U.S. pastor who performed son's gay marriage defrocked

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

U.S. pastor who performed son's gay marriage defrocked

BY DAVE WARNER
LOWER PROVIDENCE, Pennsylvania Thu Dec 19, 2013 11:14am EST

(Reuters) - An embattled Methodist pastor who conducted his son's same-sex wedding ceremony was defrocked on Thursday after he refused to vow to never perform another gay marriage.

The fate of Reverend Frank Schaefer, pastor of the Zion United Methodist Church in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was decided by a United Methodist church board in a closed-door session in a church office located in a suburban Philadelphia office park.

"He no longer holds the ministerial office in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference by virtue of his decision," Bishop Peggy Johnson said in a statement.

Schaefer left the site without comment but scheduled a press conference for Thursday afternoon.

[font size=1]-snip-[/font]

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/19/us-usa-church-trial-idUSBRE9BI0VL20131219

[sinkingfeeling]

1. I can hardly believe the United Methodist church has become such an

archaic institution! I was raised in the Methodist church, but became a dis-believer at 14. I sure hope he joins a more progressive church.

[cbayer]

2. Good for him for taking a stand.

I feel sure he will be welcomed warmly both another denomination and congregation.

Shame on the United Methodists. They will have to live with their decision.