ApexOversteer
12-19-2013, 12:07pm
Minister defrocked by United Methodist Church over same-sex marriage
Tricia L. Nadolny
The Rev. Frank Schaefer was defrocked Thursday morning, writing another chapter in a case that enlivened the call for social change in the United Methodist Church as Schaefer was put on trial for officiating over his son's gay wedding.
Schaefer, of Lebanon, had hoped the church board would allow him to keep his credentials, effectively letting him to stand as a voice for social change in a church deeply divided over gay rights. The board and Schaefer met for only 15 minutes in the Norristown offices of the church's eastern Pennsylvania conference.
The decision was announced three days after Schaefer publicly rejected the options given to him by a church jury: recommit to upholding Methodist doctrine, including a ban on officiating gay weddings, or turn over your own credentials.
Schaefer, who left the offices with his wife and did not comment after the decision was announced, has said in no uncertain terms that he will continue acting as an advocate for change in the church.
"I cannot uphold those discriminatory laws and the language in the Untied Methodist Church's Book of Discipline that is hurtful and harmful to our homosexual brothers and sisters in the church," Schaefer said Monday to supporters and media packed into the prayer chapel of Philadelphia's Arch Street United Methodist Church.
He will hold a press conference Thursday afternoon.
Schaefer's case has put the spotlight on the United Methodist Church as the denomination and other faiths grapple with the divisive issues of gay rights. Methodist doctrine characterizes homosexuality as being incompatible with Christian teachings and bans the ordination of gays and the blessing of same-sex weddings.
Locally, the trial has emboldened groups who have long fought for change within the church and have seen Schaefer's case - and the national media attention it's garnered - as a springboard for the cause.
Advocates circulated petitions and organized protests in Schaefer's support, including a same-sex wedding last month at the Arch Street United Methodist Church that was jointly officiated by more than 50 ministers. Conservative groups have said those efforts threaten unity in the church and are attempts to skirt available paths for reform.
Conference Spokesman John Coleman said after the meeting that the church board that met this morning did not vote to take Schaefer's credentials. He said that decision was made by the jury that gave Schaefer his options after last month's trial, held in the gymnasium of a Methodist retreat center in Spring City, Chester County.
Bishop Peggy Johnson, in a prepared statement, said the church must engage in prayer and reflection to move forward from what has been a painful process.
"We also must strive to repent and forgive one another for the many hurts that have happened and are still happening as a result of this trial experience," she said.
Break the laws of your religion, expect exactly what Schaefer got.
Tricia L. Nadolny
The Rev. Frank Schaefer was defrocked Thursday morning, writing another chapter in a case that enlivened the call for social change in the United Methodist Church as Schaefer was put on trial for officiating over his son's gay wedding.
Schaefer, of Lebanon, had hoped the church board would allow him to keep his credentials, effectively letting him to stand as a voice for social change in a church deeply divided over gay rights. The board and Schaefer met for only 15 minutes in the Norristown offices of the church's eastern Pennsylvania conference.
The decision was announced three days after Schaefer publicly rejected the options given to him by a church jury: recommit to upholding Methodist doctrine, including a ban on officiating gay weddings, or turn over your own credentials.
Schaefer, who left the offices with his wife and did not comment after the decision was announced, has said in no uncertain terms that he will continue acting as an advocate for change in the church.
"I cannot uphold those discriminatory laws and the language in the Untied Methodist Church's Book of Discipline that is hurtful and harmful to our homosexual brothers and sisters in the church," Schaefer said Monday to supporters and media packed into the prayer chapel of Philadelphia's Arch Street United Methodist Church.
He will hold a press conference Thursday afternoon.
Schaefer's case has put the spotlight on the United Methodist Church as the denomination and other faiths grapple with the divisive issues of gay rights. Methodist doctrine characterizes homosexuality as being incompatible with Christian teachings and bans the ordination of gays and the blessing of same-sex weddings.
Locally, the trial has emboldened groups who have long fought for change within the church and have seen Schaefer's case - and the national media attention it's garnered - as a springboard for the cause.
Advocates circulated petitions and organized protests in Schaefer's support, including a same-sex wedding last month at the Arch Street United Methodist Church that was jointly officiated by more than 50 ministers. Conservative groups have said those efforts threaten unity in the church and are attempts to skirt available paths for reform.
Conference Spokesman John Coleman said after the meeting that the church board that met this morning did not vote to take Schaefer's credentials. He said that decision was made by the jury that gave Schaefer his options after last month's trial, held in the gymnasium of a Methodist retreat center in Spring City, Chester County.
Bishop Peggy Johnson, in a prepared statement, said the church must engage in prayer and reflection to move forward from what has been a painful process.
"We also must strive to repent and forgive one another for the many hurts that have happened and are still happening as a result of this trial experience," she said.
Break the laws of your religion, expect exactly what Schaefer got.