The words that bind or hurt: “The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching.”

More than 100 pieces of legislation on human sexuality will be considered by the 864 elected delegates.

Global delegates will grapple with full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people in every aspect of church life and worship. Many petitions ask the body to “agree to disagree,” while others want the church to uphold biblical guidance on whether homosexuality is a sin or not.

The Philippines Central Conference College of Bishops released a statement calling for the 2016 General Conference to lead the denomination “into a more inclusive and forward-looking future where our differences on issues concerning human sexuality are finally resolved.”

Read more:  GC2016 tackling 44-year stance on homosexuality | The United Methodist Church