North Carolina Church Declares No One Can Get Married There Until the State Grants Marriage Equality
Unless everyone can walk down the aisle, no one’s getting married at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church of Raleigh, N.C., Instinct Magazine and newsobserver.com report.
Pullen’s congregation unanimously voted to forbid its preacher from putting her John Hancock on any marriage certificates—until marriage equality comes to North Carolina.
“As people of faith, affirming the Christian teaching that before God all people are equal, we will no longer participate in this discrimination,” a church statement said.
More than 100 Pullen members united to fight discrimination and approved the church’s “statement on marriage ceremonies” Sunday.Taking the stand proved emotional—leaving tears of church members’ eyes.
Pastor Nancy Petty (pictured) sparked a marriage equality dialogue months ago. Petty couldn’t contain her happiness at the turn of events.
“Their statement today on marriage equality continues their long-standing tradition of speaking out on behalf of God’s love, compassion and justice in the world,” Petty said.
Southern Baptist Convention banished Pullen in 1992 for blessing same-sex relationships. However, the church remains an American Baptist Churches USA denomination member.
Photo: justout.com
