Methodist Rev. Frank Schaefer defiant following suspension over same-sex marriage support

A Pennsylvania minister is defying his church after being suspended on Tuesday for officiating at his son's same-sex wedding.

A jury made up of church members ordered Methodist Rev. Frank Schaefer to step down if he can't comply with clergy law.

Schaefer has led the Zion United Methodist Church of Iona, Pa., for 11 years. But, on Tuesday night, he learned that might be coming to an end.

Joining hands with supporters and wearing a rainbow-colored stole, Schaefer remained defiant in his support of same-sex marriage. He said, "I can no longer be a silent supporter but that now I feel I have to be an advocate, an outspoken advocate, for all lesbian, gay, transgendered and bisexual people."

Schaefer's views are at odds with United Methodist teachings, which do not allow same-sex weddings in their churches. The conviction and suspension of Schaefer stems from a decision he made in 2007 to officiate his son's wedding to another man.

Christopher Fischer, of the Council for the Methodist Church, said, "The book of discipline of the United States Methodist Church says that our ministers are not to officiate at same-sex weddings."

Schaefer said, "We must stop harming beloved children of God in the name of Christ. That is not what Christ asked us to do. He asked us to love our neighbor. He asked us to love and care for our neighbor, and that's what I'm here to do."

The issue has sparked debate among members of his congregation. One member said, "We're proud to stand with Pastor Frank because of what he did."

Another, Christina Watson, said, "Honestly, to not defrock him sends a message that I think would be hurtful in the long run."

Church officials have asked him to never again perform same-sex marriages, something the pastor says he simply won't agree to. "I'm here to tell you that I will not change my mind," Schaefer said. "What I said tonight is the truth and the full truth, and so we'll see how the church is going to deal with it in 30 days."

The prosecutor in the case gave Schaefer an opportunity to repent for his actions and vow to never again officiate a same-sex marriage. He declined.

It remains to be seen what will happen with the pastor at the end of his 30-day suspension.