In May 2024 the General Conference removed from The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church harmful language that stated, “the practice of homosexuality … is incompatible with Christian teaching.” Over the past year the Church has worked toward a time of healing and reconciliation to build Beloved Community.

On Sunday, July 6 the East Ohio Conference Board of Ministry and East Ohio Reconciling Ministries hosted a Reinstatement of Ordination Service to welcome back Rev. Michael Alexander and Rev. Jennifer Brown Wellington into East Ohio Conference membership.

“Michael and Jennifer, we know this has been a painful journey for you and your family and friends and the larger community. Through it all your love of God has been ever present and you continued to serve God and God’s people in other ways. You never stopped loving the people and our God,” Bishop Hee-Soo Jung said in a video message in which he shared that he was traveling and unable to attend the service in-person. “Thanks be to God that tonight we celebrate your return to pastorate ministry. Welcome home, Michael and Jennifer. Welcome home to the clergy community and to Ohio Land as one of us together.”

Bishop Sally Dyck, who was elected a bishop when she was serving in East Ohio, preached at the request of Bishop Jung and Rev. Jon Priebe, Board of Ministry chairperson, hosted the service at Cuyahoga Falls First UMC where he is lead minister.