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Reflection on competing covenants

11/24/2013

1 Comment

 
This morning at Fisk, I shared the following with the congregation:

Many of you have followed the story of Pastor Frank Shaeffer who was brought up on charges in the United Methodist Church for conducting a same sex wedding. All United Methodist ministers enter into a covenant with one another and the church to abide by the Book of Discipline which governs our church life. By performing a same sex marriage, Pastor Shaeffer violated that covenant, since the Book of Discipline expressly forbids a United Methodist minister conducting such a wedding.   He is, however, a father, and the person whom he married was his son.   As a parent, he also has a covenant this one with his family, to love and support his children.  Caught between two competing covenants, he chose to perform the wedding and affirm his son.

Some have asked for my opinion on this matter.  I choose not to give an opinion, however, I shall share one fact.  I, too, have performed a same sex wedding.  I say this not out of guilt or out of pride, but simply to state the fact.  Each of us on our faith journey may be called upon to make difficult choices which may disappoint some and please others.  I hope that when we are called upon to make such choices we will do so in all humility, with prayer, and in the hopes that we are reflecting the love of Jesus through our actions.
1 Comment
susan carney
11/25/2013 12:12:54 am

I appreciate you keeping the congregation posted on this issue. I also am thankful that you were not in the pulpit when you did so. The United Methodist Church has rules and we need to acknowledge them and then make changes if we choose to do so. I for one have seen the love that many gay couples have for one another and cannot see it diminishing our love for God by loving these individuals and celebrating their love. May God direct us as we react to this issue.

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    Pastor Rick Black

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Fisk Memorial United Methodist Church
106 Walnut Street
Natick, MA 01760
508-653-1674 
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