Methodist who was punished for officiating son’s same-sex wedding joins District church

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Last edited Thu Dec 26, 2013, 09:46 AM - Edit history (1)

Methodist who was punished for officiating son’s same-sex wedding joins District church
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/methodist-disciplined-for-officiating-at-sons-same-sex-wedding-joins-dc-congregation/2013/12/22/42a594a4-6b39-11e3-aecc-85cb037b7236_story.html

By Nick Anderson and Michelle Boorstein,

The Pennsylvania man stripped of his ministerial credentials for officiating at his son’s same-sex wedding on Sunday joined a D.C. congregation of the United Methodist Church that embraces gay marriage in defiance of Methodist doctrine.

Defrocked three days earlier, Frank Schaefer stood within the Foundry United Methodist Church wearing a dark business suit and a necktie with a pattern representing a religious flame. He also donned ­­a rainbow-colored stole, to show his support for the gay community, and delivered a sermon urging Methodists who support gay marriage to remain in the denomination and reform it from within.

“This is not the time to give up the fight,” Schaefer told hundreds gathered at the church on 16th Street NW. “This is the time to intensify the fight — for inclusion of everybody.” He denounced what he called the “homophobic captivity” of modern Methodist doctrine. “Enough is enough,” he said.

Schaefer appeared with his wife, Brigitte, and two of their four children, sons Kevin and Jordan. They were encircled by congregants as the Foundry pastor, the Rev. Dean Snyder, led a ritual reaffirming the family’s Methodist faith. The congregation also took up a financial collection to help the Schaefers as they decide what to do next.

Edited to correct broken link. Hat tip to pinto for making that correction first.

[pinto]

1. +1

This is not the time to give up the fight,” Schaefer told hundreds gathered at the church on 16th Street NW. “This is the time to intensify the fight — for inclusion of everybody.”

Link -

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/methodist-disciplined-for-officiating-at-sons-same-sex-wedding-joins-dc-congregation/2013/12/22/42a594a4-6b39-11e3-aecc-85cb037b7236_story.html

[theHandpuppet]

2. Thank you, Rev. Schaefer

A man who backs up his words with deeds... a true profile in courage.