The Rev. Jane Adams Spahr was totally out of line when she married 16 gay couples back when California legalized it for 12 seconds. So says the Presbyterian Church, which took Spahr to church court or whatever, concluding she violated the church’s constitution in officiating the unions.
But it wasn’t all wrist slaps for the San Francosc-based Spahr.
But the panel voted unanimously that the Rev. Dr. Jane Adams Spahr’s actions did not disrupt the “peace, unity and purity of the church,” and its two-page decision commended the 68-year-old lesbian minister for her “compassion” and her ministry to gays and lesbians. “In addition, we call upon the church to reexamine our own fear and ignorance that continues to reject the inclusiveness of the gospel of Jesus Christ,” the decision said. “We say this believing that we have in our own Book of Order conflicting and even contradictory rules and regulations that are against the gospel.”
And then this happened:
Immediately after the decision was read in the fellowship hall of Covenant Presbyterian Church where the four-day trial was held, Spahr huddled with her defense team and the tearful couples who had testified about their love and commitment. “It has been my greatest honor to have married you,” Spahr told them. “I just love you so much. We know as oppressive systems change, they need people who are as magnificent as you are. We are changing a wrong here, a terrible injustice. We are doing it.”
She’s going to appeal the decision, which according to my loose understanding of church legal procedures means she will appear before Jesus himself to argue her case.
How about we take this to the next level?
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David
She should wear her “conviction” as her badge of honor for doing the right thing.
edbynumbers1047
I am honored to have Dr. Rev. Janie Spahr officiate the legal marriage for my husband and me. The Presbyterian Church should be so thankful for the amazing work Janie Spahr does on their behalf.
Tom
If she has to argue her case before Jesus, I am sure Jesus will have difficulty understanding what Christianity has become, especially since Jesus was born, lived, worshiped and died as member of the Tribe of David, one of the 12 tribes of Israel.
Tom
If she has to argue her case before Jesus, I am sure Jesus will be uncomfortable with what Christianity has become, especially since Jesus was born, lived, worshiped and died as a member of the Tribe of David, one of the 12 tribes of Israel. Jesus was not a Christian nor did Jesus establish Christianity which was not developed in His lifetime.
tinkerbell
I am grateful for precious people like Rev Spahr.
I scratch my head, however, that so many people still follow such barbaric religions. 1) Why would any religion do something such as to put someone on trial for doing something that is legal and the morally honest uniting of people in love into a committed relationship? and 2) As quickly as society is changing, why would anyone be so foolish as to base their entire life on an anitiquated, bronze age religion that can change their entire ethos in a few short decades to do the right thing?
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
Nice going Presbyterian Church officials people. Go after this wonderfull woman who looks like she just left central casting for the role of everyones loving Grandmother……
As to her appeal before Jesus himself, I would kinda sorta like this whole Gays marrying drama be decided by Jesus. After all we are talking ’bout a guy who was unmarried and pretty much hung out with 12 other dudes exclusively………
Geoff B
She sounds like an actual Christian and a wonderful woman. Nice to know there are people out there who actually live their faith and use it for good as opposed to others who use it to condemn and opress.
axos
Every time mankind takes a step forward, the churches have to be dragged along kicking and screaming.