Presbyterian Minister Guilty of Misconduct

A retired Presbyterian minister was convicted of misconduct Friday by a church court for officiating the weddings of gay couples while same-sex marriage was legal in California.

Reverend Jane Spahr plans to appeal what she called a misguided ruling prompted by 16 same-sex weddings she performed in 2008.

"When I meet with couples to marry them, what I say to them is that I don't care what your sexual orientation is. What matters to me is that you have a healthy, loving, mutual relationship. That's what the church can be offering," Spahr told KCBS' Melissa Culross.

The constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) defines marriage as between a man and a woman. The commission that convicted Spahr called on the church to re-examine any ignorance and fear that rejects inclusiveness.

Robert Conover with Presbytery of the Redwoods said the Presbytery's general assembly began the process of modifying that constitution last July.

"We as a denomination are divided on the matter, but we are being asked across the denomination to engage in a genuine study of the matter," he said.

The verdict followed a 3-day trial in which Spahr's lawyers argued that her actions were inspired by Presbyterian teachings on diversity and inclusion.

The six-member commission representing 54 Northern California churches says it plans to rebuke Spahr but not suspend her from ministerial duties.