http://www.arizonarepublic.com/arizona/articles/1103CHAPLAIN03.html
Church strips chaplain of title
By Chip Scutari The Arizona Republic Nov. 3, 2000
For now, call him Mr. Charles Coppinger.
The ordination of Coppinger, the legislative chaplain who last month announced that he is gay, has been revoked by Christ's Church of the Valley. The move puts his job as spiritual counselor to Arizona lawmakers even more in jeopardy.
The one-page letter doesn't mention Coppinger's sexual preference. Instead, it states, "As a result of our direct dialogue with you about this theological U-turn you have made, we regret that you have chosen to reject us as partners in your ministry."
Coppinger, 36, has been the Statehouse chaplain since 1996. He is appointed by the speaker of the House and the Senate president.
Since announcing he is gay, Coppinger also has admitted to stealing $14,000 from an employer in the 1980s. He paid the money back. He called the letter a "smoke screen" and said he's protesting the church's decision.
"They didn't tell the honest reason for revoking my ordination, and that is because I was created a gay man," Coppinger said. "Sure, I'm worried. There's an understanding that the legislative chaplain ought to be a credentialed minister."
Several lawmakers have said Coppinger should step down as legislative chaplain because of the developments. The board that operated his non-profit group cut off his $30,000 yearly salary after he revealed his sexual orientation.
"I've been living on prayers and good wishes," Coppinger said. "I believe it would be immoral for me to resign. It would send a message that being gay disqualifies one from being in the ministry."
Don Wilson, pastor of Christ's Church of the Valley in Peoria, couldn't be reached Thursday for comment.
Coppinger said he's joined the Community Church of Hope, a central Phoenix congregation with many gay and lesbian members. The church's pastor, Patrick Stout, said that Coppinger has been welcomed into the parish, which counts more than 200 members, and that the church is looking into ordaining the chaplain.
Reach the reporter at chip.scutari@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-8069.