Irish Wedding News
19/11/2013
A minister in the US has been convicted of disobeying the Methodist Book of Discipline, The Guardian has reported.
Frank Schaefer, from Pennsylvania, could be 'defrocked' as a result, after it was revealed he had officiated at his son's same-sex wedding ceremony in 2007.
On Monday, a jury, made up of Schaefer's pastoral peers, convicted the Reverend of breaking his vows, and today (19 November), the jury is set to decide what the resultant penalty should be. It is understood the punishment can range from a reprimand or suspension, to losing minister credentials.
During the trial, Schaefer is quoted as saying he tried to follow God's command to minister to all, even if it meant he disobeyed the Methodist Book of Discipline. He added that he could have avoided the trial by agreeing to avoid any further same-sex ceremonies, but he declined.
Three of Mr Schaefer's four children are gay.
A lawyer for the church, Reverend Christopher Fisher, told the jury in his opening statement that Schaefer had violated the Book of Discipline. He said the complainant, Jon Boger – a member of Schaefer's congregation – was dismayed and shocked when he learned about the ceremony earlier this year. Mr Boger, the church's sole witness, said he felt betrayed when he found out that Schaefer had presided over a gay wedding.
Schaefer can appeal against the conviction, but neither the church nor the person who brought the charge may appeal against an acquittal.
(JP/CD)
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Minister Convicted After Officiating At Gay Wedding
A minister in the US has been convicted of disobeying the Methodist Book of Discipline, The Guardian has reported.
Frank Schaefer, from Pennsylvania, could be 'defrocked' as a result, after it was revealed he had officiated at his son's same-sex wedding ceremony in 2007.
On Monday, a jury, made up of Schaefer's pastoral peers, convicted the Reverend of breaking his vows, and today (19 November), the jury is set to decide what the resultant penalty should be. It is understood the punishment can range from a reprimand or suspension, to losing minister credentials.
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During the trial, Schaefer is quoted as saying he tried to follow God's command to minister to all, even if it meant he disobeyed the Methodist Book of Discipline. He added that he could have avoided the trial by agreeing to avoid any further same-sex ceremonies, but he declined.
Three of Mr Schaefer's four children are gay.
A lawyer for the church, Reverend Christopher Fisher, told the jury in his opening statement that Schaefer had violated the Book of Discipline. He said the complainant, Jon Boger – a member of Schaefer's congregation – was dismayed and shocked when he learned about the ceremony earlier this year. Mr Boger, the church's sole witness, said he felt betrayed when he found out that Schaefer had presided over a gay wedding.
Schaefer can appeal against the conviction, but neither the church nor the person who brought the charge may appeal against an acquittal.
(JP/CD)
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