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PFLAG National Responds to UMC Vote

February 26, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, PFLAG National—the nation’s first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their families, and allies—issued the following response from PFLAG NYC parent Aya Yabe, regarding the United Methodist Church (UMC) vote to maintain the ban on LGBTQ+ clergy and same-sex marriage.

“Were it not for the open mind and welcoming heart of a UMC minister at the Church of the Village in New York City in 1973, there would be no PFLAG.

As a member of the St. Paul & St. Andrew UMC, and the PFLAG mom of a gay daughter, I can’t imagine where my family would be now, without that first act of love and faith 46 years ago.

Imagine: Hundreds of thousands of families torn apart, without the life-saving resources they need and the safe space that PFLAG meetings provide—many of them in affirming UMC churches across the country.

The actions and words coming out of the UMC today are difficult, worrying, and run counter to everything PFLAG—and millions of UMC members—stand for. Simply put: We are all God’s children.

We are here—and will stay here—to protect LGBTQ+ people from harmful languages and actions, and affirm that they are loved inclusive of their sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.”


About PFLAG

PFLAG is an organization of LGBTQ+ people, parents, families, and allies who work together to create an equitable and inclusive world. We are hundreds of thousands of people and hundreds of chapters from coast to coast who are leading with love to support families, educate allies, and advocate for just, equitable, and inclusive legislation and policies. Since our founding in 1973, PFLAG works every day to ensure LGBTQ+ people everywhere are safe, celebrated, empowered and loved. Learn more, find support, donate, and take action at PFLAG.org.

Media Contact

Laura McGinnis (she/her),
Sr. Manager, Press and Public Relations

[email protected]  |  (202) 864-2247