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
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
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