Jury Convicts Pa. Methodist Pastor for Gay Wedding

AP ^ | November 18, 2013 | MICHAEL RUBINKAM

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A United Methodist pastor was convicted Monday of breaking church law by officiating his son's same-sex wedding and could be defrocked after a high-profile trial that has rekindled debate over the denomination's policy on gay marriage.

The Methodist church put the Rev. Frank Schaefer on trial in southeastern Pennsylvania, accusing him of breaking his pastoral vows by presiding over the 2007 ceremony in Massachusetts.

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A Methodist trial resembles a secular trial in many ways, with counsel representing each side, a judge and jury, opening statements and closing arguments, and testimony and evidence. Schaefer can appeal a conviction, but neither the church nor the person who brought the charge may appeal an acquittal.

Read more: http://www.wcvb.com/news/politics/united-methodists-tries-pastor-over-massachusetts-gay-marriage/-/9848766/23032000/-/jrj6xnz/-/index.html#ixzz2l3C6bOZ8

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Ping to conviction of Shaeffer

[SoFloFreeper]

Thanks. There may be hope for the UMC yet. LOL.

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Shaeffer convicted by church jury

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The 13-member jury convicted Schaefer on two charges: That he officiated a gay wedding, and that he showed “disobedience to the order and discipline of the United Methodist Church.”

The jury will reconvene Tuesday morning for the penalty phase, where Schaefer faces punishment ranging from a reprimand to losing his ministerial credentials.

The church’s lawyer, the Rev. Christopher Fisher, told the jury that Schaefer clearly violated the Book of Discipline. He said the complainant, Jon Boger — a member of Schaefer’s congregation — was dismayed and shocked when he learned this year about the ceremony.

Fisher used his closing argument to condemn homosexuality as immoral and said Schaefer had no right to break a Methodist law that bans pastors from performing same-sex marriages just because he disagreed with church teaching. He told jurors they were duty-bound to convict.

“You’ll give an account for that at the last day, as we all will,” he told the jury, to audible gasps from spectators

[Fiji Hill]

There may be hope for the UMC yet.

Yes, there's hope. At our church's 125th anniversary celebration yesterday, our district superintendent, a refugee from Vietnam, who preached the sermon called on the church to remain true to the Word of God as expressed in the Bible.

[Finny]

The 13-member jury convicted Schaefer on two charges: That he officiated a gay wedding, and that he showed “disobedience to the order and discipline of the United Methodist Church.” ....
The church’s lawyer, the Rev. Christopher Fisher, told the jury that Schaefer clearly violated the Book of Discipline. ....
Fisher used his closing argument to condemn homosexuality as immoral and said Schaefer had no right to break a Methodist law that bans pastors from performing same-sex marriages just because he disagreed with church teaching. He told jurors they were duty-bound to convict.

“You’ll give an account for that at the last day, as we all will,” he told the jury, to audible gasps from spectators

And they convicted him! Wow! Amen!!

[AppyPappy]

I expected as much.
If a pastor can officiate a gay wedding, then a layman can baptize.

[xzins]

As with any book of rules, saying that the rules are optional absolutely changes the game. So, you’re right. Allowing the homosexual marriage opens up anything and everything to include the baptism you referenced.

It also means that conservative pastors can ignore rules they don’t like.

[xzins]

The penalty phase is a little less precise. My guess is they’ll suspend him instead of defrock him and require a time of reflection and study.

[imardmd1]

Boger: "It's his son. He loves his son. In a way I felt bad for him. But he's also shown no remorse or repentance, nor has he apologized to anyone."

No confession of sin, no repentance. At least Lot knew what his sons were doing. Daughters, too.

[xzins]

Yes, his lack even of remorse could make the penalty phase go against him, but I’m thinking they’ll say “first offense....suspension for a year or two for a period of reflection and study.”

And, if there’s a real sense that he’ll repeat the same offense with his other gay children, then he could be defrocked.

[cloudmountain]

I have never understood why men choose men as partners. There is no such thing as a gay-homosexual gene so it’s a choice homosexuals make. What on earth makes them choose same sex unions?

[AppyPappy]

A local youth “pastor” baptized someone over in the Holston conference. It resulted in a dismissal. People got upset but they have to live within the rules.

[markomalley]

Heard that on the radio news tonight. Deo Gratias.

[xzins]

Sounds to me that the youth pastor had a falling out with his senior pastor prior to the baptism.

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And why is it that women who like women but don’t like men have at least one of them be the husband???

Never could understand that.

[AppyPappy]

Maybe. When I left the PCUSA to come to the UMC, I learned that church business was none of my business. I stay out of it.

[cloudmountain]

And why is it that women who like women but don’t like men have at least one of them be the husband???
Never could understand that.

Are you saying that women who like women STILL marry a man?
I don't understand it either.
Also it is viciously cruel for her to marry a man when she prefers women. The union is doomed. Shows how little regard she has for the feelings of her husband...and the horrors in store for their children, if there are any.

She sound abysmally selfish.

[xzins]

“Just when I think I’m out, they keep pulling me back in.”

Michael Corleone in Godfather III