The Easter sunrise did not disappoint.
The sunrise arrived April 17 as the full moon set on the Gulf of Mexico — a glorious morning by any standard.
And the stage was set at Manatee Public Beach. Music filled the air and the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island’s Easter service began before dawn.
Then came what one participating pastor later described as a “kerfuffle” — a disturbance or commotion typically caused by a dispute or conflict.
Remarks made by the Rev. Ed Moss of CrossPointe Fellowship, specifically his homophobic comments, prompted some people to comment after the service that Rev. Moss’ rant was offensive and divisive.
Many others agreed in the days since.
Moss arrived at the sunrise service to tell other pastors and Kiwanis Club members, as well as The Islander in ensuing days, that he
felt compelled to give a stern warning to the participants for what he anticipated as a “false gospel.”
His wrath was directed at another participating pastor and, in the outfall, the Kiwanis Club voted to limit who will be invited to participate in the ecumenical service in the future.
The club met April 23 and, in its review of this year’s events, unanimously agreed that Moss would not be invited to the 2023 service on the beach.
Many letters and statements were exchanged after April 17 and the club determined it would maintain its ecumenical service for an inclusive community.
The club announced the offering at the event exceeded $10,500 — the most ever — and each participating church will receive $1,657.