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News about Jimmy Creech

News links are from a variety of sources, not all of which agree with CORNET's perspectives. Visit also CORNET's The Reverend Jimmy Creech Home Page

Key to Acronyms

1999 News

December

Notice: Jimmy Creech has notified us that he has received enough funds to cover expenses for his trial.
Gratitude and Hope: A Letter from Jimmy Creech, December 2, 1999
The United Methodist Church on Trial: Committing Spiritual Violence, an oped piece by Laura Montgomery Rutt
November
A Litany of Repentance, Healing, and Commitment (for use in response to the trial of Jimmy Creech)
Prayer Vigils for Jimmy Creech
Trial of the Rev. Jimmy Creech (with unofficial transcript of his statement to the trial court)
Creech found guilty, UMNS, November 18, 1999
Photos of the Trial, UMNS
Coalition Responds to Trial of Jimmy Creech, November 17, 1999
Jimmy Creech Is Convicted and His Orders Removed, UMNS up-to-the-minute, November 17
Minister stripped of ordination for gay marriage rite, external link to The Independent, November 17, 1999
Reflections on the Eve of the Second Jimmy Creech Trial by Marilyn Alexander, Interim Executive Director, RCP, Tuesday, November 16, 1999
'This is a respectful ceremony': Creech performs recommitment ceremony for gay couple, external link to The Independent, November 17, 1999 Creech: Church opening wound, external link to The Independent, November 17, 1999
Creech re-enacts ceremony on eve of church trial, external link to the Lincoln Journal-Star, November 17, 1999
Methodists hoping to restore church unity, external link to the Lincoln Journal-Star, November 17, 1999
Methodist Minister Going on Trial for Gay Wedding external link to Reuters article, November 17, 1999
Pastor to go on trial for performing same-sex marriage external link to Reuters article, November 17, 1999
Other churches say gay marriages a 'critical issue', external link to The Independent, November 16, 1999
United Methodist Church Goes on Trial by Laura Montgomery Rutt, November 14, 1999
The Rev. Creech will not have council, nor will he call witnesses. To do so would validate the unjust law for which The United Methodist Church must be held accountable.
Prayer Vigils for Jimmy Creech
The Renewal of Vows of Larry Ellis and James Raymer, text of this service of worship in Nebraska, external link to Soulforce
Jimmy Creech: Amid Tidal Waves of History, Reconciling Kansas Newsletter, November 11, 1999
United Methodist Group Responds to Planned Protest of Clergy Trial, November 8, 1999
Soulforce Open Letter to Bishops Grove and Martinez, The Jury Pool and All Trial Participants, All Clergy and Laity of the United Methodist Church, November 7, 1999
How You Can Support Jimmy Creech, November 1999
October
Supporters of Rev. Jimmy Creech Prepare for Church Trial by Laura Montgomery Rutt, October 31, 1999
September
Creech to stand trial again, UMNS, September 24, 1999
Jimmy Creech to Face Another Church Trial, September 23, 1999
July
Complaint Against Jimmy Creech Referred, July 16, 1999
Creech Complaint Moves Forward, Omaha World Herald, July 20, 1999
A second church trial for a controversial United Methodist minister who has twice defied his church's ban on same-gender covenant ceremonies has moved a step closer.
June
Ruth Sheehan: Gays See the Glass Half Full, News-Observer, North Carolina, June 11, 1999
May
Methodists confirm action against minister by Yonat Shimron, News-Observer, North Carolina, May 26, 1999.
April
Larry E. Ellis and James H. Raymer
On April 24, 1999, the Reverends Jimmy Creech, United Methodist clergy, and Jill Edens, United Church of Christ (UCC) clergy, were co-officiants at these two men's covenant service. Their web site has photos from the holy union, a reproduction of the cover of the invitation to the celebration, stories from Larry and Jim and more.
Minister risks another church trial for uniting 2 men; Complaint expected, bishop says, Yonat Shimron, News-Observer, North Carolina, April 29, 1999
Commentary: A Response to the Dell Trial by Jimmy Creech, external link to News-Observer, North Carolina, April 2, 1999
March
Out of the closet at church by Michael Armentrout (Point of View), external link to the News-Observer, March 31, 1999

