70 Methodist ministers pledge to marry same-sex couples, defy denomination’s ban
Monday, June 06, 2011 at 9:33 am
- 16 Comments
An anti–gay marriage amendment that will appear on the 2012 ballot is already causing ripples in one Christian denomination. At an annual meeting of Minnesota’s Methodist churches this weekend, 70 ministers signed a statement pledging to marry any same-sex couples who seek such a union within the church. There are 365 Methodist churches in Minnesota, and the number of pastors making the pledge continues to grow. Methodist clergy are currently prohibited by the denomination from marrying same-sex couples.
Rev. Bruce Robbins, pastor of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis, brought a statement up at the conference that read:
We joyfully affirm that we will offer the grace of the Church’s blessing to any prepared couple desiring Christian marriage. We are convinced by the witness of others and are compelled by Spirit and conscience to act. We thank the many United Methodists who have already called for full equality and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the life of the Church.
We repent that it has taken us so long to act. We realize that our church’s discriminatory policies tarnish the witness of the Church to the world, and we are complicit. We value our covenant relationships and ask everyone to hold the divided community of the United Methodist Church in prayer.
Any United Methodist person in Minnesota Conference who conducts Christian marriages is welcomed to sign.
Pastor Robbins said the move was in reaction to the anti–gay marriage amendment that will be on the ballot in 2012.
“With the possibility of a constitutional amendment in the state of Minnesota (defining marriage as limited to heterosexual couples), this seems important,” he said, according to the United Methodist Church news service.
Church law states, “Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.”
The penalty for violating that law could cause ministers their ordination.
Follow Andy Birkey on Twitter16 Comments
Comment posted June 6, 2011 @ 10:12 am
I applaud these ministers for their independence and commitment to promoting God’s love. Now, compare these folks with the Catholic Bishops who have joined forces with known hate groups to undermine secular rights.
Praise Jebus, God hates a split Rock, Amen.
Comment posted June 6, 2011 @ 11:10 am
Minnesota’s Methodist ministers have long stood with courage and faith to bless same-sex couples. My wife and I were blessed by the congregation and clergy of Walker United Methodist (Minneapolis) and 3 other Methodist ministers also stood with us — special memories as, this year, we mark our anniversary — 20 years of marriage. My gratitude and respect for the growing list of Methodist ministers of Minnesota who pledge to marry same-sex couples!
Comment posted June 6, 2011 @ 12:12 pm
Imagine that, the Christ went among the afflicted, the persecuted, the lepers and the prostitutes in order to show us how to love. And now 70 Methodist ministers carry forward the torch of Christian benevolence.
Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reflecting the true nature of the Christ. If only the evangelicals could carry forward the same simple act of love.
Jeff Wilfahrt, Rosemount, MN
Comment posted June 6, 2011 @ 1:24 pm
Eventually all protestant denominations will cave on this issue. Just like they did on contraception.
It doesn’t take “courage” to twist about with the prevailing winds. It takes courage to stand in truth when that truth is being attacked in all directions.
Like Chesterton said, only dead things float with the current.
Comment posted June 6, 2011 @ 1:51 pm
In ruling against Loving v. Virginia, trial judge Leon M. Bazile cited the bible’s story of the Tower of Babel, “Almighty God created the races white, black, yellow, malay and red, and he placed them on separate continents. And but for the interference with his arrangement there would be no cause for such marriages. The fact that he separated the races shows that he did not intend for the races to mix.” Like Bazile, using the bible to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation will soon be left to the dustbins of history. God loves all His children and wants nothing more than for all of us to be happy. Whatever path He has placed us on is our own path and no one else’s, and it’s certainly not the government’s job to tell us what that path is.
Comment posted June 6, 2011 @ 2:14 pm
Jason, It also doesn’t take courage to impose ones religion on others, just a disregard for the US Constitution. And “stand in truth” is Christian code for “my religion is the only correct one.” Many of us don’t believe we should be coerced into or punished for not living according to the truth your standing in. And on that subject, please wipe your feet.
Praise Jebus, God hates diversity, Amen.
Comment posted June 6, 2011 @ 2:37 pm
Hey Jason, they caved on witch burning and that whole geocentric world view thing too. Shame on them!
Comment posted June 6, 2011 @ 5:14 pm
Jason,
“It doesn’t take “courage” to twist about with the prevailing winds. It takes courage to stand in truth when that truth is being attacked in all directions.”
What you fail to understand is that same sex marriage is not some fashionable new thing. It’s not some superficial trend born out of the latest politically correct impulse to cross the minds of San Francisco lefties.
The case for same sex marriage is nothing other than the fight for equal rights under the constitution.
The case *against* same sex marriage is nothing more than a cow pile of religious prejudice, irrational and falsified beliefs. There’s no virtue in defending a confused and muddled “moral” stance like this. If you believe you’re defending traditional values, all you’re really doing is enveloping your fearful little prejudice in an armor of anti-thought and church-y brainwash.
Comment posted June 6, 2011 @ 7:43 pm
These ministers need to leave the United Methodist Church. Until the Book of Discipline is changed, there is no place in the UMC for LGBT allies.
Pingback posted June 7, 2011 @ 2:13 am
[...] MN: 70 Methodist Ministers Pledge to Marry Same-Sex Couples, Defy Denomination’s Ban. Read more [...]
Comment posted June 7, 2011 @ 2:28 pm
I left the church a long time ago, because I disagreed with many of its doctrinces, not just its discrimination against LGBTQandGodaloneknowshowmanyothers… but all my respect and gratitude goes out to these ministers. They have taken a stand to do what’s right by my community and for that I must be thankful.
Trackback posted June 9, 2011 @ 3:42 pm
How many gays does it take to change a mind?…
I watched Rep. Steve Simon on the Minn. House floor the other day, and I was impressed. All the DFLers were posing excellent questions that the republicans persistently evaded – even complaining that they keep getting the same questions. I was re…
Pingback posted June 10, 2011 @ 6:07 am
[...] pierce in Washington was followed closely by 70 Methodist ministers in Minnesota vowing to marry same-sex couples seeking a church’s blessing. At present, a description forbids a [...]
Comment posted June 18, 2011 @ 11:47 am
* FOR REAL CHRISTIANS ONLY *
Either you are for God (Jesus Christ) or you are not! Make a stand…..light and darkness cannot coexist; if you actually call upon Jesus Christ as your Lord, you either support His Word fully or please stop pretending you know Him. Tolerating sin is not love, but foolish. Yes we are to love the sinner but we are not to accept or support their rebellious actions.
Tolerance of sin is simply wicked and unjust.
Comment posted August 2, 2011 @ 12:22 pm
Wow Mandy – so God told you specifically to call only real Christians to your side? Isn’t that one of the definitions of the AntiChrist? Are you saying your him?
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