Lesbian Funeral Halted by Pastor

[+OverSword]

I can't believe a person who believes their calling is to serve the compassionate Christ would have the poor taste to do this regardless of his personal feelings.

From the article:

A Colorado pastor halted the funeral of a 33-year-old mother of two over the weekend, reportedly because a memorial slideshow featured kissing and other moments of affection between the woman, Vanessa Collier, and her wife, Christina Higley. As a result, the crowd of more than 150 mourners moved flowers, programs — and Collier’s body in a casket — from the New Hope Ministries to a funeral home across the street. The situation has since ignited impassioned anger both online and in the streets outside the church in Lakewood, where a large crowd of friends and supporters, unmoved by a reported apology from pastor Raymond Chavez, held a protest on Tuesday, chanting, “Shame on Pastor Ray!”

Collier was “a loving wife, daughter, mother, sister, friend — that’s who she was and that’s what she should be judged based upon,” Jose Silva, a family friend and protest organizer, told Fox 31 in Denver while speaking outside of the church. In a Facebook post announcing the protest, Silva noted, “I am a child of a lesbian mother and if my mom was to die, I would want ‘Dignity in her Death.’ As a Christian, I am against bigotry and stand with my friend Vanessa Collier’s family in seeking an apology and refund from Pastor Ray Chavez and New Hope Ministries. The acts that took place at her funeral were wrong and no family should ever have to go through that.”

Read the rest here

[TheDarkerSide]

That is bad on so many levels.

I thought the person carrying out such a service met the family first. To get information on the deceased persons life. Surely if this was done, and he had personal objections, he could of said so then, and a replacement could be found.

I mean when my mum died, I met the reverend and he asked all sorts of things about her so he could put on the service properly. Is this not done in the US.

[Keel M.]

Usually it is, if the pastor didn't previously know the deceased. If he/she wasn't one of the pastor's congregants.

[TheDarkerSide]

Usually it is, if the pastor didn't previously know the deceased. If he/she wasn't one of the pastor's congregants.

I feel for the family. What a complete p***k he was. At such a terrible time. Are these the people that preach compassion to us. Too sad.

[LV-426]

Another example of religion at its finest.

Just what the family, including two young daughters, needed during their grieving... some sanctimonious prick judging them, and adding to their suffering.

Not quite as bad, but I remember a local story about a grieving mother and young daughter told they had to have a headstone removed as it had two 'x's on it to signify kisses, which apparently wasn't up to church standards... pricks... *shakes head*

[XenoFish]

Prime candidate for the jerk of the year award.

Edited January 15, 2015 by XenoFish

[danielost]

I can't believe a person who believes their calling is to serve the compassionate Christ would have the poor taste to do this regardless of his personal feelings.

From the article:

A Colorado pastor halted the funeral of a 33-year-old mother of two over the weekend, reportedly because a memorial slideshow featured kissing and other moments of affection between the woman, Vanessa Collier, and her wife, Christina Higley. As a result, the crowd of more than 150 mourners moved flowers, programs — and Collier’s body in a casket — from the New Hope Ministries to a funeral home across the street. The situation has since ignited impassioned anger both online and in the streets outside the church in Lakewood, where a large crowd of friends and supporters, unmoved by a reported apology from pastor Raymond Chavez, held a protest on Tuesday, chanting, “Shame on Pastor Ray!”

Collier was “a loving wife, daughter, mother, sister, friend — that’s who she was and that’s what she should be judged based upon,” Jose Silva, a family friend and protest organizer, told Fox 31 in Denver while speaking outside of the church. In a Facebook post announcing the protest, Silva noted, “I am a child of a lesbian mother and if my mom was to die, I would want ‘Dignity in her Death.’ As a Christian, I am against bigotry and stand with my friend Vanessa Collier’s family in seeking an apology and refund from Pastor Ray Chavez and New Hope Ministries. The acts that took place at her funeral were wrong and no family should ever have to go through that.”

Read the rest here

i don't go to funerals but, do straight people show films of moments of tenderness. i don't think so. the only thing ray did wrong was to apologize for it later. i would hope a priest would walk out on any porn type film being shone.

[Careful_perspective]

Sometimes I think I know a different God than everyone else. The God I know does not discriminate.

[TheDarkerSide]

Sometimes I think I know a different God than everyone else. The God I know does not discriminate.

Well said!

[+joc]

Sometimes I think I know a different God than everyone else. The God I know does not discriminate.

