TrumpetPicture of Jimmy Creech.Jimmy Creech

On September 14, 1997 the Reverend Jimmy Creech (right), then senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Omaha, Nebraska performed a covenant service for two women. A United Methodist church trial court did not convict him. On April 24, 1999, Jimmy Creech co-officiated at a covenant service for two men. A United Methodist church trial court convicted him and removed his clergy credentials. See historical background below.

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Jim and Larry.

On April 24, 1999, Jimmy Creech (right) co-officiated with Jill Edens, United Church of Christ (UCC) clergy at a covenant service for two men, Larry E. Ellis and James H. Raymer. The UCC celebration was held at Olin T. Binkley Memorial Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, NC. in Chapel Hill, N.C. More History...

Jim Raymer (left) and Larry Ellis join hands during a recommitment of their vows of holy union in a service performed in part by the Rev. Jimmy Creech (center) in Grand Island, Neb. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose. Photo number 99-248, 11/16/99


1999

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Historical Background

On September 14, 1997 the Reverend Jimmy Creech, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Omaha, Nebraska performed a covenant service for two women. Afterward, charges were brought against him and a confidential process of review begun in Nebraska Annual Conference. Effective November 10, 1997, Bishop Joel Martinez suspended Jimmy Creech with pay for 60 days, before the review process was complete. On January 9, 1998, Bishop Martinez extended the suspension of this courageous and loving Christian pastor. On Friday, January 23, 1998 following a hearing, the Committee on Investigation of Nebraska Annual Conference voted to refer to church trial the complaint against the Reverend Jimmy Creech. The trial has held March 11-13, 1998 at First United Methodist Church in Kearney, Nebraska. Jimmy Creech was acquitted on March 13. He returned to the pulpit of FUMC in Omaha on Sunday, March 15, 1998. The next Sunday, illegal (by UM Discipline) church services were initiated that are being held for members of FUMC at the same time as regular church services at FUMC. On May 5, 1998 Bishop Martinez told Jimmy that he would not re-appointment him to FUMC Omaha in July. In May, Jimmy Creech decided to take a voluntary leave of absence. On June 7, he left the pulpit of FUMC. On that day, the Jimmy Creech Profile of Justice College Scholarship was announced. On August 11, 1998, Judicial Council released its decision about the legal status of prohibition in the Social Principles. Jimmy Creech responded to the decision. For much of the last half of 1998, Jimmy Creech traveled around the country speaking to thousands of people. In 1999, he is working on a book.

On April 24, 1999, Jimmy Creech (right) co-officiated with Jill Edens, United Church of Christ (UCC) clergy at a covenant service for two men, Larry E. Ellis and James H. Raymer. The UCC celebration was held at Olin T. Binkley Memorial Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, NC. in Chapel Hill, N.C. A complaint was brought against him in May.

On July 16,1999, Jimmy wrote CORNET: "I've just been informed by Bishop Joel Martinez (Nebraska Annual Conference) that the complaint filed against me by District Superintendent Jim McChesney for celebrating a holy union in April has been referred to the Counsel for the Church, Steve Flader, in Omaha, Nebraska. He will be sending it to the investigating committee. Consequently, the judicial process is formally underway. Peace, Jimmy Creech"

The Nebraska Conference Committee on Investigations met in September in Lincoln to investigate a complaint against him. It has charged him with disobedience to the Order and Discipline of the United Methodist Church.

The second trial of the Reverend Jimmy Creech took place on November 17 and 18, 1999, in Grand Island, Nebraska, at Trinity United Methodist Church. The Presiding Bishop was Bishop William Boyd Grove, retired. His ministerial credentials were removed.

On December 2, 1999, Jimmy Creech sent a letter Gratitude and Hope to his supporters.

The photograph of Jimmy Creech is courtesy of Jimmy Creech.