Minister Once Defrocked For Marrying Gay Couples Joins Lake Street Church
Stephen Van Kuiken has taken over as senior minister at Lake Street Church. His long commitment to marriage equality, among other social issues, is part of what made him a good match for the liberal congregation.
Lake Street Church’s new senior minister, Stephen Van Kuiken, was once charged with heresy and defrocked by the Presbyterian Church for officiating same-sex marriages. That unwavering commitment to marriage equality is one reason why the liberal congregation brought him to Evanston. “I came here because of their vision, their perspective, which is very inclusive,” says Van Kuiken says. “I kind of say, this is a church for heretics.” Earlier: Longtime Pastor of Lake Street Church Retires The Michigan native gave his first sermon on Jan. 27, not long after moving to Evanston from Tucson, AZ. He joins the congregation after a multi-year search process following the retirement of Rev. Robert Thompson, who headed Lake Street Church for 30 …
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Jennifer Fisher
12:35 pm on Saturday, February 9, 2013
Paul, we have removed the word "NONDENOMINATIONAL" from the story. Thank you for clarifying. more ›