The sign in front of Algoma United Methodist Church could be partially covered by the time Sunday services begin due to a recent decision by the denomination. The United Methodist Church General Conference chose to uphold rules on Tuesday banning same-sex marriages and gay clergy under what is called the “traditional plan.” Pastor Jennifer Emert, who serves the Algoma UMC and West Kewaunee UMC, says she was emotionally flattened during the proceedings she believes chose to specifically discriminate against homosexuality. Members of her churches have asked about what flexibility they have removing the UMC designation from their name and if collections will go towards the denomination. Emert says the congregation was possibly due for a rebranding anyway, but this could be the final push.

Emert says she was supporting the “Simple Plan,” which would have removed language from the denomination’s Book of Discipline discouraging members of the Lesbian, Gay, and Transgender communities from full participation. Any changes would not go into full effect until 2020.