Conflicts over Homosexuality in the United Methodist Church: Testing Theories of Conflict Analysis and Resolution

This study employs an embedded case study method to explore sexual orientation conflicts from a conflict analysis and resolution perspective. The importance of this research for theory on complex, ideological social conflict in the U.S. is described and a rationale for a case study of a large Protestant denomination is presented. The study examines manifestations of conflict over faith and homosexuality in the United Methodist Church (UMC) through personal interviews, official records, news reports and advocacy group literature. Sociological analysis of changing religious affiliation and activism and conflict theory on dissensus, values, identity, and conflict cycles are employed in building an explanation of the case study.

An assessment of the status of the conflict as of February 1997, combined with a comprehensive analysis of the conflict, yields recommendations for constructive conflict management steps addressed to UMC members, leaders and opposing advocates on faithhomosexuality conflicts. Drawing on Wesleyan themes, Christian models of reconciliation, and analysis of models of productive discussion between antagonists on abortion and homosexuality, the two main recommendations are to strengthen superordinate goals and clarify the importance of this area of division for denominational priorities and identity. Steps for conducting dialogues and joint activities specify how to enact the two main recommendations. The study finds that current conflict theory does not adequately account for values-based conflicts combining several elements of individual and group identity, some of which are convergent, and some of which are divergent. The study concludes with implications for conflict theory, conflict resolution practice, and the role of group and individual identity in large-scale conflicts.