[napa valley nan]

Yes the breaking news of today, here http://www.truthwinsout.org/blog/2011/06/16828/

Ban Or No Ban, Minnesota Methodist Ministers will Marry Gay Couples
Posted June 4th, 2011 by Evan Hurst

It’s nice seeing mainline denominations, at least some of their members, taking strong stands for love and equality, and shucking off old, disproven dogma: Same-sex marriage is illegal in Minnesota but 70 United Methodist clergy in the state have signed a statement saying they will marry gay couples.


“We joyfully affirm that we will offer the grace of the Church’s blessing to any prepared couple desiring Christian marriage,” reads the statement introduced this week at the 2011 Minnesota Annual Conference.


“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.”


Heck yeah. Paging Chad Holtz. Paging Chad Holtz.


[If you Christian readers out there aren't familiar with Chad, he is one of my two favorite Christians. I think he would appreciate that endorsement.]

Tags: Chad Holtz, Christianity, equality, marriage, marriage equality, Methodists, Minnesota
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Comments (4)
4 Comments »

1. There is a Methodist church near me that has a sign out front that says ‘Inclusive’ — I took this as code for ‘gay friendly’. Kudos to them for their progress.
Comment by Gary (NJ) — June 4, 2011 @ 11:34 am

2. Pssst, if anti-gay pressure groups NOM/MFC succeed in banning marriage equality, these ministers will be arrested and jailed. Pass the word…
Comment by Michael — June 4, 2011 @ 3:16 pm

3. I saw the Bat Light in the sky.
Yes, I do take that as a huge compliment
We also had 40+ retired bishops sign a petition for the General Conf. of 2012 to change our policy on gay inclusion. One of the signees was a prof of mine at Duke, Bishop Ken Carder.
Comment by Chad Holtz — June 4, 2011 @ 8:33 pm

4. Wonderful to see this. I applaud all the signees because as Michael mentions, if the ban passes, these men and women of God will be facing possible jail time. If it is happens, sad that they are not allowed to practice THEIR faith as they see it whilst haters are allowed to practice THEIRS.
Comment by Merlyn — June 5, 2011 @ 8:45 am

[napa valley nan]

Even the christian site's don't deny it happened: this is a true story http://www.christianpost.com/news/70...couples-50828/

Note the ministers or priests or whatever said, 'we REPENT it took us so long' Now we're talkin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

70 Methodist Clergy Agree to Wed Gay Couples
By Elena Garcia | Christian Post Reporter

Same-sex marriage is illegal in Minnesota but 70 United Methodist clergy in the state have signed a statement saying they will marry gay couples.

"We joyfully affirm that we will offer the grace of the Church’s blessing to any prepared couple desiring Christian marriage," reads the statement introduced this week at the 2011 Minnesota Annual Conference.


"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."

The Rev. Bruce Robbins, pastor of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis, read the statement to clergy Wednesday during a time of personal privilege, the United Methodist News Service reported. By the end the day, 40 clergy members had signed the statement. As of Friday, the number of signers reached 70.

"We repent that it has taken us so long to act," continues the statement, entitled "Equality for All in Christian Marriage."

"We realize that our church’s discriminatory policies tarnish the witness of the Church to the world, and we are complicity. We value our covenant relationships and ask everyone to hold the divided community of the United Methodist Church in prayer."

The United Methodist Church holds that homosexual practice is incompatible with Christian teaching. The denomination affirmed its stance at its latest legislative meeting in 2008 despite calls by some to change the body’s constitution.

In 2009, UMC’s top court also ruled that clergy, active and retired, cannot perform same-sex marriages or civil unions. The ruling came after more than 80 retired clergy from northern California said they would conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies on behalf of clergy who cannot perform them.

Bishop Sally Dyck said that simply making a statement in support of same-sex unions did not break any denominational rules. But she indicated that officiating at a gay wedding would be a chargeable offense, according to UMNS.

Under the 2008 Book of Discipline, same-sex unions are not to be conducted by United Methodist ministers or in its churches. Clergy who are convicted of officiating a homosexual union would face revocation of conference membership or clergy credentials.

The voluntary statement was open to any United Methodist persons in the Minnesota Conference who conducts Christian marriages, and was not endorsed by the denomination's General Conference.




Related

• Local United Methodist Church Conference OKs Same-Sex Unions
• A Word of Encouragement to United Methodists
• PCUSA Votes to Allow Openly Gay Clergy
• Church Touts Homosexuality as a Gift, Not a Sin
• 2011 Church Membership: Southern Baptists Decline; Jehovah Witnesses Increase
• United Methodists Confront Sexual Misconduct in the Church
• United Methodist Court Affirms Stance Against Homosexuality

[Pastor Isaac Peters]

So the Methodless are in apostasy from True Christianity™? Who'd ha' thunk it?

[napa valley nan]

Originally Posted by Pastor Isaac Peters

So the Methodless are in apostasy from True Christianity™? Who'd ha' thunk it?

