A Methodist church in North Carolina has decided to stop marrying straight couples until the state and the Methodists in general officially recognize homosexual “marriage.” Green Street Church's announcement said:
Putting aside the fact that the "holy sacrament of marriage" is, by Biblical standards, reserved for a union of one man and one woman only, it's interesting how certain people are allowed to discriminate as long as it's packaged in a pretty politically correct bow. Law-abiding citizens are being sued for refusing their photography services at same-sex "weddings", or declining to rent an apartment to same-sex couples. But Green Street UMC can openly discriminate against heterosexual couples and it's okay, because it's in the name of "fairness." The ACLU and the leftist media are remarkably silent on this type of discrimination.
Once again, the sound of hypocrisy is deafening. Unfortunately it seems to be falling on deaf ears.
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“On the matter of same-sex marriage, Green Street UMC sees injustice in the legal position of state government and the theological position of our denomination. North Carolina prohibits same-sex marriage and all the rights and privileges marriage brings. The Leadership Council has asked that their ministers join others who refuse to sign any State marriage licenses until this right is granted to same-sex couples. Because the United Methodist Church prohibits its pastors from conducting same-sex weddings, excluding gay and lesbian couples from the holy sacrament of marriage, the Leadership Council has asked the pastor to refrain from conducting wedding ceremonies in our sanctuary for straight couples, until the denomination lifts its ban for same-sex couples.”
Putting aside the fact that the "holy sacrament of marriage" is, by Biblical standards, reserved for a union of one man and one woman only, it's interesting how certain people are allowed to discriminate as long as it's packaged in a pretty politically correct bow. Law-abiding citizens are being sued for refusing their photography services at same-sex "weddings", or declining to rent an apartment to same-sex couples. But Green Street UMC can openly discriminate against heterosexual couples and it's okay, because it's in the name of "fairness." The ACLU and the leftist media are remarkably silent on this type of discrimination.
Once again, the sound of hypocrisy is deafening. Unfortunately it seems to be falling on deaf ears.
What do you think? Click on the comments link in the bar below to share your thoughts. No registration necessary.
The way I see it, churches can marry (or refuse to marry) whomever they damn well please. They can stick to their respective traditions. However, I do disagree with any religion trying to force legislation on the topic like this (be it to push for same-sex marriage or against it).
ReplyDeleteIt does highlight a fascinating issue within the Methodist Church. My understanding is that their policies are derived internationally, and while the American churches are generally accepting of homosexuality, the African churches are really not, so every time it's brought up, the African churches threaten to leave (much like the NALC split from the ELCA a couple of years ago). I'm curious to see what the (inter)national UMC organization does about this.
Hi Dan - interesting points! I don't see religions forcing legislation (those that oppose same-sex 'marriage') so much as I see a concern that legislation would one day force religions to partake in same-sex marriages so therefore religions must be more vocal in their opposition to legislation (look at the HHS mandate...these things always start in small increments). But it will be interesting to see how the international UMC will respond to this. Thanks for your thoughts - I appreciate it. Have a great day!
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