I was just reading seeler's thread about inviting ministers to social affairs. This brought to mind this question. Who should a minister have as a friend on FaceBook? Parisioners? Gotta run, will add more later. What are your thoughts?

The June 2011 article in the UC Observer about recruiting new ministers provides interesting food for thought. Many pulpits are officially “vacant”. Particularly in rural pastoral charges, finding a new minister when a much-loved and long-term minister leaves is a very difficult challenge. Having served several times on Joint Needs Assessment Committees, I find the process less than optimal.

I don't want to flog this to death and I hope we can have respectful conversation around it.

The Canadian Government recognizes Same-sex marriage.

The United Church of Canada recognizes Same-sex marriage.

Why then are church boards, church councils and ministers able to say "no" to doing the service.? In my personal experience, some of these churches have never had open conversation with the congregation or their boards and committees about Same-sex marriage. It is a topic that hasn't been addressed since the 80's.