If you all got together you might stand a hold against Change but the churches are too spead out - mathematiclly impossible.

Unitarian -Methodist who else? Some Jewish, i think the new school ones. Add the Methodist to the list now. Did I hear lutheran? United Church of Canada i think? Its hard to keep upo with them all, may be easier to list the holdouts

[Brother Enoch]

Wow, what a surprise. Supposed 'churches' that have rejected the Bible in favor of perverted sickularism support fag depravity and the perversion of the Godly institution of marriage. Bestill my beating heart, I feel a spell of the vapors coming on!

*snore*

Those who have rejected Christ and the teachings of the Bible isn't anything new. Far from it. People have been begging to be sent to Hell since time immemorial. It is sad that so many people are embracing a lifestyle that damns them, but hey, it leaves more space for me and mine in Paradise!

[Brother Harold Porter]

Imagine that. Another pro-fag thread by the resident apologist for Sodom and Gomorrah.



Disgusting.

[napa valley nan]

Originally Posted by Brother Harold Porter

Imagine that. Another pro-fag thread by the resident apologist for Sodom and Gomorrah.

Disgusting.

you should be glad i just stick to 1 topic cause dont even get me started on everythin I COULD say. I just stand up for my daughter an when the Hate Speech at her stops from flung I will 2. I will fight for her like a lioness fights to protect her cub its what any parent would do

[napa valley nan]

i told you from first day here TIMES are CHANGING. Now it is the Cathlics that are opening the doors Yes maybe just a crack but the door is OPEN now with the younger people rising in places of decision, like this priest who will NOT shuit out the gays etc.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/06/13/priest_says_all_are_welcome_in_his_church/?s_campaign=8315

Priest says all are welcome in his church

Supports gays, lesbians after Mass was canceled

The Rev. John Unni delivered his homily yesterday while pacing the center aisle. (Pat Greenhouse/ Globe Staff)
+



Sunday Mass at St. Cecilia’s Church in the Back Bay brought the first standing ovation any parishioner could remember.


During the first Mass since the Archdiocese of Boston canceled one planned for next weekend in support of St. Cecilia’s gay and lesbian churchgoers, the Rev. John J. Unni preached a fiery message of unconditional love and what he called “acceptance of all.’’


“You are welcome here, gay or straight, rich or poor, young or old, black or white,’’ Unni said as he paced up and down the center aisle. “Here, you all can say, ‘I can worship the God who made me as I am.’ ’’


Unni finished his homilies at the 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses to thunderous applause.


After last Sunday’s bulletin advertised a June 19 evening Mass, themed “All Are Welcome’’ to celebrate Boston’s Gay Pride Month, the archdiocese canceled the service, saying it gave the “unintended impression’’ that St. Cecilia’s supported Gay Pride.


“This parish is a great example of people who are civil and exhibiting a real fellowship,’’ said Terrence C. Donilon, a spokesman for the archdiocese, in a phone interview yesterday. “But that doesn’t mean we can be put in a position where we look like we’re endorsing Gay Pride activities.’’


Unni, who has been at St. Cecilia’s for seven years, said the Mass has been postponed indefinitely. He said he will discuss the goals of the “All Are Welcome’’ Mass with the parish and address fears about the service or recent backlash.


St. Cecilia’s congregation has a large gay and lesbian population, many of whom arrived after the South End’s predominantly gay Jesuit Urban Center closed in 2007, parishioners said. Almost 200 members of St. Cecilia’s are now active in its Rainbow Ministry, which hosts events for members and supporters of the LGBT community.


Members of the Rainbow Ministry first suggested the Mass to Unni six to eight weeks ago, he said, and he told them yes, “not knowing what would happen,’’ he said.


Instead of the Mass, the Rainbow Ministry will hold a sidewalk prayer service next Sunday at 6 p.m., with readings and reflections from laypeople, said Richard Iandoli, vice chairman of the parish council.


Rainbow Ministry member Michael Skully expressed his frustrations with the archdiocese and said he “fully expected to be standing in front of locked doors’’ next Sunday.


But Donilon said the archdiocese has no objection to the service, especially if it isn’t held inside.


“This should not be about conflict,’’ Donilon said. “The teachings of the Catholic Church are set in stone, but that doesn’t stop us from loving people from different walks of life.’’


Some churchgoers speculated after the 9:30 a.m. Mass that Unni would be less outspoken at the 11 a.m. service, which Bishop Robert F. Hennessey attended as part of Confirmation Sunday. Instead, Unni gave a similarly strong homily, then addressed Hennessey directly.


“Like the bishop said, good love always requires sacrifice,’’ Unni said. “We are being called to do not what is easy, but what is holy.’’


At one point, he called the conservative bloggers who criticized the Mass “unbelievably hurtful’’ and said he was trying to “not just succumb to being told what to do.’’


