Lots of people disagree with my biblical interpretation regarding homosexuality (among other things). As a pastor who has officiated a wedding for two women, I’ve had the biblical conversation many times. I told my husband this morning that I could exegete those “gay” passages in my sleep. But beyond the question of biblical interpretation, another…
Based on some of the responses to the story I posted yesterday, I want to make a clarifying note here before I get on with my Saturday morning. I do not feel shamed. And I am not a victim. I did what I did of my own free will, understanding the potential consequences. While many…
Almost two years ago now, I received a tentative email from a young woman asking if she could have her upcoming wedding at our church. She and her fiance were Christian. They wanted a church wedding, and a friend had told her that she might be able to get married at Peace Mennonite in Lawrence.…
Driving home from my retreat last weekend, a billboard caught my attention. “When you die,” it asked, “will you go to heaven or hell?” At the bottom was an 800 number you could call, presumably to find out whether you’ll need your flame-retardant pajamas in the afterlife. I would love to listen in on these…
It’s been awhile since I participated in this wonderful exercise. Thanks to Sally for posting this one. Blessings from 2011 (Yes, I know I have six for the Friday 5–that’s just the kind of rebel I am) A diagnosis—After years of struggles and frustrations, our 14-year-old son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. The diagnosis does…
To summarize many stressful months as succinctly as possible: I officiated a same-sex wedding; the Leadership Commission of Western District Conference (Mennonite Church USA) found my ordination credentials in order; some people are not happy about this. So, to those who are deeply troubled by my action and by the Commission’s decision: I understand that…
Last week I attended the Mennonite Church USA biennial convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Thanks to recent articles in The Mennonite and the Mennonite Weekly Review, I found myself in many discussions about the inclusion of sexual minorities in the church. I’d like to highlight three of the lessons I learned (or re-learned) about “the dialogue”…
The e-mail finally came last Friday afternoon. It cam to me from the Leadership Commission, and it came to all pastors in Western District Conference from the Executive board. It was the official rationale of why the commission decided to let my credentials remain in order after I officiated a same-sex wedding. It also contains…
Recently a colleague of mine was dismissed from his position on the bi-national Mennonite worship committee because he is “actively” gay. That is to say that he married the man he loves and they live together in a supportive, committed relationship. Somehow, in the eyes of my denomination’s leadership, this makes him unfit to serve…
Here is the second post in my “Ask the Pastor” series. As a pastor of a congregation that has a public statement of full inclusion for gays and lesbians, and as a pastor who has officiated at a same-sex wedding, I have been asked (more than once) how I reconcile my views on homosexuality with…
Spacious Faith 