A while back a same-sex couple came to Rev. Ed Rowe of Central United Methodist Church in Detroit to ask him to perform their wedding. The couple are members of the Central congregation. They made the request knowing current denomination policies prevent Ed from officiating. As I understand it, the couple intentionally wanted to force the issue with Michigan Bishop Deborah Kiesey. Would she insist in punishing those who violate church law, perhaps even hold a church trial, or would she follow the lead of other bishops in saying those who perform same-sex ceremonies will honored and not punished?
I first encountered Bishop Kiesey during General Conference in 2012 in Tampa. That day the Conference had affirmed by over 60% the statement that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. I was part of a protest of that vote I wrote about my experience here. That evening during the communion service Bishop Kiesey was the preacher. She did an admirable job of offering healing to all of us. She expanded on the scene after the Resurrection in which Jesus serves breakfast to the disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Three times Jesus commands Peter to "Feed my sheep." Bishop Kiesey expanded the phrase a bit: "Feed my sheep. All of my sheep." Many of us in Michigan were delighted when she was appointed as bishop of the Michigan Area just a couple months later.
In that email to me Jeff wrote:
In June Ed Rowe performed a same gender wedding for two members of the Central congregation. He did this will the full support of Central’s church council and leadership. He informed Bishop Kiesey and his District Superintendent of this pastoral act prior to performing the wedding.In July Ed officially retired from the ministry.
The wedding was a joy-filled, healing and gospel centered event where the love of Christ was on full display and power of the inclusive community evident to all who attended.
As usually happens a complaint against Ed was filed by the Dean of the Cabinet and the Superintendent of the Detroit Renaissance District (essentially, Ed's boss). Ed was asked to describe what a just resolution would look like to him. I understand he wrote a letter spelling out his views. Ed selected former District Superintendent Tom Robinson to be his support person.
Last week, Ed and Tom met with Bishop Kiesey, her clergy assistant, and the two who filed the complaint to begin the just resolution process. During the meeting about 30 people from both Michigan Conferences met for prayer, support, dialogue, and worship.
A second conversation of the two teams is scheduled for Monday, September 29th at 1:30 pm to be held at the Michigan Area Office, 1011 Northcrest Rd. Lansing, MI 48906. Ed has requested that all willing people come to be part of a prayerful witness during this second dialogue. Jeff wrote:
We believe that our bishop wants to do the right thing and our prayerful presence has served to bolster her courage.Please share this post with all your friends and fellow congregants. Ed needs our support.
Any news on this issue I will post to the Dedicated Reconciling United Methodists blog in the same manner as this post. Please check back for updates (and perhaps join some of the DRUM events described in the blog).
http://dedicatedrum.blogspot.com/
Jeff says that Ed closes his notes by writing:
Grace, Peace, Power and Pride
No comments:
Post a Comment