“Marriage is the union between one man and one woman” Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster of the Western Conference of the United Methodist Church reaffirmed Tuesday the church’s definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman in the wake of Green Street United Methodist Church’s decision to not perform any marriages until United Methodist ministers are allowed to officiate at marriages for same-sex couples. “The United Methodist Church believes that marriage strengthens families and places couples in the context of a sacred institution,” Goodpaster said, “connecting them to the fabric of their communities and into a stronger relationship of God.”
Goodpastor also said Green Street UMC’s decision did not violate the denomination’s doctrine or ‘The Book of Discipline’ of the United Methodist Church.
The Rev. Kelly Carpenter, the pastor of Green Street UMC, said Sunday that he will not hold heterosexual marriage ceremonies in the church sanctuary until same-sex couples are allowed to marry within his denomination.
In May 2012, North Carolina approved a (traditional marriage amendment stating marriage is the union of one man and one woman) with more than 60% of the voters in favor of the amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments next week on California’s ban on same-sex marriage and the federal Defense of Marriage Act. Read more… http://www.journalnow.com/news/local/article_884ff152-9100-11e2-9ace-001a4bcf6878.html
