Atlanta-based Reverend Bradley Schmeling ain't backing down despite being asked to leave the pulpit. Schmeling came under congregational fire earlier this year after telling St. John's Lutheran brass that he found a long-term lover, thus violating the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's queer celibacy policy.

Even though Bishop Ronald Warren knew of Schmeling's yen for dick when he hired him in 2000, the recent turn of events, however, have led Warren to push for Schmeling's sacking.

A disciplinary committee ordered Warren and his peers to wait until August's Evangelical Lutheran Church in America conference before making a final decision. Another committee, however, decided this week that Schmeling must leave immediately. Schmeling, however, refuses.

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