Im on the Board of Stewards at our United Methodist Church. We have lost quite a few families over the last 12-18 mos over this deal. Thankfully the vast majority of our Church takes a very pragmatic view on this issue and we will be remaining with the United Methodist Church.
I have no problem with gays and lesbians in the Church, wanting to get married etc.. although I do understand why those have left and to each his own.
I will say from what i have witnessed, its devastating to the district leaders, ministers, lay leaders , as politics have crept in to pur Church life, though i suppose its been there all along in varying degrees. I think on whole, everyone wanted this deal to just be a personal choice, left alone for everyone to interpret and act as they feel compelled to do. I wish it was that simple and each minister could do as they please and if someone had a problem with it, they could make a decision that best suits them personally. I know that may have been pollyanna thinking.