Plan with LGBT bans OK’d by United Methodist judicial panel

NEW YORK (AP) — The United Methodist Church’s judicial council has upheld major portions of a new plan strengthening bans on same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBT pastors.
Conservatives welcomed the decision Friday and said key elements of the policy, called the Traditional Plan, could begin taking effect in January.
Among liberal and centrist opponents of the plan, there was dismay. One group, Reconciling Ministries Network, called for an upsurge of resistance.
The Traditional Pl