Pastor supporter of gay marriage out in the cold!

MATT Glover, the Lilydale Baptist pastor who supports gay marriage, has been sacked at a secret church meeting to which he was not invited. The Lilydale church office yesterday confirmed that Mr Glover was no longer senior pastor, but said the congregation had been instructed to remain silent.

The Age reported last week that the church was in turmoil over Mr Glover's support for same-sex marriage on a gay website two months ago. Mr Glover, who has a young family, has worked with members of the gay and lesbian community for 15 years.

Some in the church felt he was ''opening the door to sin'' and activist Christian group Salt Shakers asked followers to pray that God would ''improve or remove'' him. A close friend and supporter of Mr Glover who did not want to be named said the church's leadership and a majority of the members had held a secret meeting without informing Mr Glover one night last week.

''He has two young children and his housing is connected with his job. He's in a fair bit of distress - the effect on him and his family has been significant,'' the friend said. He said Mr Glover had agreed not to speak to the media.

Rodney Croome, whose Australian Marriage Equality website ran Mr Glover's statement affirming same-sex marriage, said two gay groups would try to provide financial support.

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays have opened a bank account for donations, and Mr Croome's group will hold a benefit on his behalf next month.

Andrew Woff, the Baptist Union of Victoria's acting director of ministries, said the meeting was impromptu rather than secret, and denied that Mr Glover was dismissed. ''There was a straw poll rather than a vote, and the church never decided to sack him.

''I'm not saying it was all fair.

''From our point of view he is a competent and gifted minister, and there is no reason he can't be called by another church,'' Mr Woff said.

PRESS RELEASE: AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY AND PFLAG

GAY COMMUNITY BACKS CHRISTIAN MINISTER SACKED FOR SUPPORTING MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Community advocates are calling on supporters of marriage equality to stand by a Baptist Minister sacked for supporting the issue.

Rev Matt Glover of the Lilydale Baptist Church in Melbourne was notified at the end of last week that his contract was terminated because of his declared support for marriage equality as a part of Australian Marriage Equality's christians4equality campaign (www.christians4equality.com.au).

Rev Glover, who has a young family, has ministered at Lilydale Church for two years and is popular with parishioners for encouraging community outreach and engagement, including ministering to LGBT people.

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays has opened a bank account for donations to help Rev Glover until he finds a new position.

PFLAG National spokesperson, Shelley Argent said,

"Church groups are the first to complain about discrimination when challenged on the issue of marriage equality. But, sadly they discriminate against their own on this same issue. These “bully boy” actions are hardly Christian."

"To thank Reverend Glover, PFLAG encourages financial donations that will tide him over while he finds new work and settles his young family into a new home."

Australian Marriage Equality is holding a benefit for Rev Glover on February 7th 2010 at DTs Hotel in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond.

Campaign Director, Rodney Croome said,

"Matt Glover has stood by us and now we will stand by him".

Rev Glover is currently considering his legal options.  

For further coverage of the sacking click here
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/pastor-supporter-of-gay-marriage-out-in-the-cold-20111205-1ofht.html

For details on making donations to Mr Glover contact Shelley Argent on 0409 363 335