wfn.org | Clergyman Suspended for 60 Days

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS 97" by SUSAN PEEK on April 15, 1997 at 14:24
Eastern, about DAILY NEWS RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (440
notes).

Note 440 by UMNS on Nov. 6, 1997 at 16:26 Eastern (1303 characters).

CONTACT: Ralph E. Baker						  628(10-71B){440}
		Nashville, Tenn.  (615) 742-5470			Nov. 6, 1997

Pastor who held same-sex service
placed on suspension by bishop

by United Methodist News Service

	The Rev. Jimmy Creech, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Omaha, Neb.,
is being placed on 60 days suspension beginning Nov. 10  by Nebraska Area
Bishop Joel Martinez.
	In an apparent violation of the United Methodist Book of Discipline, which
prohibits clergy from holding services of union for homosexual couples, Creech
held such a celebration for two women on Sept. 14 at First Church.  Soon
after, complaints were filed against the pastor.
	According to a statement released by Martinez, Creech will continue to
receive his salary, housing and benefits, but pastoral oversight of the church
will be assumed by the Rev. Donald D. Bredthaur, a member of the current
pastoral staff.
	"It is my hope that the congregation of First Church will use this time for
continuing prayer, thoughtful reflection and respectful dialogue about its
current and future mission in Omaha," said Martinez.
	Church law allows the bishop and executive committee of the Conference Board
of Ordained Ministry to place a pastor on suspension during a complaint
process.
#  #  #

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