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Nebraska’s Reverend Jimmy
Creech Informed by Bishop
Author /Clergyman Mel White
Asks Justice for Hero-Hetero
By
The
Reverend
Dr. Mel White
UFMCC
Justice Minister
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On May 5, 1998, another name
was added to the growing list of heroic heterosexuals who have made great
sacrifices on behalf of God's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered
children. On that day, the Rev. Jimmy Creech met with Bishop Martinez and
was informed that he will NOT be re-appointed to First United Methodist
Church of Omaha, Nebraska (FUMC).
According to Chris Weedy,
Jimmy’s wife and co-worker, the Bishop cited four reasons: "the continuing
deterioration at FUMC, Jimmy's inability to reconcile differences with
the Rogue Group, not following the bishop's guidance (in doing the covenant
ceremony [for two lesbians] and in not accepting the conditions offered
before the trial), and finally the ‘deterioration in the Nebraska conference.’"
According to Chris, "The Bishop offered three options: that Jimmy ask for
another appointment in the NE conference, that Jimmy find another appointment
in another conference, that Jimmy take a leave of absence."
This sad news from Jimmy's
wife is one more proof that the Fundamentalist "urge to purge" is gaining
(not losing) strength in the churches of our childhood. We must do everything
in our power to present the truth where untruth reigns. In the spirit of
Soulforce, the spirit of Jesus, Gandhi, and King, let us bring the truth
in love relentlessly to those who don't understand. The Trials of Jimmy
Creech, our newest (28 minute) Soulforce Video, helps keep Jimmy’s truth
alive and at the same time gives us a powerful tool to share his truth
with our friends and with those who are victims of untruth.
I interviewed Jimmy Creech
on the eve of his trial. Never in my life have I been more deeply moved
by the subject of an interview. Jimmy’s quiet calm in the heart of the
storm, his articulate, reasoned, passionate defense of full acceptance
of lesbians and gays in the church, including the rites of marriage, and
his courageous, sacrificial stand for truth will inspire our friends and
change the minds and hearts of those who misunderstand us.
Order The Trials of Jimmy Creech
today. To help cover the costs of duplicating, packaging and mailing, send
a check for $10 made out to Video 3 to Soulforce Videos, P.O. Box 4467,
Laguna Beach, CA. 92652. For the sake of truth, help us get Jimmy’s
interview into the hands of those who need it. Forward copies of this message
to your network of friends.
The Methodist Federation for
Social Action is raising funds to pay the costs of Jimmy’s defense. You
can help by writing a tax-deductible check to MFSA designated to the "Creech
Defense Fund." Send your contributions and best wishes to Jimmy care of
The Methodist Federation for Social Action, 76 Clinton Ave., Staten Island,
NY 10301.
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