Bishops Threaten Pro-Gay Methodist Ministers

Over 80 United Methodist Church ministers in California are risking their careers in an open revolt against religious laws that prohibit them from performing same-sex weddings. The ministers of the nations 2nd largest Protestant denomination could lose their jobs and church credentials. But, ministers in Santa Monica, Claremont, Walnut Creek and other cities have already performed ceremonies for gays and lesbians couples, or are planning to do so. In addition, 82 retired pastors in Northern California signed a resolution in June offering to perform such weddings on behalf of ministers who feel they can’t. Pastors have embraced the California declaration and have shown their support of the California Supreme Court’s recent ruling overturning a ban on same-sex marriage. The regional assemblies, made up of leaders and clergy from California and other states have also pressed pastors and congregations to “welcome, embrace and provide spiritual nurture” for gay couples. Methodist defenders of gay marriage proclaim they want to encourage the 11-million-member denomination to live up to its slogan “Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.” “I’m tired of being part of a church that lacks integrity,” said the Rev. Janet Gollery McKeithen of Santa Monica’s Church in Ocean Park, who plans to conduct weddings for two gay couples in August and September. “I love my church, and I don’t want to leave it. But I can’t be part of a church that is willing to portray a God that is so hateful. I would rather be forced out.”

Unfortunately, the two bishops who oversee United Methodist churches in California, Mary Ann Swenson and Beverly J. Shamana, have cautioned ministers against performing such ceremonies. They claim conducting same-sex weddings “violates provisions in the Book of Discipline, which lays out the laws and guidelines that govern the church.”