Anglican/Episcopalian Minister protests same-sex marriage ban
Pastor Dale Morgan
Anglican/Episcopalian Minister protests same-sex marriage ban*
March 13, 2007
AMHERST, Mass. --A pro-gay Anglican/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.
"I am convinced that when gays and lesbians are baptized, they become
full members of the body of Christ," said Bullitt-Jonas. "They are not
partial members or conditional members or second-class members."