Last Wednesday I attended the celebration of the Just Resolution of the two United Methodist pastors in Michigan who performed same-sex weddings. I wrote about the meeting but haven't posted it yet because I'm verifying details with one of the pastors.
The same day the United Methodist News Service wrote about another complaint against another pastor. But this story has a wonderful twist. The pastor is Rev. Kelly Carpenter of Green Street United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem, NC. The couple who filed the dispute are Ken and Scott. They asked Carpenter to preside at their wedding. Carpenter declined, saying he didn't want to harm the other ministries at Green Street Church. So Ken and Scott filed charges against Carpenter for "failure to perform the work of ministry" and "gender discrimination." Both are chargeable offenses. The issue is now before the local bishop.
Carpenter is pleased with this development and would sign the complaint against himself if he could. He cited the contradictions: He must either violate the ban on discrimination or the ban on same-sex ceremonies.
Green Street Church made news 20 months ago when the church council decided not to hold any weddings, gay or straight, in the sanctuary until the denomination's ban is lifted. Carpenter has held blessing ceremonies elsewhere for both straight and gay couples, but the marriage certificate must be signed in city hall.
The North Carolina state ban on same-sex marriage was lifted before the denomination's ban. The church has decided to maintain its ban while the denomination's ban remains.
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