Pastor Reinstated After Presiding Over Same-Sex Marriage In Hull
BOSTON (CBS) - A United Methodist Church pastor has been reinstated after he was defrocked over performing his son's same-sex marriage.
"I am proud of my dad because he fought all the way and he fought for what he believed in," said Tim Schaefer, the pastor's son.
Reverend Frank Schaefer, from Pennsylvania, presided over the wedding in Hull back in 2007.
Someone complained that the reverend broke church law. Last year, a church board defrocked Schaefer because he wouldn't promise he would never marry another same-sex couple.
Now, an appeals board has reversed the decision saying it was based on the assumption Schaefer would break church law again.
"...And, so I am affirming that vow today as an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church I will never be silent again. I will always speak with and for my LGBT brothers and sisters in the church and beyond," said Reverend Schaefer.
Tim Schaefer said his parents have always supported him, even though he likes to stay out of the spotlight, he's proud to do the same.
"There are a lot of pastors out there, there a lot of fathers out also that may be accepting but are really reluctant to speak out because it is controversial and he's putting himself in the center of a big fight essentially," said Tim Schaefer.
Reverend Schaefer and his son are attending a LGBT reception at the White House on Monday.
Tim Schafer said his father has a book that will be released soon and a documentary being made about him.
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