NCC leader takes name off pro-marriage statement
By John H. Adams, The Layman Online, November 17, 2000
ATLANTA – Robert Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches, opened the final day of the annual meeting of the NCC’s General Assembly by apologizing for putting his signature on an ecumenical statement supporting the sanctity of marriage.
He told the delegates that he would take steps to withdraw his name from the statement, which was also signed by representatives of the National Association of Evangelicals, the U.S. Roman Catholic Bishops and the Southern Baptist Convention.
He said he was removing his name from the statement – which says marriage is only between a man and a woman – because he personally favors gay marriages and gay union blessings.
“I would like to make a public apology,” Edgar said. “I did not serve you well in the last week and a half. I signed my name onto a letter that had not been approved by a committee. After careful review, I realized this is a mistake. I want to apologize to those whom I have offended.
“I affirm and support the inclusion of Metropolitan Community Church for membership and I support a blessing of partnership, marriage of people who love each other.
“I’m removing my name from that letter. I will communicate my removal to each of the members and to the press and I am instituting a new policy. The general secretary must seek approval of the appropriate board or executive board before signing onto any statement that is not policy of the National Council of Churches.”
Edgar also said he would work with others to “review events surrounding the letter” and to develop “a policy statement and job description for the general secretary that can lead us into the future.”
“Not one of us is without sin,” Edgar said. “Not one of us is infallible. I look forward to continuing to be the secretary of the National Council of Churches even in this important time when I recognize my humanity.”