Troubled Times

April 9, 2014.Reading time 6 minutes.

Somehow, I missed the big news yesterday that sixty conservative UM clergy had a conference call, the purpose of which was to discuss separation of the denomination. I first found out about it via my friend, Christy Thomas, and her excellent blog this morning. While I wince at her use of “inquisition” here. (We’re nowhere […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

What Do The Same Sex Marriage Rulings Teach Us about the American UMC?

June 27, 2013.Reading time 10 minutes.

In the past several days, I’ve had several talks with folks regarding the twin Supreme Court rulings on same sex marriage, and its implications for the United Methodist Church. The gist has been to lament just how dramatically “out-of-step” the United Methodist Church has become on the issue of same sex marriage, and LGBT issues […]