Rev. Frank Schaeffer is on trial by his Methodist denomination for performing a wedding. The wedding was for his son and another man.
What is unusual in this socially liberal denomination is that the trial is taking place at all. The conservative Pennsylvania town where it is happening is probably a major reason.
The Washington Post reports Schaeffer grew up in a theologically conservative family but then went to what it calls a "theologically diverse seminary" where he came to believe in things that contradict what is taught in Scripture. The trial could see him defrocked, or given a lesser punishment.
There are thought to be many gay Methodist clergy who are not open about it and have survived. Schaeffer was open about it after one of his thre gay children planned to leave home and commit suicide. Schaeffer and his wife embraced their son and told him they loved him.
Loving a sinner is biblical. Justifying his sin is not. Homosexual sinners are campaigning for acceptance of their behavior. The world does that. Jesus' church shouldn't.
I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.
Publication date: November 20, 2013
