Methodists: Out from Under the Gun

After three hours of tumultuous debate, delegates to the founding convention of the new United Methodist Church last week voted to drop a longstanding requirement that its ministers vow to refrain from drinking and smoking. Henceforth, the church will simply require clergymen to, pledge "to exercise responsible self-control by personal habits conducive to bodily health, mental and emotional maturity," in accordance with "the highest ideals of Christian life."

Dropping the explicit ban on alcohol and tobacco represents a significant change for Methodism. Since the rule did not apply to laymen, many ministers have long complained that the church was...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!