July 3, 2005
by J. Bennett Guess

The Rev. John H. Thomas' stated position affirming same-gender marriage equality has led the UCC's Biblical Witness Fellowship to call for Thomas to resign his post as the UCC's general minister and president.

"Given President John Thomas decision to reject the foundational covenant of marriage as instituted by Almighty God, the covenant from which all other human covenants derive, and which is the very image of the relationship between the church and Jesus Christ, we call on him to resign from his position with the United Church of Christ," says an unsigned statement on BWF's Synod-specific webpage.

"God is still speaking, but it is an unprecedented arrogance for Dr. Thomas to speak as and for God on such a primary reality of revelation," the statement reads. "He now no longer enjoys the credibility to continue as a religious leader of a Christian church."

On Saturday, Thomas accepted a nomination to a third and final four-year term. He needs approval from General Synod delegates, who will take up officer elections on Monday.

BWF's statement can be read at http://biblicalwitness.org/synod_news.htm.

United Church News