Not actually a "wedding," because PA law doesn't allow same-sex marriage, but this commitment ceremony is a show of solidarity where about 65 ministers will officiate, in support of a colleague who has been called to church trial for officiating at his son's same-sex marriage a few years ago - in a state where the marriage was legal. While some Methodist churches welcome LGBT members (Calvary United Methodist, at 48th & Baltimore, does), the Methodists don't allow ministers to officiate at same-sex unions. These ministers are risking their jobs to protest the church court process for their colleague. Will they all be called to church court?
They expect the media to be present, so they want to pack the church with guests! Come for the ceremony if you can, and stay for the reception! Last night, a group of volunteers, including me and my husband Brian, prepared loads of hors d'oeuvres! Arch St. Methodist is just a block north of City Hall, easy to go there on the trolley. Arrive between 2:30 and 3 p.m.! http://articles.philly.com/2013-11-03/news/43613312_1_united-methodist-church-pastors-inclusive-church More pastors sign on for gay Methodist wedding By Tricia L. Nadolny, Inquirer Staff Writer POSTED: November 03, 2013 PHILADELPHIA Since more than 30 United Methodist Church pastors announced last month that they would jointly officiate a same-sex wedding ceremony in defiance of church law, organizers say, more clergy have signed on, including some from other denominations. The Rev. David Brown of Philadelphia's Arch Street United Methodist Church said he anticipates between 40 and 50 members of the clergy could preside over the wedding next Saturday. But with all that is on the line - including the possible loss of their credentials for the Methodist participants - Brown said the number could fluctuate until the day of the wedding. The ceremony, which will be largely symbolic because Pennsylvania does not recognize same-sex marriage, is being held in support of the Rev. Frank Schaefer of Lebanon. On Nov. 18, Schaefer is being put on trial by the church for having presided over his son's 2007 marriage to another man. The Rev. Herb Snyder, a retired minister affiliated with Arch Street, said he had been approached by about a half-dozen clergy from other faiths and denominations - including Judaism, the United Church of Christ, and the Episcopal Church - who would like to take part in the ceremony. "It's really affirming and encouraging to see firsthand that there are so many people who want an inclusive church and are willing to put their necks out for this," Snyder said. A conservative coalition of pastors from the church's Eastern Pennsylvania Conference on Thursday called for the group to reconsider its plans, saying clergy have the right to challenge doctrine through available channels but cannot "break those rules unilaterally." Brown has said it will be more difficult for the church to prosecute following their ceremony because of the large number of officiants. In a news release, the Evangelical Connection of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church said the pastors were trying to "paralyze" the church's system of accountability and "render our Book of Discipline inoperable." "We grieve over the potential of this intended action to threaten the very fabric of our unity," the release said. The names of the men who will take part in the same-sex wedding ceremony have not been released. Brown said they have been together for 25 years and have been members of Arch Street for 20. The ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. at Arch Street. [email protected] 610-313-8205 @TriciaNadolny Melani Lamond Associate Broker [email protected] Urban & Bye, Realtor 3529 Lancaster Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19104 cell phone 215-356-7266 office phone 215-222-4800, ext. 113 I-Fax 215-525-3460 This e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise exempt from disclosure. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify us by replying to the original message at the listed e-mail address. Thank you.
