An Interfaith Statement of Support for Muslims in Dallas

January 26, 2015.Reading time 4 minutes.

The following was the interfaith statement read at yesterday’s gathering. Dozens of clergy from all traditions stood with us, as this statement was read. An Interfaith Statement We have gathered here today out of our mutual concern over vitriolic language and protests last weekend in our community. We were deeply disturbed by images and video […]

Video Remembrances of Bill McElvaney

August 24, 2014.Reading time less than 1 minute.

As many of you will know, Dr. Bill McElvaney died earlier today. I will most definitely have much more to say about Bill in the coming days and weeks. But, for now, I am remembering a great night at the Perkins Distinguished Alumnus Awards Event in 2013. Bill got the award that night, and I […]

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 […]

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 […]

The Heart of Christmas is Love

December 23, 2013.Reading time 18 minutes.

The heart of the Gospel is love. The heart of the Christmas season is love. Love is the final driver, the final goal –the first, last, and middle command– for all of us who follow Christ. In the Christmas season, we celebrate this love of God for us, as made manifest in the birth of […]

Thank you, Bishop John Schol

December 21, 2013.Reading time less than 1 minute.

A video of Bishop John Schol, Resident Bishop of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference. I thank him for his willingness to put this message out there. I know there will be Reconciling friends who are deeply cynical about the UMC’s ability to actually do the things he calls for here. But I appreciate that […]