United Methodist Church’s LGBTQ decision a milestone for Grand Rapids Pastor [Video]

A time when her denomination fully accepts her.

“40 years is a long time, and there’s a lot of hurt and a lot of spiritual pain, and a lot of folks who have found themselves without a faith community,” said Petro.

Petro is an openly gay pastor at First United Methodist, something which forced her to retire from being a minister 

“I formally had to retire in 2014 when I committed to my relationship, and I knew that I would no longer be appointable in the United Methodist Church,” said Petro.

She recently returned to the denomination a year ago after her church became more inclusive.

The United Methodist Church held its general conference this week in Charlotte, bringing church leaders together from across the globe.

On Wednesday the organization voted to overturn rules and harmful language that …