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Minister marries partner after stepping down as church leader
A United Methodist Church pastor married his partner after walking away from his job as a minister.
Earlier this week Rev. Benjamin Hutchison stepped down as minister from Cassopolis UMC. Cassopolis is located in the midwest state of Michigan, approximately 25 miles from South Bend, Indiana.
According to the South Bend Tribune, the church’s district superintendent asked if ‘he is practicing homosexuality.’ Hutchinson’s sexuality was known by church members (he’s been the church’s leader for approximately three years).
On its website, UMC states ‘that all persons are individuals of sacred worth,’ but the ‘United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching.’
Yesterday, 17 July, Hutchinson married his partner, Monty Hutchison. In attendance were approximately 30 ordained UMC pastors.
‘I’m here because I believe in the full inclusion of our LBGTQ community. I’m also here because I believe that what we are doing here today is an act of biblical obedience, even if it is considered disobedient of our Book of Discipline,’ the Rev Matt Weiler said to the South Bend Tribune.
Although UMC rules against its minsters officiating a same-sex wedding, Rev Mike Tupper signed the wedding certificate.
‘There are a couple of (biblical) scriptures that are anti-gay. But the Scripture is clear about being accepting of all people,’ Tupper, said in an interview before the ceremony.
What will happen to the ministers who took part in the wedding is unclear. First a complaint must be filed. After that, there is a what’s known as a ‘Just Resolution Process.’
As for Hutchison, he’s worried about the attention his former congregants are now facing.
‘I don’t mind being the face of change,’ he said. ‘But I do mind seeing the church members hurt by what has happened. They’re good people.’
The post Minister marries partner after stepping down as church leader appeared first on Gay Star News.
James Withers
www.gaystarnews.com/article/minister-marries-partner-after-stepping-down-as-church-leader/
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