They currently have about 1.5 million members. 1 Congregationalists had an impressive history of opposition to discrimination based on race, gender and sexual orientation. In 1973, The United Church Coalition for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns was formed. Ordination of active homosexuals was formally accepted by the denomination in 1980. Its clergy are also permitted to bless same-sex unions.
Local associations have the authority to decide on their own ordination policies.
Some associations, like Western North Carolina have gone on record as refusing to consider any homosexual candidate for the ministry. In 1985, the General Synod formally urged local churches to welcome gay and lesbian members and advocate in their behalf against discrimination and persecution. The Synod called on the Virginia state legislature to repeal its sodomy laws and to nullify other laws directed against sexual minorities. The synod called on the church to take greater leadership to end discrimination against gays and lesbians. This was similar to those in many other Christian denominations.