Improve the cohesiveness of the given paragraph:
It made revolutionary changes in its evangelistic campaigns, educational programs, moral stances, and theological image. Membership declined sharply as the United Church affirmed a commitment to gay rights including marriage and ordination, and to the ordination of women.
It made revolutionary changes in its evangelistic campaigns, educational programs, moral stances, and theological image. However, membership declined sharply as the United Church affirmed a commitment to gay rights including marriage and ordination, and to the ordination of women.