Despite large-scale protestations on same-sex marriage by the United Methodist Church (UMC), largest mainline Protestant denomination in the country, Pacific Beach United Methodist Church and three other enclaves will gather their congregations at noon on Saturday, Oct. 10 to celebrate the sanctity of the sacrament.
The church is located at 1561 Thomas Ave. in Pacific Beach. First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church and United Methodist Church of Palm Springs are also participating. PB United Methodist’s Rev. Jennifer Gutierrez said that the celebration is an important response to those who believe “the loudest voices in The United Methodist Church are anti-gay and are trying to defrock clergy.”
United Methodist Church law bans clergy from performing same-sex marriages and forbids churches from hosting such ceremonies.
“We want to show we unequivocally believe in marriage equality and we honor (same-sex partners’) covenantal commitment,” Gutierrez said. Same-sex couples are invited to have their marriage blessed in a vows renewal ceremony and to bring a symbol of their relationship. The pre-service gathering will begin at 11 a.m. More information can be found at calpacloveforall.eventbrite.com.