United Methodist bishops have issued a statement to address concerns over a ruling affirming pastors' authority on same-sex weddings.

Judicial Council Decision 1516, released on the 29th April, confirms that local church trustees cannot compel or prevent pastors from officiating at any marriage, including those of same-sex couples, as reported by United Methodist News (UM News).

In response, the Council of Bishops released a joint statement urging churches to understand the decision in context.

"As bishops, we expect that the pastors we appoint will continue to exercise their authority with deep pastoral sensitivity to the congregation and community to which they are appointed," the statement reads.

The bishops emphasised that the ruling does not override civil laws in countries where same-sex marriage is prohibited, nor does it remove the rights of United Methodist central conferences, regional church bodies outside the United States, to set their own standards for marriage.

"Decision 1516 does not authorise United Methodist clergy to violate civil law in their practice of ministry," the bishops noted.

Bishop David Bard, who helped draft the bishops' response, said: "So this Judicial Council decision does not give pastors authority in those places where it may be against civil law... nor does it give them the authority of their central conferences that set policies about marriages."

In countries like the Philippines and across Africa, where central conferences have upheld traditional definitions of marriage, the ruling will not alter current practice.

However, even in regions where same-sex marriage is legal, bishops are urging pastors to be guided by their congregations and ministry settings.

Council President Bishop Tracy S. Malone said: "While the Judicial Council ruled what it ruled, there are some contextual realities with that, that still need to be honored."

The bishops concluded their response with a call for unity, saying they remain committed to being "a worldwide church that is one with Christ, one with each other and one in ministry to all the world", while recognising the diverse legal and cultural settings of their global ministry.