May 19, 2013
A Winston-Salem Methodist church is scheduled to discuss its decision to forgo marriages for heterosexual couples until United Methodist pastors are allowed to officiate at marriages for same-sex couples.
The Winston-Salem Journal reports that Green Street United Methodist Church is holding a news conference Sunday at the church.
The church's 18-member leadership council has asked pastors to conduct relationship blessings rather than marriage ceremonies in the sanctuary until the United Methodist Church changes its policies.
In its initial announcement released through Equality NC, the church said it sees injustice in the legal position of state government and the theological position of its denomination. The council wants the church's ministers to join others who refuse to sign any state marriage licenses until the same rights are granted to same-sex couples.
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