Minister protests same-sex union ban with a halt to ALL weddings.

The Boston Globe ^ | 3/12/07 | AP

[phatus maximus]

AMHERST, Mass. --An Episcopal minister will stop performing all wedding ceremonies to protest the denomination's prohibition of same-sex unions.

"We are called to join the fast that our homosexual brothers and sisters in Christ have had to observe all their lives," said the Rev. Robert Hirschfeld, rector of Grace Episcopal Church.

Several members of the congregation say they support Hirschfeld's move, which he announced in his Sunday sermon. Others said they were concerned that that the move might add to the polarization of an issue that has already divided Episcopals.

Erica Winter, of Northampton, said working for social justice often involves giving up something.

"I'm so proud to be a part of this," Nina Scott, a congregant from Amherst, said. "It's a step that needs to be taken."

Two priest associates at Grace Church, the Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas and the Rev. Burton Whiteside, also said they won't perform marriages.

[phatus maximus]

Sigh......Pride this pride that...pray, pray, pray for the end of this insanity!!

[cripplecreek]

There are plenty of other ministers.

[Mad Dawg]

It's dereliction of pastoral duty. The priest ought to be sanctioned by canon law. He doesn't have the right to impose a what hs is ridiculously calling a marital fast on his congregation.

AND it's a typical liberal move. He's making others payfor his principles. Disgusting and stupid.

[HisKingdomWillAbolishSinDeath]

I doubt too many couples would want their marriage ceremony presided over by these MinSINters.

[pgkdan]

This church has become the anti-Christian Church.

[pillut48]

Anyone know how to get your eyeballs back in the right place after they've rolled clear out of their sockets?? Give me a break!!! >:-(

[doc1019]

Obviously, this “minister” has never read the Bible!

[mojo114]

I lived in Amherst for 15 year's. Grace church was a wondeful church. It seems that it has been taken over by the libs. Like everyting else.

[presently no screen name]

our homosexual brothers and sisters in Christ

Living a lifestyle of sin, condoning it and then wanting to bless it with 'marriage' in church. Then saying they are 'in Christ' - is pure abomination. It's so unreal - worse than Sodom and Gomorrah.

I'll say they need a fast - the whole church should be on a forty-day water fast on their knees repenting and praying to tear down those demonic strongholds!

[bobjam]

This is an empty gesture. It's not like ECUSA franchises are doing a lot of weddings anyway- most of their members are too old.

[DeaconBenjamin2]

Next there's a vote on renaming the church Will & Grace Episcopal Church.

[machman]

our homosexual brothers and sisters in Christ

Living a lifestyle of sin, condoning it and then wanting to bless it with 'marriage' in church. Then saying they are 'in Christ' - is pure abomination. It's so unreal - worse than Sodom and Gomorrah.

I'll say they need a fast - the whole church should be on a forty-day water fast on their knees repenting and praying to tear down those demonic strongholds!

Can I say our incestuous brother and sister in Christ?
Our bestiallity loving brothers and sisters in Christ?
Thiefing brothers and sisters in Christ?
Murdering brothers and sisters in Christ?

Sheesh.....

I know, all these types can be "our brothers and sisters in Christ", but as long as the ask Him for forgivness and "go and sin no more". The liberal church always seems to forget about that part....

[presently no screen name]

Jesus is the head of The "Church". The church is the bride and He is the bridegroom. Only those that follow HIS teachings are His Church. In no way is this mass of people part of "His" Church.

[presently no screen name]

Others said they were concerned that that the move might add to the polarization of an issue that has already divided Episcopals.

Polarization of an 'issue'? What about their polarization against The Living Word of God, Jesus. By their concern in their allegiance to their 'denomination' it is most telling of their counterfeit position - their allegiance SHOULD and MUST be to Jesus' teachings and not what 'they' think or feel. Anything other than that is a fraud. It's no secret who they worship.

[kaehurowing]

Why would anyone WANT to be married in an Episcopal church in the first place?