US: Formerly defrocked pastor who married his gay son to go to appeal
A Methodist pastor who was defrocked after he preceded over his gay son’s wedding, but later re-ordained, will this week discover whether he can remain so.
Reverend Frank Schaefer was suspended and defrocked last year, after officiating at his son’s wedding, then stating he would go against the Methodist law book, and would marry other same-sex couples.
The book bans ministers from marrying gay and lesbian couples.
Despite that an appeals panel reinstated Schaefer in June, another appeal was made against that decision, and so the case goes to the United Methodist Judicial Council.
A hearing is set for Wednesday in Memphis, and the decision of the council are final.
It is expected that no decision will be announced until next week.
