More than 100 United Methodist clergy members came out as lesbian, gay or bisexual this week, standing up to the denomination's prohibition against "self-avowed practicing homosexuals" serving as ministers.

In an open letter, 111 deacons, elders, pastors and ministerial candidates declared that, in making them hide their sexuality, the church requires "that we not bring our full selves to ministry."

While some of us have been lucky to serve in places where we could serve honestly and openly, there are others in places far more hostile, who continue to serve faithfully even at tremendous cost to themselves, their families, and yes, even the communities they serve, who do not receive the fullness of their pastor's gifts because a core part must remain hidden.

For most of the signatories, it is the first public statement they've made about their sexuality, including to their congregations and supervisors.

"I feel lighter already," Rev. Laura Young of Westerville, Ohio, told CNN. "I can be a better pastor and a better person when I can be my full self, living in the light and with integrity."

The letter follows a similar announcement last week by 15 gay and lesbian members of the New York Conference. Both were posted in advance of the church's General Conference, which begins today in Portland, Oregon, where more than 800 delegates will debate church policy, including the ban on LGBT clergy and same-sex marriage.

Some branches of the denomination—most notably the New York Conference—are accepting of gay clergy—but the United Methodists' Book of Discipline states that homosexuality is "incompatible with Christian teaching" and violators have been brought to trial in the past.

While progressives hope the statement will lead to a larger conversation, some leaders believe the issues has caused an irrevocable schism in the church.

There are some 12 million Methodists worldwide, with seven million in the United States—including George W. Bush and Hillary Clinton. But in Africa, which has nearly 5 million members, there is strong opposition to any support for LGBT people in the faith.

Last fall, a council of African bishops issued a statement urging Methodists to "submit to the teachings of Scripture that God designed marriage to be between man and woman."