For the first time in the U.S., clergy were criminally charged for performing same-sex weddings. Rev. Kay Greenleaf and Rev. Dawn Sangrey (Unitarian Universalist) conducted 13 marriages in New Paltz, NY—prompting DA Donald Williams to file misdemeanor charges (up to 1 year in jail, $500 fine per count). Williams insisted this was not about religious freedom: "They proclaimed intent to perform civil marriages under state authority—not purely religious ceremonies." Over 80 clergy quickly signed a pledge to continue such ceremonies—even at risk of arrest. Rabbi Ayelet Cohen (Congregation Beth Simchat Torah): "We absolutely are prepared to be arrested… because it's a matter of justice." Reactions split along denominational lines: Reform Judaism, UCC, UUA: support civil disobedience Southern Baptists: uphold prosecution if laws were broken Meanwhile, Multnomah County, OR, continued issuing same-sex licenses—despite state objections.

Coadjutor Archbishop Diarmuid Martin (Dublin) rebuked Archdeacon Gordon Linney (Church of Ireland) for implying Catholic teaching on homosexuality is "insincere"—and linking it to the child abuse crisis. Martin responded at Evensong in St. Patrick's Cathedral: "Questioning the sincerity of another church's search for truth is not the best way to bring about Christian unity." "Roman Catholic tradition also 'struggles and suffers' as it wrestles with the joys and sorrows of each generation." "What we should avoid is claiming these conclusions were any less the fruit of heart-rending searching." He called for charity and respect—even amid deep disagreement.

Bishop Robert Duncan (Pittsburgh), moderator of the Anglican Communion Network, affirmed the Ohio congregations: "The joint service was brought about by ECUSA's failure to provide Adequate Episcopal Oversight." He criticized Presiding Bishop Griswold's proposed plan as unworkable and incompatible with the Primates' 2003 directive. "We'll be working at the House of Bishops meeting to find a realistic way forward—one that lets orthodox Episcopalians stay within our church." The Network represents 12 dioceses, 6 regional convocations, and thousands of individuals—and has support from primates representing over two-thirds of global Anglicans.

Bishop-Elect Mark Hollingsworth, Jr.: "I am disappointed… this is not characteristic of Christian community—especially for young people." "No one group can define what constitutes an 'emergency.'" He noted the Diocesan Convention had affirmed inclusive theology and General Convention's actions. Bishop J. Clark Grew, II: "It is unfortunate… a clandestine service planned in secret." "There is no crisis in the Diocese of Ohio—except the one created by a minority hoping to hold onto slipping attention." He pledged a response marked by "the life of Jesus Himself—who calls us to unity in the bonds of peace."

Anglican Mainstream leaders condemned Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold's presidency at a Eucharist in Canterbury Cathedral on March 2, 2004. In a letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Dean, they wrote: "A Eucharist should express unity—not serve as a propaganda tool in church politics." "Inviting Bishop Griswold—chief consecrator of Gene Robinson, who ignored the Primates' pleas—to preside was highly provocative." They raised four urgent questions: How can someone who "tore the fabric of the Communion" be a "sign and focus of unity"? Did the Archbishops of Canterbury and York authorize his ministry in England? (Required by canon law.) Is this the start of a "softening-up" process for all Robinson consecrators? Why was his presidency not announced in advance—breaking normal protocol? "Silence about this action would be read as acceptance that, after November 2, it's 'business as usual.'" "It is not." Signed by leaders of Reform, Church Society, New Wine, and the Archbishops' Council.

Bishop Henry Parsley, Jr. sharply corrected The Birmingham News after it headlined: "Diocese rejects gay N.H. bishop." He clarified: "This is not true—and no such statement was made." The actual resolution said: "We reject the unilateral actions of the 74th General Convention on issues of human sexuality." He reaffirmed: Loyalty to the Anglican/Episcopal tradition Commitment to God's love for all people, regardless of orientation Rejection of any move to leave the Episcopal Church "I deeply regret these misleading statements… I hope their false impression will soon be corrected."

By Andy Freborg Integrity President Susan Russell described Bishop Gene Robinson's investiture as "ordinary and extraordinary." Freborg, a lay engineer and church planter, offered a stark counterpoint: Russell's Words / Freborg's Response "Comfortable in its liturgical ordinariness" / "See Isaiah 1:10–16: 'I am sick of your sacrifices… Your festivals are a stench in My nostrils.'" "He has walked through the valley of the shadow of death" / "A living martyr? Or a man choosing sin—Romans 6:23: 'The wages of sin is death.'" "Jesus was a prophet without honor in His hometown" / "Jesus was more than a prophet—drawing parallels is shameful." Freborg concludes: "This was never 'ordinary.' And 'extraordinary' is the euphemism of the year." "Embracing sin… living for our own desires… God is working a greater good—but that does not justify our complicity."

