Rev. D.E. Paulk is fighting to have an inclusive congregation: he’s performed same-sex weddings, invited gay clergy into his church and on June 25 will lead a Pro-Love march to the steps of the Georgia State Capitol. But Paulk might have difficulty striking a balance in his Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, according to two former gay members.
Wayne and Tony Freeman-Howard left the Cathedral earlier this year after a dispute with Paulk about their wedding and their level of public affection. The couple said Paulk declined to go through with their 500-guest wedding and told them to cut down their public displays of affection.
“(Paulk) said it had to be on the down low,” said Tony Freeman-Howard, describing a meeting with Paulk about their wedding plans. “And in that meeting D.E. explained that it would probably be for the best if we moved off the front row.”