United Methodist pastor reinstated after defrocking over officiating gay wedding
Source: Harrisburg PA Patriot-News, Associated Press
By The Associated Press
on June 24, 2014 at 12:57 PM, updated June 24, 2014 at 1:34 PM
BALTIMORE (AP) A United Methodist Church appeals panel has overturned the church's decision to defrock a pastor who presided over his son's same-sex wedding ceremony and said he would perform other gay marriages if asked.
A nine-person church appeals panel issued an opinion Tuesday reversing a lower church court decision.
The church suspended Frank Schaefer, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, last year for officiating his son's 2007 wedding. The church then defrocked Schaefer because he wouldn't promise never to preside over another gay ceremony.
Schaefer appealed, arguing the decision was wrong because it was based on an assumption he would break church law in the future. ... The church appeals panel upheld a 30-day suspension that Schaefer has already served. It also says he should get back pay dating to when the suspension ended in December.
FILE: United Methodist Church pastor Rev. Frank Schaefer, pictured here, was reinstated by a United Methodist panel after his appeal. Schaefer was defrocked after officiating his son's gay wedding. (Christine Baker, PennLive)
Read more: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/06/united_methodist_pastor_reinst.html
The story is being picked up by newspapers all over the country.
sinkingfeeling
(51,201 posts)emsimon33
(3,128 posts)I am so fed up with their stand on gay marriage. This is an issue of social justice and churches should be leaders in the area of social justice. This minister should NEVER have had to go through this ordeal and as a member of the Methodist Church, I apologize.
The growth area for new members for Christian churches is Africa. Many African nations are rabid and murderous when it comes to gays. The Methodist Church makes its rules internationally and does not want to offend potential African members. I see this stance as pandering and not leading. Jesus took very hard stands because those stands were right. I don't see how the Methodist Church can call themselves a Christian Church and pander rather than enlightening and standing up for what is right...and Christian.
Swede Atlanta
(3,596 posts)I for one would question my affiliation with an organization that doesn't practice God's love but that is his decision. Perhaps he believes he can be an influence for change from within.
I am glad the Presbyterians have changed their position. As a "liberal" Lutheran, member of the ELCA, I continue to promote dialogue on issues around sexual orientation within the church.
A few years ago the church's general assembly voted to allow non-celibate gay and lesbian clergy to maintain ordination but that calling and serving in a church was up to each congregation.
Although I live in metro Atlanta my congregation isn't quite there yet. This Spring there was a good dialogue presented by the pastor of the church on how difficult and challenging it is to know where the lines are drawn. May he bless a gay couple and pray for their continued relationship?
Rhiannon12866
(202,189 posts)dembotoz
(16,708 posts)lapsed united methodist and stuff like his treatment ain't making me want to return