PCUSA Minister vows to continue same-sex 'marriages'
The Rev. Stephen Van Kuiken, from the Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church, sits with his wife, Debbie, as his verdict is read Monday, April 21, 2003, in Cincinnati. Van Kuiken, 44, was found guilty of marrying same-sex couples in violation of Scripture and t
BLUE ASH, Ohio -- A Presbyterian minister whose denomination convicted him of violating church law by marrying same-sex couples says he will continue performing the ceremonies.
The Rev. Stephen Van Kuiken, 44, said he feels obligated to press the issue in hopes the Presbyterian Church (USA) will stop what he calls its discrimination against homosexuals.
"The status quo in the Presbyterian Church is inflicting pain. So we need to ensure that that pain is addressed and the issue is not ignored," the minister of 19 years said after a court of church officials announced its decision Monday.
In the church's first trial on the issue, Van Kuiken received the mildest form of punishment -- a public rebuke that directs him to only marry a man to a woman. He could have been temporarily suspended or removed from the ministry.
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