By Everett J. Thomas

On Sept. 15, 2009, Southeast Mennonite Conference revoked the ministerial credential for Randall Spaulding, pastor at Convenant Mennonite Fellowship, Sarasota, Fla.

SMC revoked Spaulding's credentials, "In response to Pastor Randy Spaulding's disclosure of his desire to pursue a covenanted same-sex relationship," said the SMC leadership board.

On Nov. 15, Covenant Mennonite Fellowship's request to leave the conference was formalized. A release from the SMC conference minister, Marco Guete, announced the withdrawal ...