Rev. Franklin Graham. (YouTube)

Rev. Franklin Graham praised the United Methodist Church for voting this week to uphold its position that homosexual relations are "incompatible with Christian teaching” and for maintaining its ban on LGBT clergy, adding that he hopes it will serve as an "encouragement" to other churches to hold fast to "God's Truth and resist agendas" that "disregard the clear teaching of Scripture."

On Tuesday, Feb. 26, the United Methodist Church (UMC), at its 2019 Special Session of the General Conference in St. Louis, Mo., voted 438 to 384 to maintain its traditional and Biblical teachings on human sexuality. Those teachings state, "Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are affirmed only with the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage."

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"The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching," states the UMC. "Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church." In addition, the UMC must not allocate "funds to any gay caucus or group, or otherwise use such funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality ...."

In a Feb. 27 post on Facebook, Rev. Graham said, "Thank God that this week the United Methodist Church affirmed the teaching of God’s Word that marriage is between one man and one woman. In a vote of 438-384, delegates from around the world attending the church’s General Conference in St. Louis reinforced a UMC policy established in 1972 stating that 'the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.'"

"The church also strengthened its ban on LGBT clergy," said Rev. Graham.

"I hope this will serve as an encouragement to other churches and denominations to stand for God’s Truth and resist agendas that compromise and disregard the clear teaching of Scripture," said the reverend.

He continued, "The Bible tells us, 'For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears' (2 Timothy 4:3)."

Liberal Methodists disappointed by the Feb. 26 conference vote. (Getty Images)

"I think that we are living in the day that Paul was speaking about in this Scripture," said Graham. "I challenge every denomination, every church, every pastor, every member to stand unwavering with the Word of God."