In a close vote, the United Pentecostal Church (UPC) adopted the cardinal as the denominational bird over the flamingo during its annual conference in Richmond , Virginia . While many important issues were discussed at the conference, including revising its doctrinal statement to adopt footwashing as an ordinance of the church and to establish a formal position on homosexuality, the bird debate seemed to awaken a sleeping Greater Richmond Convention Center filled with UPC pastors from around the country. Debate centered around whether the flamingo , which stands on one leg, or the cardinal , with its bright, red plumaged males and its drab, brown feathered females, most closely reflected the values of the denomination. Observers said the comments of the Reverend Larry Guenther of Cedar Rapids , Iowa , characterized the sentiments of the majority who voted in favor of the redbird. Folks, look around the room here. Look at our men, our ministers, with their mousses and hair oils and br...
by Chris Rainey. This is a blog of my journaling, essays, opinion pieces, religious satire, and creative writing.