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Local Pastor Takes Stand On Controversial Issue

POSTED: 7:45 pm PST November 6, 2009
UPDATED: 12:28 pm PST November 9, 2009

A local pastor is refusing to perform marriages in her church and said if gay people can't get married, no one can.

Rev. Kathleen Green took her congregation at the Summit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship by surprise during a recent Sunday sermon.

"I will not sign any marriage license at all until all of our brothers and sisters have that same equality for marriage," said Green.

Green said she is taking a stand against California's marriage law, which essentially bans same-sex unions.

She said most of her members were not surprised because her church actively opposed Proposition 8 last year.

"Probably for some, it was a bit of a surprise," said Green, who won't sign the legam document binding a couple in marriage.

Green added, "What I will not do is be an agent of the state when the state practices discrimination and oppression."

Pastor Jim Reed of the Lake Murray Assembly of God said, "Well, I think she's brave. I disagree with what she's doing as far as what, the stance behind it."

Reed said the voters have already spoken. He said the state would slip down a slope of immorality if gay marriage is legalized.

"Sexual morality and marriage between a man and a woman is a central pillar of society," said Reed.

Green disagrees, even in the face of some members of her own church.

"I think I'll be hearing from members of the congregation in the weeks to come," said Green.

Green said she'll stand by her decision to stop signing marriage certificates.

"It's my authenticity and my integrity as a Unitarian Universalist minister to stand on the side of love," she said.

Green said she will still perform religious marriage ceremonies, but the couple will need someone else to sign their license.

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