The Presbyterian Church (USA) reaffirmed: Marriage is defined as a covenant between one man and one woman (Book of Order W-4.9001). It has never endorsed same-sex marriage. But in 1996, it did urge support for civil rights for same-sex partners—equal to married couples in areas like inheritance, health care, and property. The Office of the General Assembly emphasized: "The PC(USA) has demonstrated a historic commitment both to the sanctity of marriage and to human and civil rights for all persons." Crucially, it noted: Religious bodies retain full freedom to define marriage rites. The U.S. Constitution already protects churches from being forced to perform any ceremony. A federal marriage amendment is unnecessary—and harmful to civil liberties.

Press Release – March 14, 2004 In an unprecedented act, five retired U.S. bishops and one active international bishop confirmed 110 people at St. Paul's (Orthodox) Church in Akron. The Rt. Rev. Maurice Benitez (ret., Texas) read a joint statement: "We come as pastors who care deeply about you… because the lay persons among you asked us to come." "We respond to the Primates' call for 'adequate provision for episcopal oversight'—still unmet by ECUSA." The bishops stressed: "The heart of the matter is not sexuality—but the authority of Holy Scripture in the life of the Church." They affirmed their desire to: Proclaim the Gospel Call people to repentance Uphold biblical doctrine Be the true expression of Anglicanism in America "We did not come to argue or speak harsh words—but to speak the truth in love." "My brothers and sisters in Christ… we believe, in the name of God, that you are right." Participating bishops: C. FitzSimons Allison (ret., SC) William Cox (ret., OK/TX) Alex Dickson (ret., TN) William Wantland (ret., WI) Maurice Benitez (ret., TX) Robinson Cavalcanti (Recife, Brazil)

Six conservative parishes in northeast Ohio invited outside bishops—including Bishop Robinson Cavalcanti of Brazil—to conduct a joint Confirmation service on March 14, 2004. This was a direct challenge to Bishop Clark Grew II, who supported Gene Robinson's consecration. The service—attended by over 100 teens and adults—was declared illegal under Episcopal canon law, which prohibits visiting bishops from performing sacraments without local permission. Rev. Roger Ames of St. Luke's, Bath, stated: "We are prepared to fight—to go to court—to protect what has been entrusted to us." The parishes seek "adequate episcopal oversight" as called for by the Archbishop of Canterbury and 37 global primates in October 2003—something they say ECUSA's proposed "supplemental oversight" plan fails to deliver. Their goal is not schism—but remaining Anglican within a church they see as abandoning orthodoxy. "ECUSA calls us schismatic. In reality, our only goal is to remain Anglican."

Bishop Richard Shimpfky resigned as head of the Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real, effective March 31, 2004—after years of conflict with clergy and lay leadership. Dr. Gordon Gritter of the Standing Committee stated: "There's been a conflict for a long time… and the bishop's response has been unsatisfactory and harmful to many." Though the national church dismissed formal charges against him on a technicality, pressure mounted until Shimpfky proposed a separation package—which was accepted. The diocese shrank from 30,000 to ~12,000 members under his 14-year tenure. Supporters praised his work in ethnic ministry and ordaining women. Critics accused him of inconsistent standards and authoritarian leadership. A successor could take over a year to elect—and longer to heal the rift.

By Uwe Siemon-Netto The March 11, 2004 terrorist bombings in Madrid—killing 198, injuring 1,400—prompted theologians to reconsider the reality of the devil as a personal, active force. For decades, Satan had been depersonalized: reduced to metaphor, shadow, or social evil. But as one pastor noted: "The devil showed yesterday in Spain. How else explain such random evil?" Others observe a cultural shift: People are no longer satisfied with purely secular explanations of evil. They seek religious language to name what they witness. Satan, "the Prince of this World," disguises himself as Lucifer—the bearer of light. His allure is chillingly evident in history: Hitler, Stalin, genocidal dictators who persuaded ordinary people to commit unspeakable acts. The Apostle Paul's warning in Ephesians 6:12 rings anew: "We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against… the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ—with its androgynous, luminous Satan taunting Jesus—resonated deeply because it re-embodied evil. "The devil as a person is once again becoming a high probability for the once-doubting public."