Pa. pastor defrocked after performing gay wedding

[Baitball Blogger]

By Kathy Matheson, Associated Press

Posted: 12/19/13, 10:28 AM EST | Updated: 27 secs ago

NORRISTOWN — Church officials have defrocked a United Methodist pastor from central Pennsylvania who officiated his son’s gay wedding in Massachusetts.

The Rev. Frank Schaefer of Lebanon had already been suspended. On Thursday, he met with church officials to determine whether he would continue as a pastor.

Schaefer was told to resign from the clergy by Thursday if he could not follow the denomination’s Book of Discipline. But Schaefer says the book discriminates against gay people and says he wouldn’t voluntarily surrender his credentials.

Church spokesman John Coleman says officials decided to defrock him.
http://www.pottsmerc.com/general-news/20131219/pa-pastor-defrocked-after-performing-gay-wedding

[Laf.La.Dem.]

1. "who am I to judge"

Now we know who can judge - this church and the duck guy!!

[JPZenger]

2. Difficult situation

Last edited Thu Dec 19, 2013, 06:10 PM - Edit history (1)

Many United Methodists in the Northeast would like a much more tolerant policy, but there is a national rule that they cannot overturn on their own.

This Pastor was given multiple opportunities to compromise and remain a UMC pastor. One was that he would agree to not do additional gay weddings. He refused because he wants to make a national issue, and wanted to force the church to act against him.

No one wanted to even discipline him. No charge was filed against him for his son's gay wedding until one conservative parishioner forced the issue a few days before the statute of limitations expired.

UMC Pastors who disagree with the nationwide rule against gay weddings have the option of transferring to the UCC Church. They are then allowed to continue to serve UMC churches.

[joeybee12]

3. Thanks for the apology...didn't take long...nt