LESBIAN MINISTER TAKES ON METHODIST CHURCH IN COURT
A Cape Town lesbian Methodist minister has taken the Church to court after she was dismissed because she decided to marry her partner.
Ecclesia de Lange (43) was fired by the Methodist Church of South Africa (MCSA) in 2010 when she announced her intention to marry her partner Amanda.
When she told her Brackenfell and Windsor Park congregation of her plans in December 2009 she received a standing ovation in support.
Despite this, she was charged by her Superintendent Minister with being in breach of the rules of the Church.
In January 2010, a disciplinary hearing found De Lange guilty of “failing to observe the provisions of the Laws and Disciplines and all other policies, decisions, practices and usages of the Church…”
A month later, the MCSA’s Connexional Disciplinary Committee upheld the guilty verdict and sentenced De Lange to be “discontinued” from the ministry of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa.
An attempt to resolve the dismissal through arbitration also failed.
De Lange has now filed an application in the Western Cape High Court to order the Church to reinstate her on the basis that she was discriminated against because of her sexual orientation.
The case could break new ground as it deals with complex issues of constitutional equality, labour law and freedom of religion. Some believe that the matter will ultimately only be resolved by the Constitutional Court.
In a statement, De Lange said: “The Church currently welcomes and affirms gay members and accepts their financial contributions, but it refuses to celebrate and affirm the natural consequence of two people who love each other and wish to commit to each other in a public religious ceremony.”
Acting media liaison for the “Ecclesia De Lange Support Group” on Facebook, Mike Luppnow, asserted that “the decision by the Methodist Church of Southern Africa to discontinue Rev de Lange as a minister is unconstitutional and unfair discrimination based on sexual orientation apart from being administratively unjust and irregular as far as it concerns the Church’s own Laws and Disciplines.
“It is only fair that Ecclesia be reimbursed for all station and emoluments to which she would have been entitled had she not been suspended and discontinued,” he said.
De Lange’s case will be heard by the court on Tuesday. Her supporters will hold prayers at the Central Methodist Mission in Greenmarket Square from 7.30am to 9am before proceeding to the court.
Watch a 2012 interview with De Lange below.
I salute the Methodist church for their stance on homosexuality and gay and lesbian ministers. The church send a clear message to all ministers that God hates sin and according to the Word of God homosexuality is an abomination, the bible goes further to say that if a man lies with a man as if he lies with a woman both of them should be stoned. Nothing will ever justify the perverted lifestyles of homosexuals and the should know they not welcome to serve as leaders of any church. The Methodist should be complemented for axing lesbian minister.
err… does anyone else think how weird it is that this homophobic “Rev” OP Bougardt continuously leaves his comments on this website. My burning question is WHY is he browsing this website at all?? LOL I think it is a clear case of “Do as I say, not Do as I do”! I am sure he would advise his congregants against the EVILS of websites such as Mamba and FORBIDS them to browse such Devils stuff – just in case they are tempted! I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that he has a profile on MeatMarket and jacks off to all the pics of the boys! If ever there was a case to be made about a closeted homophobe actually yearning for a little joystick action – then I think the REV OP Bougardt wins hands down. Sick little puppy he is! Ag Shame!
Rev OP, in response to your attention seeking comment, the wordsof John Wesley (who started the Methodist Church) comes to mind:
Your god is my devil.
Oh dear, oh dear, the Bible (remember those words are of the bigoted, sexist Paul – go figure) again! But it leaves out lesbians. I’m saddened that a more liberal church would take this stand, but not surprised. The established church is hypocritical, outdated, unloving and biased – I cannot understand how any “less than average” human can embrace this sh*t. Well done to the methodist minister – may you (on sheer principle and in light of the constitution and your love for your partner) win. The church has made me into an atheist, but I’d say God bless you both, And Rev Bougart, if you exist, you’re no better than Fred Phelps. I hope you reap what you sow.
Oh dear, oh dear, the Bible (remember those words are of the bigoted, sexist Paul – go figure) again! But it leaves out lesbians. I’m saddened that a more liberal church would take this stand, but not surprised. The established church is hypocritical, outdated, unloving and biased – I cannot understand how any “less than average” human can embrace this sh*t. Well done to the methodist minister – may you (on sheer principle and in light of the constitution and your love for your partner) win. The church has made me into an atheist, but I’d say God bless you both, And Rev Bougart, if you exist, you’re no better than Fred Phelps. I hope you reap what you sow.
Rev Bougardt. You certainly spend a LOT of time on gay sites! Don’t think there are many of us spending this much time on you. Suspicious don’t you think. Hmmmm… There’s SOMETHING about Mary!