Ohio Annual Conference and its churches.

Submitted by East Ohio Methodist Federation for Social Action and East Ohio United Women in Faith. Co-Sponsored by  East Ohio Reconciling Ministries Network, Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW), and East Ohio Board of Multicultural Ministries.