I read this today on the
Pioneer Press website.
A second Minneapolis congregation of the United Church of Christ has voted to stop performing the civil function of marriage while allowing all couples — of opposite or same gender — to receive "the sacredness of a church wedding,'' it said in a statement.
More than two-thirds of the congregation of Mayflower Community Congregational Church approved the change Wednesday night. Minnesota law prohibits same-sex couples from marrying.
"Since many members of the Mayflower congregation feel that state marriage law discriminates against gay members of our congregation, the congregation has decided to separate itself (from) state law,'' the Rev. Sarah Campbell said in the statement.
Mayflower clergy will no longer sign marriage licenses. Couples marrying at the church who are eligible for civil marriage may have their union made legal by a county official.
The Lyndale United Church of Christ adopted the same policy earlier this year, as did White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church a few years ago.
I've been reading a bit in Revelations, talking a bit with others, and reading some articles by
Jan Markell on prophecy and end times. It's pretty clear that near the end a lot of "followers" of Christ will be duped and will blindly follow the false teachings/teacher of the day. When I read something like this article it honestly makes my stomach upset as I shutter in disbelief. Too many people are sheep and ignore the possibility that what they are hearing
might just be wrong. Biblical truths are so important and getting something like same sex marriages wrong is a gateway to toppling ones faith.
I need to become a better evangelist. Peoples souls are at stake. God, give me strength!
The second thing that
sticks in my craw is the saying people will receive "the sacredness of a church wedding". What exactly is that? I must have missed that Bible verse. Getting married actually has very little to do with a church and a lot to do with a promise between you, your spouse, and God. It's a covenant between all 3, to be witnessed by others so everyone can hold you responsible and accountable to each other and to God. There is nothing sacred about a "church wedding". Only the promises to God, for God, and with God are important.
