The direction of the United Methodist Church is being discussed at its annual conference in Lakeland this week.

Regionalization is a big topic this year as the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church meets for the first time since the approval of LGBTQ+ pastors and same sex marriage.

Rev. Dr. Pamela Bowden joined the United Methodist Church 20 years ago. She said its inclusivity is what drew her to the denomination.

There were churches that did not allow women in the pulpit, and I was very struck by that, and very hurt by that in some other churches. Then I was introduced to the United Methodist Church, Bowden said.

WATCH NOW: United Methodists consider regional autonomy since the approval of LGBTQ pastors

The newly ordained Reverend is attending the Annual Conference 2025 o

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