1998 News

September

Creech Preached, Spirits of 'Saints Alive' Filled MCC/SF, UM Clergy Say Following Jesus Is 'Risky Business, September 23, 1998
Jimmy Creech Speaks in Philadelphia, Oct. 3, 1998, MFSA, Eastern Pa.
Rev. Jimmy Creech in San Francisco, Sept. 20, Rembert Trulock
Year Later, Church Still Split by Creech Action, outside link to Omaha World-Herald
August
What about the UMC Judicial Council Decision? by Ed Ezaki (Confessing Movement)
Reactions mixed to ruling on same-sex unions, UMNS, August 14, 1998
Talbert, 'saddened' by decision, says he will uphold Discipline, UMNS, August 14, 1998
"By Their Fruits: A response to Jimmy Creech’s call for lawlessness" by Rev. Bradley C. Knepp (on Unofficial CM Page)
Affirmation's Response to Judicial Council's Ruling, August 12, 1998
Reconciling Congregation Program's Response, August 12, 1998
Methodists Tighten Ban On Gay Unions, San Francisco Chronicle, August 12, 1998
KRON-TV Interview with the Rev. Cecil Williams (QuickTime Video, must wait for video download, 867K), August 12, 1998
Methodists Affirm Ban on Gay Marriage, News-Observer, August 12, 1998
Church Scolds Gay Marriage Pastors, The Daily Advocate, August 12, 1998
Jimmy Creech's Response to the Decision, August 11, 1998
Judicial Council Decision #833 Full Text
Prohibition against performing homosexual unions ruled enforceable, UMNS, August 11, 1998
Confessing Movement's Response, August 11, 1998 (oppose covenant services)
Good News' Response, August 11, 1998 (oppose covenant services)
"United Methodists Bar Gay Marriages", Dallas Morning News August 11, 1998
Read Affirmation's Brief to Judicial Council, Posted August 9, 1998
Ex-NC Pastor Defends Homosexual Marriages, News-Observer, August 8, 1998
Judicial Council Decision May Have No Meaning, Unofficial Confessing Movement (oppose covenant services, generally more extreme than official CM), August 8, 1998 (updated from original August 7 post)
June
Creech calls women he blessed 'truly courageous', UMNS, June 28, 1998
Karen Oliveto's Speech, CAL-NEVADA Annual Conference RC Luncheon, Sacramento, CA, June 20, 1998
Georgia church reverses decision to withhold funds, UMNS, June 3, 1998
May
Creech taking leave of absence, UMNS, May 20, 1998
A Message from Jimmy Creech, CORNET, May 26, 1998
Creech coming back to N.C. by Tim Simmons News & Observer May 25, 1998
New senior pastor at embattled Omaha church will focus on healing, UMNS, May 20, 1998
Bishop Talbert: Holy unions don't violate church law, UMNS, May 14, 1998
Bishop ousts Creech: Minister presided over lesbian union, Yonat Shimron, News &Observer, May 7, 1998
CORNET Praises Jimmy Creech: His Ministry of Justice and Love Will Continue, CORNET, May 6, 1998
Creech not being reappointed to Omaha Church, UMNS, May 6, 1998
Author /Clergyman Mel White Asks Justice for Hero-Hetero May 6, 1998
The Confessing Movement Responds to the Bishops' Letter (they oppose covenant services)
Maxie Dunnam Response to the Bishops' Statement, Confessing Movement (opposes covenant services)
United Methodist bishops see pastoral letter as healing tool, UMNS, May 1, 1998

