Whose Church Is It?

I read an article in the online version of the Clarion Ledger yesterday.  It made me sick.   It made me sick on several levels.

First, that some people in a church would deny a wedding ceremony on the basis of race.  That reasoning is against everything that Christ teaches us.

Second, that the world would think that all Baptists, or all Mississippians, or all white people would agree with those few who are so misguided.

My heart goes out to the Wilsons, whose special day was stained by a few small-minded individuals.  My heart also goes out to the pastor, Dr. Stan Weatherford.  They were all placed in a terrible position with so little time to make alternate plans.  Having just gone through wedding preparations with my eldest, I cannot imagine what we would have done if someone had suddenly decided that the church was off limits just as we began decorating.

There have been some comments that the pastor should have insisted on having the wedding at the original venue.  I am proud of the parties involved that all were still willing for him to officiate.  Dr. Weatherford could have performed the wedding at FBC Crystal Springs, but he may have been trying to protect the Wilsons from an ugly scene on a day that should be filled with happy memories.  He is quoted by a WLBT reporter as saying, "I wanted to make sure their wedding day was a special day."

I wonder what the service was like at FBC CS the day after the wedding wasn't there.  I hope the few who were opposed to the wedding don't think they won anything.  They have lost so much.  They have lost the respect of their fellow citizens of Crystal Springs.  They have lost the respect of the Christians of Crystal Springs.  I can't really say fellow Christians, because I can't imagine true followers of Christ doing such a loathsome act.  

I pray that the Wilsons don't let this effect the true friendships that they may have made at FBC CS.  I hope that the REAL church steps up to let the light of Christ shine through them.  I will pray for Dr. Weatherford as he follows the leadership of Christ at the church he as been called to serve.  There can be a real opportunity for understanding and growth to come from this situation.  But only if God's church stands up and makes His love known.