For some mysterious, unstated reason, the Eureka Springs First Methodist Church was not allowed to participate in their community’s annual Easter Parade.
First United Methodist of Eureka Springs applied to be in the parade, and was initially accepted. One week before the parade, however, they were told they were no longer welcome. Church member Suzie Bell believes it’s because of their stance on the LGBT community.
“They wanted to know what our banner was going to say, and it said “Jesus loves all. They had decided that they did not want us in the parade, and that we weren’t welcome.” Bell said.
Bell says the Methodist Church has recently become a “reconciling congregation” meaning they are publicly welcoming of the LGBT community. Bell says that is the reason they weren’t allowed in.
The parade organizing committee refused to provide a reason and refused a television station’s request for an interview, so there is nothing to do but speculate. They’re probably right, however.