Awaken West 7th in St. Paul was removed from the Evangelical Covenant Church, or ECC, in late June. The removal was due to being “out of harmony” with the denomination’s policies and teachings on homosexuality and gay marriage. In 2017, Lead Pastor Micah Witham was suspended for giving a blessing over a same-sex couple in his congregation. His decision to officiate a same-sex wedding in 2020 ultimately led to the church's removal.
“It's not OK that my pastor could perform my funeral, but he can’t perform my wedding,” said Alyssa Paulson, an elder at the church. “You can speak on my love in death, but not in life.” |