The Rev. Frank Schaefer, a United Methodist clergyman convicted of breaking church law for officiating at his son's same-sex wedding, speaks during a news conference, Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, at the Arch Street United Methodist Church in Philadelphia. Schaefer plans to defy a church order to surrender his credentials for performing a same-sex wedding. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
December 19, 2013 - 7:29 AM
NORRISTOWN, Pa. - Church officials have defrocked a United Methodist pastor from who officiated his son's gay wedding in Massachusetts.
The Rev. Frank Schaefer, of Pennsylvania, had already been suspended. On Thursday, he met with church officials to determine whether he would continue as a pastor.
Schaefer was told to resign from the clergy by Thursday if he could not follow the denomination's Book of Discipline. But Schaefer says the book discriminates against gay people and says he wouldn't voluntarily surrender his credentials.
Church spokesman John Coleman says officials decided to defrock him.
Schaefer left the short meeting with church officials without commenting but planned to address the matter later Thursday.
News from © The Associated Press, 2013