Mennoworld

“In terms of views on both LGBTQ membership and leadership, Mennonite Church USA leaders have shifted dramatically,” writes Kanagy in his report. He compares the 2006 Church Member Profile survey, which he directed, with the current survey and cites two changes:

• In 2006, 14 percent of credentialed leaders stated they would accept a “practicing homosexual” as an ordained minister in their congregation. Today, 46 percent would.
• In 2006, 66 percent of leaders said they would not accept a “practicing homosexual” as a member of a congregation. Today, 47 percent would not accept an LGBTQ person who is not celibate as a member.

Only 8 percent feel there is no condition in which an LGBTQ individual can be a member of an MC USA congregation. The greatest amount, 39 percent, think only those who remain celibate should be members. Full membership without conditions was preferred by 32 percent, followed by 21 percent who think only those who are celibate or in a committed, monogamous relationship should be able to be members.