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Title
Published Date
Bishop Shamana Responds to California Supreme Court Ruling 6/16/2008
Signs of Hope 6/4/2008
A Future With Hope 3/28/2008
Easter Message 2008 3/20/2008
Bishop Shamana Recommends '10 Great Dates' 1/18/2008
Bishop Shamana shares letter to all United Methodists from MARCHA 12/28/2007
Spirit of Italy 2007 10/26/2007
The Other Brother 4/26/2007
Letter from Bishop Shamana on Virginia Tech Tragedy 4/19/2007
Action Urged on Behalf of Philippines 4/2/2007

The Latest Column By The Bishop

Bishop Shamana Responds to California Supreme Court Ruling

Published: 6/16/2008

June 16, 2008

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

On this historic day when the Supreme Court decision makes it legal for same gender couples to be married, I want to recognize that many couples and families have been waiting a long time for this day. Some of you may have advocated for this landmark decision of the highest court in our state. As your Bishop, I would advise you to be prayerful and discerning about the nature of your participation in a marriage ceremony. 

You already know the prohibition of our Book of Discipline that restricts clergy from conducting same gender marriage. If it is your choice to perform such a marriage, you must be ready to enter into the supervisory process should a complaint come forward. However, the Discipline does not prevent you from taking part in a marriage ceremony as long as you are not the officiant performing the ceremony.

At the General Conference last month, a resolution that attempted to restrict any and all participation in a ceremony was soundly defeated. In the words of the prophet Micah, Let us continue to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God.”

In Christ, 

Bishop Beverly J. Shamana