|
Excerpt: Homosexuality & the house of God
Minister's involuntary leave creates mixed feelings
By Tarryl Jackson/staff
tjackson@newsleader.com
For not allowing a gay person to join his church, the Rev. Edward
Johnson, pastor of South Hill United Methodist Church, was placed on
involuntary leave June 13, according to Carole Vaughn, director of
communications at the Virginia Conference United Methodist Church.
Vaughn said the decision was made by the Board of Ordained Ministry and
upheld by clergy members at the annual conference in Hampton.
The decision was met with mixed reactions among local clergy.
Johnson declined to comment on the matter.
"I don't believe that the act of homosexuality is compatible with the United
Methodist teaching," said Steve Greer, pastor at St. John's United Methodist
Church in Staunton. "Ed (Johnson) was trying to uphold that teaching. He was
overruled."
Greer said he agrees with Johnson's stance and thinks there is a lack of
understanding for what Johnson did.
"I'm very concerned about this," Greer said.
Greer said Johnson never had a mark against his career and that he was doing
what was morally right by not letting the supposed self-avowed, un-repented
homosexual be a member of the church...
Read More |
