United Methodists become united over ending ban on ordination of gays

Departure of conservatives during schism paved way for change in policy

Scene from the United Methodist Church General Conference earlier this week in Charlotte, S.C. Image from video feed provided by the church.

The days of the United States’ largest mainline Protestant denomination prohibiting the ordination of “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” are over.

By an overwhelming vote, 692-51, the United Methodist Church’s Gene…