Daniel,

That statement is bigoted, closed minded, and perhaps the dumbest thing I have ever heard anyone say on any of these forums. You have a right to your opinion. I just stated mine!

[LV-426]

i don't go to funerals but, do straight people show films of moments of tenderness. i don't think so. the only thing ray did wrong was to apologize for it later. i would hope a priest would walk out on any porn type film being shone.

If you think a simple gesture of love and affection is porn, you need to get out more.

Actually with an attitude like yours, better stay at home...

[TheDarkerSide]

i don't go to funerals but, do straight people show films of moments of tenderness. i don't think so. the only thing ray did wrong was to apologize for it later. i would hope a priest would walk out on any porn type film being shone.

Daniel how do you get to porn film from the link. Straight people show slides too. We had them for my fathers funeral. I can't see how you can justify that sort of comment, so full of bitterness. Such a twisted faith you have.

[Imaginarynumber1]

. Such a twisted faith you have.

That's daniel for you. Racist, bigoted, all around _____ hiding behind a twisted religion.

[S2F]

Daniel, I would quote your post but that statement doesn't deserve to be repeated. Are you inferring that a picture of a husband and wife kissing is porn or is this just about the deceased being a lesbian? Protip: two women showing affection isn't porn unless you are turned on by such things. Perhaps you should pray for your stray thoughts.

[XenoFish]

Sometimes I think I know a different God than everyone else. The God I know does not discriminate.

For all that is good in this world Do Not Change. Your a rare person.

[Likely Guy]

i don't go to funerals but, do straight people show films of moments of tenderness. i don't think so. the only thing ray did wrong was to apologize for it later. i would hope a priest would walk out on any porn type film being shone.

Do straight people show films of tenderness? Yes, they do. Why wouldn't they?

You also equate kissing to 'porn'. Is hugging soft*spam filter* in your world?

Edit: spam filter should read 'soft' 'core' 'porn'.

Edited January 15, 2015 by Likely Guy

[Careful_perspective]

For all that is good in this world Do Not Change. Your a rare person.

Aw, thank you! I will try not to.

[Sir Wearer of Hats]

i don't go to funerals but, do straight people show films of moments of tenderness. i don't think so. the only thing ray did wrong was to apologize for it later. i would hope a priest would walk out on any porn type film being shone.

Ohh what a brave new world that has such people in it.

I have a low opinion of a lot of people but YOU SIR beggar description.

But then, you're a Mormon I'm sure you can post-humously baptize her into your faith and give her a post-life loving husband to make her all better I'm sure.

[MissMelsWell]

So Daniel, you really should get back to the temple if these are your feelings--unless you've been excommunicated, in that case, it will require a bit more work.

I have a dear friend who is a very devout member of the LDS. She would NEVER say some of the things you do. Ever. Two of her children are on Mission currently (I actually read their Missionary Minutes every week when they post them, I do not believe in the same things they do, but I respect these young people for some of their values and their attitudes, which is forgiving, loving, and shockingly non-judgmental) and THEY would never say some of the things you do. You have some re-learning to do Friend.

Edited January 15, 2015 by MissMelsWell

[quiXilver]

I am staggered by the level of nastiness some people are capable of...

[Iron_Lotus]

i don't go to funerals but, do straight people show films of moments of tenderness. i don't think so. the only thing ray did wrong was to apologize for it later. i would hope a priest would walk out on any porn type film being shone.

quite a few members of my family did. jackass.

Edited January 15, 2015 by Iron_Lotus

[CJ1983]

Ahh Mormans, America's most respected cult. Danielost, it's people like you that give religion a bad name.

[Peter B]

i don't go to funerals but, do straight people show films of moments of tenderness. i don't think so. the only thing ray did wrong was to apologize for it later. i would hope a priest would walk out on any porn type film being shone.

Out of interest, why not?

I've had the unhappy experience of being to quite a few funerals of relatives, friends and work colleagues. In each case it's because I wish to show my respects to the deceased and to share my grief with others who knew the deceased.

[Sir Wearer of Hats]

Ahh Mormans, America's most respected cult. Danielost, it's people like you that give religion a bad name.

Not only that, he gives people named Daniel a bad name!

-Daniel.

[LV-426]

Out of interest, why not?

I've had the unhappy experience of being to quite a few funerals of relatives, friends and work colleagues. In each case it's because I wish to show my respects to the deceased and to share my grief with others who knew the deceased.

Given what I read, I'd guess 'lack of invitation.'