Live and Let Live Can Work

February 28, 2014.Reading time 17 minutes.

Dear Big Middle*, Sorry it’s been several weeks since my last installment of “Dear Big Middle” blogs. We’ve had a lot going on around here. These “Dear Big Middle” blogs are designed to speak to the large number of “moderate” United Methodists on specific same sex marriage issues. And the reason I have been delayed […]

Do You Believe Now?

February 26, 2014.Reading time 1 minute.

In January, our Emeritus Pastor Rev. Bill McElvaney announced that he will perform same sex weddings. Several weeks ago, George and Jack announced their plan to be married this coming Saturday by Rev. McElvaney. Today, a federal judge strikes down Texas’ ban on same sex marriage. For several years, I have been saying that the […]

They’re Not Marrying You

February 5, 2014.Reading time 11 minutes.

Dear Big Middle, Time for the second installment of “Dear Big Middle” blogs, aimed at debunking the anti-same-sex marriage arguments one by one. The goal is to take on one issue at a time, and to speak to the “Big Middle” of the United Methodist Church. (Or, really, anybody I suppose who fancies themselves an […]

The Non Sequitur of the “Slippery Slope”

January 24, 2014.Reading time 6 minutes.

Dear Big Middle,* This is our first real blog together! I’m glad you stopped by to read. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you should probably read this first. It will help you understand whether or not these posts are even aimed at you. I thought I would start with the easier issues […]

Dear Big Middle

January 24, 2014.Reading time 6 minutes.

Dear Big Middle,* Today I start a series of short blog entries, aimed at The Big Middle of the United Methodist Church. “Big Middle” is a term of endearment. Many people believe you Big Middlites actually hold the key to our being able to move forward on the issue of same sex marriage. I agree […]

Let the penalty fix the “crime”

January 22, 2014.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Originally posted on We Your People, Ours the Journey:
Here we go again… A month after the Board of Ordained Ministry in Pennsylvania stripped Rev. Frank Schaefer of his ordination credentials for officiating at his son’s wedding and refusing to state he would follow the entirety of the Book of Discipline in the future, the…

Media Coverage of Bill Mac’s Decision to Perform Same Sex Weddings

January 21, 2014.Reading time 2 minutes.

It’s been a busy couple of days, since Bill McElvaney’s announcement that he will perform same sex weddings. Lot’s of stories popping up in the media and blogs today, and even more coming in print later this week. If you missed the original story, here’s Bill’s statement that has caused all the fuss. Here’s my […]

Not Everybody Gets To Be Martin Luther King

January 20, 2014.Reading time 5 minutes.

“Do Justice. Love Kindness. Walk Humbly with God.” Not everybody gets to be Martin Luther King Jr. I suppose that’s relatively self-evident. But on the day we celebrate his legacy, it’s an important point not to miss. I happen to believe the next great Civil Rights struggle –the struggle of LGBT justice– is the grandchild […]

Northaven’s Steps Toward Same Sex Marriage

January 19, 2014.Reading time 10 minutes.

This morning at Northaven Church, our Emeritus Pastor, Rev. Bill McElvaney, announced his intention to perform same sex weddings. Bill has led our church, our city, and helped lead our denomination, for forty years. He continues to lead us now. The people of Northaven gave him a five-minute standing ovation at the conclusion of his […]

Rev. Bill McElvaney Intends to Perform Same Sex Weddings

January 19, 2014.Reading time 8 minutes.

As a part of the “Follow Your Heartbreak” series at Northaven Church this morning, Rev. Bill McElvaney has announced his intention to preside at same sex weddings. The full text of this remarks is below. Rev. McElvaney is a retired United Methodist Elder, and emeritus pastor of Northaven Church. In addition to a successful pastoral […]