US: Pastor defrocked for officiating at gay son’s wedding offered new minister job

A pastor from Pennsylvania who was defrocked after a period of suspension for officiating at his gay son’s wedding out-of-state has now been offered to serve as an ordained minister under a different denomination.

Frank Schaefer, a pastor of the Zion United Methodist Church, testified he had conflicted feelings when he agreed to help his son and his partner marry in Massachusetts, but chose to defy his denomination out of love for his family.

Earlier this month, he was defrocked by officials at the church after being placed on a 30-day suspension “trial.”

According to Associated Press, California Methodist bishop Minerva Garcano has invited now Mr Schaefer to serve in her region, which includes California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands.

Reverend Schaefer said he is deciding whether to accept the offer to join the California-Pacific Annual Conference.

“I’m actually leaning toward it right now, but I can’t make that decision myself because it involves my entire family.

“We are considering it very, very seriously.”

Although the bishop does not have the authority to restore Reverend Schaefer’s ministerial credentials, he would be able to have most of the same responsibilities as an ordained minister.

Reverend Schaefer said it would not be a tenured appointment, and he would be paid less.

Despite that the United Methodist Church accepts gay and lesbian members into its congregations, its rule book deems homosexuality “incompatible with Christian teaching”.

Previously, Mr Schaefer had already said other denominations, including the Episcopal church, had contacted him with other potential job offers.

• Nov 29 2023

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