Let’s call the whole thing off: Methodist minister shut out of annual community service for writing in support of gay marriage [video]
”I said, well, I can’t do that. And they said, ‘In that case, the pastors’ planning committee is asking you not to participate in the service.”’
Reverend Larry Eastlack of the Oakfield United Methodist Church who was supposed to participate in the annual Community Worship Service for Oakfield’s Labor Daze celebration. But after he wrote a public letter to the local newspaper and then defended his belief, he was given the cold shoulder by socially conservative leaders of other churches. Then, after Eastlack opted not to pursue the matter, the event was canceled due to the conclusion that protests in support of gay marriage might occur in the small town. Eastlack says he and others are saddened by the situation, and that he believes that a separation of church and state allows worshipers to support both Biblical convictions and the extension of benefits and responsibilities to married same-sex couples. (WKBW)
”…our Elders have stated that having you take part (in the Sept. 6 service) would send a message to our community and respective congregations that 1. We are in agreement with your stance or 2. We are willing to pretend that unity exists.”
Portion of a letter from Bill Smith and Mark Perkins who are reportedly fundamentalist pastors from the Oakfield Community Bible Church and the Oakfield Alabama Baptist Church in New York state. The letter was sent as an admonishment to Reverend Larry Eastlack of Oakfield United Methodist Church for writing a letter to the local newspaper that said Christians can support civil marriage for gays despite their Biblically-derived religious convictions against homosexuality. Apparently, after receiving the letter and backing up his support for gay marriage, Eastlack decided not to participate in the annual Community Worship Service at the 25th Annual Labor Daze celebration in Oakfield.(The Batavian)
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