Church Cancels Wedding after Discovering Bride Supports Same Sex Marriage

What would you do if your wedding was cancelled because of something you posted online? That’s the predicament one bride-to-be is in after posting her support for same-sex marriage on Facebook.

“I know it’s something not everyone will agree on and that’s fine but this is what I stand for and frankly it doesn’t effect [sic] my relationship with one bit,” wrote the bride-to-be about marriage equality, in regards to the current postal plebiscite. But while a ‘yes’ vote is the obvious choice for anyone who values equality for all Australians, many religious figures disagree.

The couple, who were due to marry at Ebenezer St John’s Presbyterian Church in Ballarat in November, and who do not wish to be named for privacy reasons, were told that Minister Steven North, who was due to perform their wedding ceremony, was unable to do so due to his beliefs. “After the pre-marital counselling that you attended and the sermons delivered at Ebenezer on this subject, you must surely appreciate that your commitment to same-sex marriage opposes the teaching of Christ Jesus and the scriptural position practiced by the Presbyterian Church of Australia and by me,” North wrote, reported Fairfax.

With two months to go, the bride and groom had to make alternate plans, and they’re not happy about it. “We feel this decision is absolutely disgraceful and is a disgrace to you and all the church, especially when we have been loyal and valued members of this congregation for 10 years,” was their response. “You were made aware from the beginning of our proceedings that we had gay friends and also that people in our wedding party were gay. How could you assume that we would abandon them or degrade them with regards to same-sex marriage?”

Luckily for the couple, they’ve found a retired minister to marry them. In fact, religious leaders from many different faiths have spoken out in support of same-sex marriage. However, AAP reported that Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has defended the minister’s position. “Churches are entitled to marry or not marry whom they please,” Turnbull said. “That is part of religious freedom.”

What do you think, Fairies?

Author – Sian Campbell

Article written by Alison Donnellan