“We are not this renegade, crazy, liberal church,’’ Unni said, to smiles and nods from the pews. “We’re just Christians trying to live the gospel.’’


Rainbow Ministry president John Kelly emphasized the importance of esprit de corps at the end of a week they said has made them question their allegiance to the Catholic Church. More than 200 gay and straight members of the congregation wore buttons that displayed a cross, a rainbow, and the phrase “All Are Welcome.’’


“I went straight to the table to pick one up,’’ said James Pyke, a parishioner from the South End. “I believe firmly in the teaching ‘Love your neighbor,’ and it’s important to support our sense of community here.’’

Some at yesterday’s Mass, like Dave Macaulay of Salem, said they had tried many churches before they felt welcome at St. Cecilia’s.


“It’s already hard to be a gay man in the Catholic Church,’’ said Macaulay, who wore his “All Are Welcome’’ button upside-down to protest the archdiocese’s decision. “But now, I’m told I’m not welcome?’’


Unni told the congregation he had had similar feelings of frustration and doubt since the archdiocese’s announcement Friday. He left the congregation with two reminders: Bless those who curse you, and turn the other cheek.


Laura J. Nelson can be reached at lnelson@globe.com.

[John Creeser]

Thanks for showing us more proof of what we knew all along; Catlicks are doomed to eternal suffering.

[Shela Tansper]

Introduction ?????

[napa valley nan]

Originally Posted by Shela Tansper

Introduction ?????

Hi Sheila...good to see another woman here. Yes its strange They only let me put thread in the Introductions FORum. Keeps it all Out of sight out of Mind but whatever. But they cant change historys tides the waters are risint too high now and also the Wind of Change

[New Creation (Recalcitrant)]

Originally Posted by napa valley nan

Hi Sheila...good to see another woman here. Yes its strange They only let me put thread in the Introductions FORum. Keeps it all Out of sight out of Mind but whatever. But they cant change historys tides the waters are risint too high now and also the Wind of Change

I think you're mistaking us for Catholics...

[napa valley nan]

Well just so you know, Cathlics are most popular church in America (I think) and youre LOSING ground when they come out as pro- lesbians/gays/bi's Just so you know. Because they have what's called The Visibility
.

[New Creation (Recalcitrant)]

Of course they do. They're lying, blasphemous, false Christians whose "church" and rituals are based on Babylonian paganism, not the Bible. What else do we expect from the same people known for raping children?

[Cursed]

Napa Valley Nan, if a woman raping a man is impossible, why are women serving prison time for raping men?

I'm just wondering who's right; you, or the justice system of the entire civilized world?

[RevDrJack]

Originally Posted by Cursed

Napa Valley Nan, if a woman raping a man is impossible, why are women serving prison time for raping men?

I'm just wondering who's right; you, or the justice system of the entire civilized world?

From what I've been told, a typical negro woman has a 4" clitorus and is capable of sodomizing a white boy with it. A negro lesbian would have no need for a strap-on. And you think raping a man is impossible for a woman?

[Capt. Aaron Portway]

Listen Nan, you PERVERT dyke-lover!

Lesbos are disgusting sex maniacs! They're a scourge on society and NO MAN is safe from them!

And if they aren't looking to rape men all the time, then what the heck is THIS sort of thing for!

[Mr. Williams]

Originally Posted by RevDrJack

From what I've been told, a typical negro woman has a 4" clitorus and is capable of sodomizing a white boy with it. A negro lesbian would have no need for a strap-on. And you think raping a man is impossible for a woman?

Bigger than 4"It wouldn't even take any effort for a nigra woman

[nigresslezbeanpervert]

Originally Posted by RevDrJack

From what I've been told, a typical negro woman has a 4" clitorus and is capable of sodomizing a white boy with it. A negro lesbian would have no need for a strap-on. And you think raping a man is impossible for a woman?

This is true, black women can sodomize anything.

[MitzaLizalor]

I suppose this site would be one that NVN might consider "authentic" or something. It does seem to endorse demonic sex pervert behaviours of the type she so frequently advocates.

This link comes with a warning

LINK is neither pornographic nor obscene, but contains information of a disturbing range of health/pervert/sex & implicit anti-God revolting activities: HERE ARE SOME OF THE BOOKS REFERRED TO

Books
Girshick, Lori B. Woman-to Woman Sexual Violence: Does She Call It Rape? Boston: Northeastern University Press, 2002.

Leventhal, Beth and Sandra Lundy. Same-Sex Domestic Violence: Strategies for Change. Thousand Oaks California and London: Sage Publications, 1999.

Renzetti, Claire M. and Charles Harvey Miley. Violence in Gay and Lesbian Domestic Partnerships. Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press, 1996

Renzetti, Claire M. Violent Betrayal: Partner Abuse in Lesbian Relationships. Thousand Oaks California and London: Sage Publications, 1996.

That should indicate the nature of the link which I only post to refute Nan's sex-pervert agenda.