Pastor Awaits Sentencing After Being Found Guilty Of Violating Church Law For Officiating Same-Sex Marriage

Pastor Awaits Sentencing After Being Found Guilty Of Violating Church Law For Officiating Same-Sex Marriage

SPRING CITY, Pa., (CBS) – A minister prepares to learn his fate.
His church found him guilty of violating religious law by officiating at his son’s same-sex marriage.

It’s now a waiting game for Pastor Frank Schaefer.  He was found guilty Monday of violating the United Methodist Church law after he officiated his son’s same-sex marriage in Massachusetts.  And Tuesday night, he waits for the jury’s sentencing.

“It’s exhausting,” Schaefer said.

A district superintendent from the church says a penalty could be as harsh as defrocking him or:
“You could be suspended and beyond that it’s up to the jurors,” Michele Bartlow, of United Methodist Church said.

Those that know the pastor are divided.  He has a strong support system outside of where the jurors are deliberating, but some of his church members like Christina Watson believe pastors must follow the law.

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