Dogma defeats church's struggle for gay union

12 Feb 2008- South Africa- After battling for months to officiate gay marriages in the church, a former Methodist minister has resigned and turned his focus to a non-religious movement.

Kevin Light was one of 19 defiant ministers who stirred up controversy in 2007 when they challenged the church's position on same-sex unions.

But at the Methodist church's conference in September 2007 the executive body denied their request for permission to bless same-sex marriages.

Light said this had been the catalyst in his decision to quit.

After 19 years of service, Light executed his last duties as a Methodist minister in December.

He said that while he had struggled to help those who were marginalised such as homosexuals, he was the one who was eventually sidelined because his efforts to advocate gay rights within the church went unheard.

When news of his "God is Gay" breakfast 2007 hit newsstands, a media ban was placed on him.

"I don't feel any bitterness towards the church and understand its position. It was a hard decision to make, but when I was there, I felt deep sadness that I couldn't exercise my own convictions and what I felt was right," he said.

"For me, it is an issue of human rights. As a young minister in Johannesburg during apartheid, my ministry was also questioned by the congregation because I helped those who had been oppressed and those who had been marginalised in general.

"Like then, I want to accept and care for people regardless of who they are."

Light, who describes himself as a "slightly liberal theologian", has now shifted his full attention to his other venture - the Labyrinth movement, which offers a concept of spirituality rather than religion.

His newly adopted take on spirituality is far from the structured Christian teachings he received throughout his life, particularly since his father served 40 years as a Methodist minister.

While he has enjoyed significant support, especially from family and friends, Light has also faced a torrent of criticism - and even verbal abuse.

He said he had received numerous anonymous emails, one of which labelled him "Satan's spawn" and another which said he "shouldn't claim rights for gay people because they had no rights".

Labyrinth was launched months ago but Light has now set out to expand the movement for its supporters.

It offers services - including weddings, funerals and blessings - and also hosts events such as hikes, retreats and social gatherings.

"This (movement) allows people to explore spirituality without the institutionalism and instruction associated with religion. Some people might have been hurt by religion or find spirituality in a different way - it can be in cooking or a run in the forest."

Bishop Andrew Hefkie, of the Methodist church in the Cape of Good Hope District, declined to comment, saying it "was the church's policy not to comment on resignations".

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