April

Bishops say special session of General Conference unwise, UMNS, April 30, 1998
Affirmation National Council Greets Bishops: Calls for pastors to shepherd "all one hundred of the flock," Affirmation, April 29, 1998
Judicial Council sets special session on issues related to homosexual unions, UMNS, April 24, 1998
The Trials of Jimmy Creech: A video by Mel White, Soulforce Video
Judicial Council Defers Homosexuality Question, UMNS, April 14, 1998
Open house to celebrate diversity at Omaha United Methodist church, UMNS, April 14, 1998
Ed Robb to deliver Easter Message at Laity Rally in Omaha, unofficial CM, April 9, 1998
April 6
Evangelical United Methodists ask to separate from California-Nevada Conference, UMNS, April 6, 1998
Some leaders at First Church, Marietta, Ga., oppose action redirecting churchwide giving, UMNS, April 6, 1998
April 2
Gay, lesbian caucus leader advises against 'rush to crisis thinking' in wake of Creech trial, UMNS, April 2, 1998
April 1
Affirmation leader invites United Methodists to offer each other their hands, CORNET, April 1, 1998

March
Special session of Council of Bishops requested to address disunity in church, UMNS, March 31, 1998 <
"Talk of the Nation Interview" (RealAudio) with Keith Hartman Author, Congregations In Conflict [Rutgers University Press, 1996] , the Reverend Jimmy Creech , Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Omaha, Nebraska, Bishop Kenneth Hicks , Little Rock, Arkansas , March 30, 1998. This is an external link. The 45 minute interview is well worth listening to.
March 26
N.C. Methodists Lead Call for Church to Ban Gay Unions, News & Observer (North Carolina)
Opponents of Jimmy Creech gather for Sunday rally, UMNS, March 25, 1998
Large United Methodist church in Georgia 'redirects' funds from churchwide causes, UMNS, March 25, 1998
March 24
Calls for special session of General Conference continue in wake of Nebraska Jimmy Creech clergy trial verdict, UMNS, March 24, 1998
March 23
CORNET Responds to Illegal Church Services Convened by Confessing Movement Representative, CORNET, March 23, 1998
Patricia Miller's Letter from CM Promoting Ira Gallaway's Visit to Omaha
North Carolina Cabinet Calls for Special Session of General Conference, March 23, 1998, North Carolina Annual Conference
March 19
Creech verdict draws responses from Confessing Movement, Good News, Reconciling Congregation groups, UMNS, March 19, 1998
Jim Jenkins: Jimmy Creech, walking out front News & Observer (N.C.), March 19, 1998
March 18
Good News Responds to Creech Verdict and 92 Pastors, from Good News (opposes covenant services) March 18, 1998
Ad-Hoc United Methodist Group Denounces Creech Verdict, from the Confessing Movement (opposes covenant services) March 18, 1998
Confessing Movement Responds to the Verdict in Creech Trial, from the Confessing Movement (opposes covenant services) March 18, 1998
March 16
Sign of the Rainbow: Sunday at FUMC by Laura Montgomery Rutt (photos too), March 16, 1998
Verdict does not determine church policy, Judicial Council member tells congregation, UMNS, March 16, 1998
Pastor who performed same-sex ceremony acquitted on charges of violating church law, UMNS, March 16, 1998
On the Acquittal of Jimmy Creech, Mark Bowman, RCP, March 16, 1998
Creech Returns to the Pulpit, PlanetOut, March 16, 1998
March 15
Local Ministers React to Creech Verdict Tim Simmons, News & Observer (N.C.), March 15, 1998
March 14
Minister Found Not Guilty News & Observer (N.C.), March 14, 1998
March 13
Up to the Minute Coverage of the Church Trial (March 11-13, 1998) from United Methodist News Service
Mark Bowman's Eyewitness Report of Trial, March 13, 1998, for an in-depth United Methodist perspective from the executive director of the Reconciling Congregation Movement
Reverend Creech Acquitted, United Methodist Reporter, March 13, 1998
Church Jury Finds Minister Innocent, Washington Post, March 13, 1998
Nebraska Pastor Tried for Wedding Gay Couple, Washington Post, March 13, 1998
Victory for Minister in Church Trial Over Lesbian Ceremony, CNN, March 13, 1998
Church Jury Finds Minister Innocent, Associated Press, March 13, 1998
He Says He Acted as Jesus Would by Yonat Shimron, News & Observer (N.C.), March 13, 1998
Church Jury Deliberates in Gay Case Los Angeles Times, March 13, 1998
March 12
Jimmy Creech Church Trial: Day Two, Supporting the Vision, March 12, 1998
Mark Bowman's Eyewitness Report of Trial, RCP, March 12, 1998
Creech Jury Selected NewsPlanet, March 12, 1998
Methodist Church Weighs Homosexual Marriage, CNN, March 12, 1998
March 11
Jimmy Creech Trial: Jury Selection, Supporting the Vision, March 11, 1998
Mark Bowman's Eyewitness Report of Trial, March 11 1998, RCP
Methodist Inquisition, Reverend Mel White, UFMCC and NewsPlanet Staff, March 11, 1998
California-Nevada Cabinet Will Operate within Discipline; Troy Cabinet Supports Jimmy Creech, UMNS, March 11, 1998
N.C. Native, Methodist Law Clash on Gay Unions by Yonat Shimron, News & Observer (N.C.), March 11, 1998
First 10 Days of March
Omaha First Prepares for Church Trial, by Diane West, Confessing Movement, March 10, 1998
Questions and answers about the trial of the Rev. Jimmy Creech, UMNS, March 10, 1998
CORNET Joins AUMEN in a Call for Prayer and Fasting, CORNET, March 5, 1998
AUMEN calls for prayer and fasting, Association of United Methodist Evangelicals of Nebraska
California-Nevada cabinet supports pastors who perform same-sex unions UMNS, March 3, 1998
Shedding Light on Sexuality: International Sexuality Expert to Testify at Rev. Jimmy Creech Trial, Proclaiming the Vision, March 3, 1998
Proclaiming the Vision of Inclusion: United Methodist Groups Join Together as Church Trial Approaches, CORNET, March 2, 1998
The Church Trial of Jimmy Creech, Support the Vision, March 1, 1998

