A Pennsylvania pastor is facing “trial” under United Methodist law after officiating his son’s same-sex marriage ceremony.
Rev. Frank Schaefer (pictured) could be defrocked if a jury comprised of fellow Methodist clergy “convicts” him of breaking his pastoral vows by officiating the marriage ceremony in Massachusetts back in 2007. The ceremony was between Schaefer’s son, Tim, and his male partner.
The church claims to accept LGBT members, but rejects the practice of homosexuality, deeming it “incompatible with Christian teaching.”
The issue has split the church in recent years. Hundreds of Methodist ministers have publicly rejected church doctrine on homosexuality. As a result, some of them have faced disciplinary action for presiding over same-sex unions.
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“Public opinion has changed very rapidly,” said the pastor’s son Tim in an interview. “I hope this leads to a renewed conversation to revisit these policies to see if they are a little archaic.”
Schaefer’s trial is scheduled to take place today at a Methodist retreat in Spring City, PA.
Red_Dragon_888
The United Methodist law is condoning separating family members from family members, mothers from daughters, fathers from sons. What greater gift or love can a mother or father bestow upon their daughters and sons then to be a major part of an important event, such as marriage, in their daughters and sons lives.
Gordon
This “trial” will not change his faith or his love for his family one iota! And that should say something of value to those weilding the gavel! But will they listen? Stay tuned in.