We’ve watched gay couples pop the question in a lot of unusual places over the past few years: at Home Depot with a flash mob, during a live QVC shopping segment and even in a Kelly Clarkson music video, but never, ever in a Texas church…until now.
Trevor Harper dropped to his knees to offer a surprise marriage proposal to his boyfriend of nine years, whose name we haven’t yet determined, in front of the entire congregation of the First United Methodist Church they attend in progressive Austin, Texas. However, an even bigger surprise awaited them as their fellow worshippers, including members of the choir and their pastor not only erupted in smiles and applause but encourage the couple to share their video with the world.
In a note posted on Youtube, Harper explains what happened:
We were asked to share our faith story in front of our congregation at First United Methodist Church of Austin. This is a church that has welcomed us and changed our lives. All are welcome, no exceptions. As members of this incredible church family we have grown as Christians, individuals, and as a couple. After 9 years together, I couldn’t think of a better way to ask him to be my husband. Your sexuality does not define your right to live a spiritual, Christ-filled life. We are instructed to love and it is that simple. We are blessed beyond our wildest imagination.
Watch it unfold below.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
https://youtu.be/Esb7oBAHd7c
American Run for the End of AIDS
lovely!
BJ McFrisky
Wait, wait, wait.
I thought Christians were idiotic haters out to destroy us.
Oh Queerty, you and your mixed messages.
Sweetie Pie
Mazel Tov !!
???
Happy
Jerry Kelley
At last, a good story coming out of Texas!
Carlos Zuniga
I’d like to see this in a Christian “church” and see what happens.
Dakotahgeo
These kinds of stories warm my heart! Forever blest wishes and blessings to the neat loving couple!
Dakotahgeo
@Carlos Zuniga: This lovely event DID HAPPEN in a church! Reread the story, Carlos!
jwtraveler
@BJ McFrisky: There are a few decent Christians in Texas. There’s an exception to every rule.
Mr-DJ
@BJ McFrisky: There is a big difference between REAL Christians and the new Conservative KKKristians, who have created a new god – IN THEIR OWN IMAGE no less, instead of the other way around like is says in the Bible.
timmycrawford1967
Up until now, I have never seen a gay couple get engaged in a church. This is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL representation of what love is supposed to be about. LOVE WINS!! Now and forever! My HEARETIEST congratulations to the couple, and a huge THANK YOU to the Pastor and membership of The First United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas, for being so welcoming, inclusive, and inviting to all who are LGBT. BLESSING to you!!
BJ McFrisky
@Mr-DJ: So it’s only Republican Christians who are evil and intolerant, but Christian Democrats are righteous and pure?
Okay, NOW I get it. Thanks for clarifying the lib-logic on display here.
OhHellNo
@BJ McFrisky: It’s not quite that simple. The wrinkle is that most Republicans who say they’re Christians are either lying and pandering to the dumbasses in Alabama or they’re really shitty Christians. Most Democrats who say they’re Christians actually act like it once in awhile.
Bad Ass Biker
I don’t know what is more stunning, the fact that it happened in Texas or a Methodist Church as both are stongly homophobic.
Lance Mullholland
@BJ McFrisky: ALL Christians, ALL women, ALL blacks – whew! Sweeping statements in a world that’s already being used to death by labels.
Us vs. Them.
Put away your lube and get off your knees, BJ – look uP and see some Light !
Charlie in Charge
A good omen, congratulations.
Xzamilio
The thinking has to evolve, so it’s nice to see that… but the dogma remains the same. It’s always good to see that there are Christians living by what the bible should say and not what it actually does say.
Clark35
@Bad Ass Biker: Actually no, the Methodist church is not homophobic; but a lot of people in Texas certainly are.
michaelmt1009
BRAVO…this is the way its suppose to be. Wish my homophobic church could act this way.
Billy Budd
Very nice. But please have it in mind that we do NOT need churches’ support in order to get married and be happy.
Paul Di Benedetto
Beautiful!
Saps48
According to a sign in the video that said “Davis, will you marry me?” I am guessing the other guy’s name is Davis…
Will Moor
@BJ McFrisky: You couldn’t just be happy for them without making a snarky pro-Republican plug?
Will Moor
@BJ McFrisky: Republicans in any positfor the most part have always been out to hurt us and you KNOW this. Why do you have to mock the pain that they have caused so many of us and act like we are evil for feeling the way we do? Our hurt and pain didn’t form in a vacuum. We didn’t pull it out of our asses. Where is your compassion? Do you have any?
GayEGO
Now this is the good Texas that I know but don’t see enough of!
twigg
this is amazing, they got a standing ovation from every member of the congregation including the priest <3
Dakotahgeo
@twigg: Sorry, twigg… Priests only officiate in the Catholic and Episcopalian church denominations, and possibly in the Greek Orthodox and Russian Orthodox denominations.
twigg
good to know although my remark was that the priest actually led the standing ovation if you look to left side of the screen . . .
Dakotahgeo
@twigg: You’re not getting the point! The ordained minister in the United Methodist Church is called Reverend, not Father or Priest, no matter who leads the standing ovation! THIMK!
vonric
not to get excited about the cause of equity in Texas… this church is in Austin, a noted alternative cultural enclave that stands rather independent of the rest of the state.
David Manzanares
Congratulations!
Louis
Beautiful I loved the reactions. 🙂
dkerickson
I was raised in the United Methodist Church. I have always been out but when I finally said the words to my mother she made me go to see the minister and tell him. I reaction I got was amazing, not that I was scared because I was going to live my life like I wanted to. But the minister explained that the United Methodist Church would always stand behind me no matter what I was. This is a great story that should be in the news but as of yet we are not there. So just enjoy the articles that are on a website that we can enjoy.
dkerickson
And by the way, Carlos Zuniga, this is a “Christian Church”. Why would you think it’s not? It’s one of the main stream religions in America.
Marty Courtney
Anybody notice the guy in the pew with the headphones reading a paper?
FUMCaustin
Here’s the extended version with Trevor & Davis’ inspiring faith story: http://youtu.be/sD-FJTUeA7o
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
As Jesus looked down and smiled…………………….