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Affirmation Leaders Ask for Judicial Decision on Ban Against Homosexual Union Ceremonies

Oct. 14, 1997

(UMNS) Affirmation, an unofficial caucus of United Methodists for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Concerns is asking for a declaratory decision on the "meaning, application and constitutionality" of a churchwide ban on ceremonies celebrating homosexual unions

Following their meeting here Oct. 11-13, a 20-member National Council of Affirmation, issued a call for the Council of Bishops to request such a declaratory decision from the church's Judicial Council.

The 1996 General Conference, top legislative body of the church, added a sentence to the Social Principles saying "ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches."

The first challenge to that position has come from the Rev. Jimmy Creech, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Omaha, who performed a service of union for two women Sept. 14. A complaint, filed against Creech by a member of his congregation, is being handled by Bishop Joel Martinez and other Nebraska officials according to a detailed process spelled out in the church's Book of Discipline.

In a statement released by the National Council of Affirmation, spokesperson Jeanne G. Knepper said the ban is "unclear, unconstitutional and unenforceable. In addition, it is unjust and denies vital ministry to some members of the church." Key issue is the legal status of the Social Principles.

The Council of Bishops will be meeting at Lake Junaluska, N.C., the first week of November. The next meeting of the Judicial Council following the bishops' meeting is scheduled for April 22-25 in Hershey, Pa.

"If the church waits for appeals on the cases of Rev. Creech or others to take the ban before the Judicial Council, it will be choosing the path of greatest cost in money and time lost, confusion, ecclesiastical conflict, injustice and negative media attention," the Affirmation leaders said.

In other action, the council:

* applauded the "leadership and courage" of Creech for openly testing the 1996 ban;

* called on all couples, regardless of sexual orientation, to celebrate their continuing commitments at United Methodist churches Valentine's Day, 1998;

* encouraged individuals to join a "Covenant Relationships Network" (CORNET) to encourage and support clergy who resist the ban;

* called on all churches to make their facilities available for covenant services;

* asserted that celebration of covenantal relationships is an "essential form of pastoral support" and called on all clergy to offer "full pastoral ministries" to all members;

* asked all United Methodists to "speak and act forthrightly with the Rev. Jimmy Creech against the present injustice".

As an independent voice of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people, Affirmation radically reclaims the compassionate and transforming gospel of Jesus Christ by relentlessly pursuing full inclusion in the Church as we journey with the Spirit in creating God's beloved community. We affirm a Gospel of respect, love, justice and mercy for all. Affirmation is an activist, all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization with no official ties to The United Methodist Church.