Holy Disobedience

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Methodist clergy officiate same-gender marriage in holy disobedience to denominational policy.

March 3, 2020
Contact: Rev. Heather Rodrigues, Pastor (919) 683-3467
[email protected] 

DURHAM, NC - Duke Memorial United Methodist Church joyfully celebrates the covenant marriage of Caleb Parker and Thomas Phillips, which took place in our sanctuary on February 29, 2020. Twelve clergy from Duke Memorial United Methodist Church and our United Methodist and ecumenical connection jointly officiated this wedding in holy disobedience to the prohibitions against same-gender marriage laid forth by denominational policy in the United Methodist Book of Discipline (¶ 341.6). We bless Thomas’s and Caleb’s covenant promises in Christian marriage and are grateful to be given the honor of celebrating their love through the wedding worship service.

Love is at the center of our faith tradition and is a lens through which we interpret the Scriptures. We at Duke Memorial will continue to celebrate the reconciliation of all persons as beloved children of God, equal before the throne of love and grace. We will continue to welcome and affirm ALL of God’s children, as we live into our baptismal vows to “accept the freedom and power God gives us to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves” (United Methodist Hymnal, 34). 

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Duke Memorial UMC clergy officiants
Reverend Heather Rodrigues - Elder, NC Conference UMC, Duke Memorial UMC
Reverend Kristen Williams - Elder, NC Conference UMC, Duke Memorial UMC
Reverend Jennifer Ingold Asbill - Cooperative Baptist, Duke Memorial UMC

Partner clergy officiants
Reverend Laurie Hays Coffman - Elder, NC Conference UMC, Chaplain UMRH, Inc.
Reverend Laura Crosskey - Deacon, Wisconsin Conference UMC
Reverend Stuart Harrell - UCC, Chaplain & Associate Director, CPE; UNC Health
Reverend Charles Lancaster - Elder, retired, NC Conference UMC
Reverend Roger Loyd - Elder, retired, NC Conference UMC
Reverend Deborah Morgan - Elder, NC Conference UMC
Reverend Liz Roberts - Elder, NC Conference UMC, Fairmont UMC
Reverend Anita Taylor - Elder, NC Conference UMC, Parkwood UMC
Reverend Scott Wilkinson - Elder, retired, NC Conference UMC

“Let all that you do be done in love.”  1 Corinthians 13:13

Duke Memorial United Methodist Church is a United Methodist congregation in Durham, NC whose mission is to “share the love of Christ from the heart of Durham.” More information about our mission and ministries is available at dukememorial.org.

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