February
Reconciling Congregations board unanimously supports Creech, UMNS, February 23, 1998
Minister Facing Church Trial for Performing Gay Marriage by Gustav Neibuhr, New York Times
Note: This is the Houston Chronicle's version. It reproduces only the first half of the original NY article.
Reconciling Congregation Program Meets: Supports Pastor Facing Church Trial RCP, February 18, 1998
Commitment Services and Creech Info The Reconciling Congregation Program -- ongoing page
Pastor facing church trial says denomination's stand on homosexuality compromises its integrity, UMNS February 16, 1998
March church trial set for pastor who performed same-sex ceremony, UMNS February 12, 1998
Date of Church Trial Set for Clergyman Who Celebrated Same-Gender Covenant Service, CORNET, February 12, 1998
Good News Board Comments on Jimmy Creech, Theological Differences, Other Matters, February 5, 1998
The conservative board expressed concern that Jimmy Creech may be acquitted on a technicality

January
Response to the Judicial Charge by Jimmy Creech, January 26, 1998
Pastor who conducted same-sex union faces church trial UMNS, January 26, 1998
Jimmy Creech to Face Church Trial: Performed Same-sex Ceremony, CORNET, January 25, 1998
Neb. Methodists Seek to Suspend Bishop, News and Observer, January 16, 1998
Suspension Extended for United Methodist Pastor who performed Same-sex Ceremony, UMNS, January 12, 1998

1997 News Archives

Key to Acronyms: AFFIRM=Affirmation, CM=Confessing Movement, CORNET=Covenant Relationships Network, GN=Good News, PTV=Proclaim the Vision, RCP=Reconciling Congregation Program, UMC=The United Methodist Church, UMNS=United Methodist News Service, UMR=United Methodist Reporter

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.

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