Public Statement on Marriage, Standing in Solidarity with LGBTQ members.
Winston-Salem, NC – Members of the Leadership Council of Green Street United Methodist Church published a Public Statement on Marriage at a Press Conference on March 17, 2013 at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Green Street UMC, 639 S. Green Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
On the matter of same-sex marriage, Green Street UMC sees injustice in the legal position of state government and the theological position of our denomination. North Carolina prohibits same-sex marriage and all the rights and privileges marriage brings. The Leadership Council has asked that their ministers join others who refuse to sign any State marriage licenses until this right is granted to same- sex couples.
Because the United Methodist Church prohibits its pastors from conducting same- sex weddings, excluding gay and lesbian couples from the holy sacrament of marriage, the Leadership Council has asked the pastor to refrain from conducting wedding ceremonies in our sanctuary for straight couples, until the denomination lifts its ban for same-sex couples.
Green Street UMC is presently the only Reconciling Congregation in the Western North Carolina Conference. With a growing number of LGBTQ members, Green Street seeks to be a public witness to its community, Conference and denomination.
The following documents are available regarding the statement on marriage:
A Public Statement on Weddings at Green Street Church | [Download the PDF Document]
A Pastoral Letter to GSUMC Concerning Marriage in the Church | [Download the PDF Document]
Frequently Asked Questions Re: the Public Statement on Marriage | [Download the PDF Document]
What is the United Methodist Church’s position on homosexuality? | [Download the PDF Document]
READ MORE: Public Statement on Marriage
Roots
Green Street United Methodist Church began with a tent revival outside Old Salem in August 1902. A month later, a group of converts organized themselves
Today
Today, Green Street Church is alive and thriving, with 300+ members and approximately 160 people in worship each Sunday! The congregation
Reconciling
Green Street is a Reconciling Congregation, open and affirming of Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgendered and Straight people. While the
Multi-Cultural and Anti-Racist
Martin Luther King, Jr. once noted that 11 am on Sunday morning is the most segregated time in the United States. While Green Street is unique in its
Green Street Church strives to deepen the spiritual journey, to be engaged with the poor and suffering, and to work for justice in the world. Come visit us at Green Street, where we celebrate the diversity of the human family, and where the Kingdom of God is breaking through!
