Minister who did gay wedding is in hot water

CARROLLWOOD — What began three years ago as a complaint about the marriage of a lesbian couple has put a Carrollwood Presbyterian pastor into the national spotlight.

It was 2005 when the Rev. Janet Edwards, a Presbyterian minister, married Nancy McConn and Brenda Cole in Pittsburgh. James C. Yearsley, who then served in Pittsburgh as well, learned of the ceremony in a newspaper interview Edwards had given.

"I was offended," said Yearsley, now the pastor of Village Presbyterian Church in Carrollwood Village. "What she did in marrying two people of the same sex was a complete violation of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America, and she knew that, but she intentionally violated the constitution."

Yearsley filed an accusation with the Pittsburgh Presbytery, and a one-year investigation ensued to determine if Edwards violated church doctrine and if she should be brought to a trial. The ramifications were dramatic, with many in the denomination around the country taking sides. A trial was ordered, then put off because of the Presbytery had mistakenly missed a deadline.

For those unfamiliar with the trial process: Charges are brought against the accused, who stands before an ecclesiastical court that determines guilt or innocence. The court is called a Permanent Judicial Commission and is composed of ministers and elders elected from within the judicatory having jurisdiction (in this case, the Pittsburgh Presbytery). The panel sits in place of a judge, and there is counsel for the accused.

Yearsley said he could have walked away, but his orthodox convictions led him to re-file the charges, this time with 13 other ministers. Once again there was a yearlong review, which culminated in March with a decision to bring Edwards to trial. All parties are now waiting to hear when the Presbytery will set a trial date.

Yearsley acknowledges that the Presbyterian Church has changed and evolved over hundreds of years. The organization now ordains women, for example. But he insists that the ruling enforcing marriage between only one man and one woman must always remain intact.

"There's a difference between ordaining women and the idea of God's plan for all of humanity," he said. "It's become a cultural issue. But for us, this about the authoritative word of God, which you can't change to make your desire appropriate."

Since the announcement last month, Edwards has entered into reflective prayer and would not speak directly with the media. She did release a statement through her spokeswomen, Ashley Harness, saying, "The Presbyterian Book of Order instructs the church to 'give full expression to the rich diversity within its membership,' and I believe marriage between two women or two men is consistent with this call to inclusiveness, diversity and openness within the church. It is also clear to me that marriage between two men or two women can have all of the characteristics of marriage envisioned in Scripture: fidelity, love, progeny, family, community, companionship and mutual support."

Edwards could be dismissed from the ministry. Whatever the result, Yearsley said he will be satisfied that the church pursued the allegations. He said he harbors no ill feelings toward Edwards.

"Janet has a wonderful gift for mediation, and a very compassionate pastoral heart," Yearsley said. "I just believe theologically what she did was wrong as she damaged the body of Christ."

Contact reporter Sheryl Kay with any religion news at skreporter@hotmail.com, or call (813) 230-8788.

Comments on this article

by Bud	Apr 8, 2008 8:45 AM
Leon - and yet as a "presbyterian" you are fine with Edwards defiance of the constituion, heresy, and violation of three of her vows. Go figure. If you want to be ashamed, try being shamed by that.

by Jason A.	Apr 7, 2008 5:39 PM
It also says in the Bible that a woman shall never teach man and should never speak in church.... Ya, let's see that happen.... The Bible was inspired by God but written by man throughout time. Plus it has been translated so many times. Toleranc

by Leon	Apr 7, 2008 1:25 PM
What a shame to have Christians fighting in this way. Rev. Yearsley affirms Rev. Edwards gifts for ministry, but chooses to go after her to have her defrocked. What a hypocrit! As a Presbyterian I am ashamed, & will never set foot in Village Ch

by Bob	Apr 7, 2008 1:25 PM
What those outside seem to have missed is the statutory obligation this pastor has. While the Book Of order says'give full expression to the rich diversity within its membership,' it also has a statute that excludes her actions in this cons

by Tom	Apr 7, 2008 1:24 PM
Non-judgmental - the context of that quote shows that Jesus was talking about hypocritically judging others when you don't first take time to examine yourself. Remember, this is the same Jesus who called the Pharisees a "brood of

by Sue	Apr 7, 2008 1:24 PM
If Rev. Yearsley believes gay mariage to be theologically wrong, then he should not be satisfied until she is defrocked. Take a look at the empty churches. This is one reason.

by bud	Apr 7, 2008 1:24 PM
Abracadaver - you can prooftext anything but that is also an offense to the gospel. It never promotes slvery or the subornation of women.

by NCP Elder	Apr 7, 2008 12:13 PM
Why stop at marrying only two people? Surely those who support Rev. Edwards would also want to agree to allow marriages of three, or four, or more people. After all, who would want to prevent four loving people from being happy?

by Jackie	Apr 7, 2008 12:12 PM
Non-Judgmental, Yes, we are indeed called not to judge people but we are called to discern actions. It is called morality.

by Gavichap	Apr 7, 2008 12:11 PM
Awful story. It reminds me of the "scandalous problem" of mixed-race weddings in the 50s... I wonder how we will be regarding these bigotry squabbles in 20 years time. But I guess that here in Italy we have, ahem, "slight" bi

by Elaygee	Apr 7, 2008 12:09 PM
Tampa is the right wing and white trash capitol of America. Small minds like Yearsley's are a dime a dozen down here

by Chuck	Apr 7, 2008 11:51 AM
Non-Judgmental is ignorant of the meaning of the Bible text he misquotes. Matthew 7 is not a call to zero discernment, but a command not to be a hypocrite with different standards. Marriage is meant to be between 1 man and 1 woman. God says s

by Monty	Apr 5, 2008 2:19 PM
Please read Lev 18:22, and yes, it still applies today! And we do not dislike gay people.

by mary	Apr 5, 2008 2:19 PM
It is the Christian's right and responsibility to defend Bible truth; it is God who judges.

by abracadaver	Apr 5, 2008 2:13 PM
"[t]his about the authoritative word of God, which you can't change to make your desire appropriate." The same authoritative "Word of God" that was used not so long ago to justify slavery, anti-miscegeny and the subor

by Justin	Apr 4, 2008 12:20 PM
The issue is the inherency of the Bible. If it says something is wrong, shouldn't those that purport to teach it obide by its mandates? Yearsley was right in what he did. Judgement is different than discipline.

by Non-Judgmental	Apr 4, 2008 12:18 PM
Hoopefully - Why do you think I am judging - I did not judge - just stated the obvious. BTW - read ur post! LOL

by Hopefully irenic	Apr 3, 2008 3:30 PM
Hey "non-judgmental," why are you judging those people bringing charges against Rev. Mrs. Edwards? Didn't you just say we shouldn't judge? I guess judgmentalism is bad only when it opposes my views.

by Jess	Apr 3, 2008 2:19 PM
Are there no homeless to shelter? No hungry to feed? No sick children to tend? No elderly to minster to? Can they not stand to see two loving people be happy? Have they no compassion? Is this Jesus' love?

by Lindsay	Apr 3, 2008 11:43 AM
Rev. Janet Edwards allowed two people to express their true love and commitment to each other and is now being persecuted for it. That is really a shame in this day and age.

by Non-Judgmental	Apr 3, 2008 11:35 AM
Such judgmental people - Matt 7:2-5 -- "judge not lest ye be judged"