Surrendering My Ordination: Standing Up for Gay and Lesbian Inclusivity in The United Methodist Church

In May 2017, after sixty years as an ordained United Methodist minister, Rev. J. Philip Wogaman surrendered his ordination, choosing to exit a community of clergy who will not allow an openly gay person to join. By surrendering his ordination, he chose to join the group of devoted Christians outside the clergy who welcomed gay and lesbian individuals.

Beginning with an examination of ordination and what is means theologically, ethically, and pastorally, Wogaman then describes the action its...